Brief Introduction of Carrie Ann Inaba
Carrie Ann Inaba is a multifaceted American television personality, dancer, choreographer, actress, and singer who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. She is most widely recognized for her role as a judge on the ABC reality competition series Dancing with the Stars, where she has been a fixture since its inception in 2005. Her insightful critiques and extensive knowledge of dance have made her a respected and beloved figure on the show. Before her rise to fame as a judge, Inaba showcased her dancing prowess as one of the original “Fly Girls” on the groundbreaking sketch comedy series In Living Color from 1990 to 1992. Her career also includes a successful stint as a pop singer in Japan, as well as numerous choreography credits for television shows and films. Additionally, she served as a co-host and moderator on the CBS Daytime talk show The Talk from 2019 to 2021.
Carrie Ann Inaba Overview
| Full Name | Carrie Ann Inaba |
| Date of Birth | January 5, 1968 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 57 |
| Birthplace | Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Profession | Television personality, dancer, choreographer, actress, singer |
| Husband/Wife | Not married |
| Family | Information not publicly available |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Currently single. Previously dated Artem Chigvintsev and was engaged to Jesse Sloan and Robb Derringer. |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be around $9 million. |
Early Life and Education of Carrie Ann Inaba
Carrie Ann Inaba was born and raised in the scenic city of Honolulu, Hawaii. Of Irish, Japanese, and Chinese descent, she was immersed in a culturally rich environment from a young age. Her passion for dance ignited at the tender age of three when she enrolled in a “creative movement” class. She graduated from the prestigious Punahou School in 1986. Following high school, Inaba embarked on an international journey, moving to Japan where she attended Sophia University. She later returned to the United States and continued her education at the University of California, Irvine, before ultimately earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in world arts and cultures from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Carrie Ann Inaba’s Career
Carrie Ann Inaba’s career is a testament to her versatility and enduring presence in the entertainment world. Her journey began not in the dance studios of America, but on the music charts of Japan. In 1986, after winning a talent show in Hawaii, the then 18-year-old was groomed to be a pop star in Japan. From 1986 to 1988, she lived in Tokyo, releasing three singles—”Party Girl,” “Be Your Girl,” and “Yume no Senaka”—and hosting weekly radio and television shows.
Upon returning to the United States, Inaba transitioned to a career in dance, and her breakthrough came when she was cast as one of the original “Fly Girls,” the iconic dance troupe on the Fox sketch comedy series In Living Color (1990-1992). This role catapulted her into the American spotlight and showcased her exceptional talent. She further solidified her reputation as a world-class dancer by touring with Madonna as a featured solo dancer on the provocative 1993 “The Girlie Show World Tour,” for which she famously shaved her head.
In 2005, Inaba’s career took a significant turn when she was selected as a judge on ABC’s newly launched dance competition show, Dancing with the Stars. Her extensive background as a dancer and choreographer made her a natural fit for the role. Alongside fellow judges, she has provided expert commentary and critiques for every season of the highly successful show, becoming a household name in the process.
Beyond the judge’s table, Inaba has an impressive list of choreography credits, having worked on shows like American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, and the Miss America Pageant for five years. She also founded her own production company, EnterMediArts, Inc. Her on-screen acting appearances include roles in films such as Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002) as Fook Yu, and Showgirls (1995). Inaba has also hosted various television programs, including the game show 1 vs. 100 in 2010. From 2019 to 2021, she joined the panel of the CBS daytime talk show The Talk as a co-host and moderator, further demonstrating her versatility as a television personality.
Carrie Ann Inaba Personal Life & Family
While much of Carrie Ann Inaba’s life has been in the public eye, she maintains a degree of privacy regarding her family. Information about her parents and any siblings is not widely publicized. Inaba has been candid about her romantic life over the years. She has never been married but has been engaged twice. In 2011, her then-boyfriend Jesse Sloan proposed to her on an episode of Live with Regis and Kelly; however, the couple called off their engagement in 2012. She was later engaged to actor Robb Derringer in 2016, but they ended their relationship in 2017. She has also been in relationships with fellow dancer Artem Chigvintsev and Fabien Viteri.
Inaba is a passionate animal lover and advocate. She has supported organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States and PETA. In 2012, she founded the Carrie Ann Animal Foundation to support animal rescue organizations. Her love for animals is evident in her personal life as well, as she has had as many as seven rescue animals at one time.
Inaba has also been very open about her health struggles, hoping to raise awareness and support for others facing similar challenges. She has been diagnosed with several chronic and autoimmune conditions, including spinal stenosis, Sjögren’s syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and lupus. She has spoken publicly about the physical and emotional toll of living with these “invisible illnesses.” Despite these challenges, she maintains a positive outlook and focuses on self-care and gratitude.
