A Prince on screen, from 'Purple Rain' to 'Graffiti Bridge'

Prince, who died unexpectedly Thursday at age 57, won an Academy Award for his original songs in 1984's "Purple Rain," the film that introduced him to the movie-going masses.

Wearing ruffles, eyeliner and Jheri curl, Prince made his acting debut playing a sexy, androgynous young musician on the cusp of fame.

Besides winning the Oscar for Original Song Score (a category that no longer exists), the "Purple Rain" soundtrack won Grammy Awards for its writing and performance.

All the while, Prince was writing new music, and the following year he released a concert film called "Sign O' The Times," comprising songs from his double album of the same name.