Carrie Ann Inaba

Carrie Ann Inaba Biography

Carrie Ann Inaba is a multi-talented American television personality, dancer, choreographer, actress, and singer best known for her long-standing role as a judge on ABC’s hit show "Dancing with the Stars." Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, she has a rich cultural heritage and an inspiring career that spans dance, television, and philanthropy.

Childhood

Born on January 5, 1968, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Carrie Ann Inaba grew up in a multicultural family with Irish, Japanese, and Chinese roots. She began dance lessons at the age of three in a "creative movement" class that encouraged freeform dancing with scarves. As a child, Inaba enjoyed dancing in her backyard which overlooked the Pacific Ocean, setting the foundation for her lifelong passion for dance.

Education

Carrie Ann graduated from Punahou School in Honolulu in 1986. She then furthered her education by attending Sophia University in Japan and the University of California, Irvine. Ultimately, she graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts degree in World Arts and Cultures, combining her love for dance with broader cultural understanding.

Career

Inaba’s career began as a singer in Japan where she released singles that charted in the Billboard Top 100. She gained American fame as one of the original Fly Girls dancers on the Fox sketch comedy show "In Living Color" from 1990 to 1992. Beyond dance, she has appeared in films such as "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me." Carrie Ann is best known for her 30-season tenure as a judge on "Dancing with the Stars," where she brings expert critique and warmth. She has also co-hosted CBS's daytime talk show "The Talk" and worked as a choreographer on popular shows like "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance."

Family Life

Carrie Ann Inaba is known to keep her family life private. She has had public relationships with notable partners including dancers Artem Chigvintsev and Jesse Sloan, as well as actor Robb Derringer. Despite the public nature of her career, she maintains strong connections with her cultural roots and philanthropic efforts.

Achievements

Carrie Ann's career achievements include her Emmy® nominations and a revered position as a television judge on one of the most popular dancing competition shows. She co-founded the Personna Dance Company and the Carrie Ann Inaba Animal Project, which focuses on preventing animal cruelty. Carrie Ann is also recognized for pioneering hip-hop dance on mainstream television and for her advocacy in animal welfare and autoimmune disease awareness.

Controversies

Throughout her career, Carrie Ann Inaba has managed to maintain a positive public image with minimal controversies. She has been open about her health struggles with autoimmune diseases like lupus and fibromyalgia, using her platform to spread awareness rather than spark controversy. Her focus remains on her work and philanthropic activities.

Carrie Ann Inaba Summary

Carrie Ann Inaba is an iconic figure in entertainment whose multifaceted talents as a dancer, choreographer, singer, and television personality have made her a beloved figure worldwide. With a career spanning over three decades, she is best known for her impactful role as a judge on "Dancing with the Stars." Her dedication to dance, philanthropy, and advocacy, paired with her rich cultural heritage and inspiring personal story, continue to influence and inspire many.