Awards and Achievements of Carrie Ann Inaba
- Primetime Emmy Award Nomination for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program (as part of the Dancing with the Stars team) – 2006, 2007
- Daytime Emmy Award Nomination for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host (as part of The Talk) – 2019, 2020
- Visionary Award from East West Players for raising the visibility of the Asian American community in theater, film, and television – 2008
- Teen Choice Award Nomination for Choice TV: Female Personality – 2012
- Teen Choice Award Nomination for Choice TV Personality: Female – 2013
Carrie Ann Inaba Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Carrie Ann Inaba’s net worth is estimated to be around $9 million. Her wealth is the culmination of a long and successful career in various facets of the entertainment industry. A significant portion of her income is derived from her long-standing role as a judge on the popular television show Dancing with the Stars. While her exact salary is not publicly disclosed, it is believed to be substantial given the show’s longevity and high ratings. Her income is further supplemented by her work as a choreographer for numerous television shows, films, and pageants. Additionally, her acting roles in movies and television series, her time as a co-host on The Talk, and her early career as a singer in Japan have all contributed to her financial success. Inaba also has a production company, EnterMediArts, Inc., which serves as another source of income.
Legacy and Influence
Carrie Ann Inaba has built a lasting legacy as a trailblazer and a respected voice in the dance and entertainment communities. As one of the first Asian Americans to perform contemporary dance on national television as a “Fly Girl” on In Living Color, she broke barriers and opened doors for other performers of Asian descent. Her high-profile role as a judge on Dancing with the Stars has not only made her a household name but has also allowed her to share her passion and expertise with millions of viewers, contributing to the show’s enduring popularity and influencing a generation of dancers and fans. Her judging style, characterized by its blend of technical critique and encouragement, has become a hallmark of the program.
Inaba’s influence extends beyond the dance floor. By openly sharing her struggles with chronic autoimmune diseases, she has become an advocate for those living with “invisible illnesses,” raising awareness and fostering a sense of community. Her willingness to be vulnerable about her health challenges has empowered many to speak out about their own experiences. Furthermore, her philanthropic work, particularly her dedication to animal welfare through the Carrie Ann Animal Foundation, showcases her commitment to using her platform for positive change. Her career, marked by its diversity and longevity, serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists, demonstrating the power of versatility and perseverance.
Interesting Facts about Carrie Ann Inaba
- She began her career as a pop singer in Japan and released three singles in the late 1980s.
- She was a featured solo dancer on Madonna’s 1993 “The Girlie Show World Tour,” and had to shave her head for the role.
- She has a passion for animals and founded the Carrie Ann Animal Foundation in 2012 to support animal rescue organizations.
- She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in world arts and cultures from UCLA.
- She has a vision of 20/750 and chooses not to have LASIK surgery, preferring a “soft-focus morning.”
- Inaba has been open about her health, revealing diagnoses of spinal stenosis, Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
- She is the founder and president of EnterMediArts, Inc., a video production company.
- She choreographed the Miss America Pageant for five consecutive years.
Controversies
As a long-serving judge on a popular competition show, Carrie Ann Inaba has occasionally faced public scrutiny and criticism regarding her scoring and commentary on Dancing with the Stars. Some viewers and even professional dancers on the show have, at times, perceived her critiques as overly harsh or inconsistent. These disagreements often gain traction on social media, with fans passionately defending their favorite contestants. Inaba has addressed this backlash with grace, acknowledging that differing opinions are a natural part of the show and encouraging viewers to vote for the performances they enjoy. There have also been instances where her past relationship with dancer Artem Chigvintsev led to fan speculation about potential bias in her judging, a claim she has had to address. Despite these occasional controversies, Inaba has consistently maintained her professionalism and her commitment to providing honest, constructive feedback based on her extensive dance expertise.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram: Information not publicly available
- Twitter: Information not publicly available
- YouTube: Information not publicly available
Final Words about Carrie Ann Inaba
Carrie Ann Inaba remains a prominent and influential figure in the American entertainment landscape. As a cornerstone of Dancing with the Stars, she continues to bring her expertise and passion to the judging panel, helping to shape the journeys of countless celebrity dancers. While she has faced health challenges that have sometimes required her to take a step back from her professional commitments, her resilience and dedication to her craft are unwavering. Her openness about her health has not only been a source of inspiration but has also highlighted the importance of self-care and advocacy. Looking to the future, it is likely that Inaba will continue to be a significant voice in the world of dance and television, whether through her judging, her production work, or new creative ventures. Her legacy is one of breaking barriers, championing artistry, and using her platform to make a positive impact, both on and off the screen.
