Carrie Ann Inaba: Age, Date of Birth & other info
Carrie Ann Inaba is a renowned American television personality, dancer, choreographer, and actress. She is best known as a judge on Dancing with the Stars, where she has been a key figure since the show’s inception in 2005. With a career spanning over three decades, she has worked as a professional dancer, pop singer, choreographer, actress, and TV host.
- Age: 57 Years
- Date of Birth: January 5, 1968
- Birth Place: Honolulu, Hawaii
- Weight: 120 pounds (54.4 kg)
- Height: 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) tall
- Net Worth: between $7 million and $9 million
1. Early Life and Background
Age and Date of Birth
Carrie Ann Inaba was born on January 5, 1968. As of 2025, she is 57 years old.
Place of Birth and Heritage
She was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and comes from a diverse ethnic background. She is of Japanese, Chinese, and Irish descent, which has greatly influenced her cultural experiences and artistic perspectives.
Childhood and Upbringing
Growing up in Honolulu, Inaba was immersed in a rich cultural environment that emphasized dance and music. She started dancing at a very young age and developed a deep love for movement and performance.At the age of three, she took part in a creative movement class, where she danced freely with scarves, an experience she credits for sparking her love for dance.
Education
Inaba attended Punahou School, a prestigious institution in Hawaii, and graduated in 1986. She later studied at Sophia University in Tokyo and the University of California, Irvine, before transferring to UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in World Arts and Cultures.Her education provided her with a strong foundation in global artistic expressions, helping shape her unique perspective in dance and choreography.
2. Early Career in Japan
At 18, Carrie Ann Inaba won a talent competition in Hawaii, which led her to launch a brief career as a pop singer in Japan from 1986 to 1988.
Music Career
During her time in Japan, she released three singles:
- “Party Girl”
- “Be Your Girl”
- “Yume no Senaka”
While she enjoyed some success as a pop singer, she soon realized that the Japanese music industry focused more on commercial appeal than artistic freedom. This realization led her to return to the United States to pursue her passion for dance and choreography.
3. Dance and Choreography Career
Breakthrough as a Fly Girl
After returning to the U.S., Inaba’s career took off when she became one of the original Fly Girls on In Living Color from 1990 to 1992. This role introduced her to a broader audience and helped establish her as a professional dancer.
Working with Madonna and Prince
In 1993, she joined Madonna’s “Girlie Show World Tour” as a featured solo dancer. Madonna asked her to shave her head for the role, and although hesitant at first, Inaba agreed, showcasing her dedication to her craft.She also had the opportunity to work with Prince, further solidifying her reputation as a highly skilled dancer.
Choreography Work
Inaba transitioned into choreography, working on major TV shows and events, including:
- “American Idol”
- “All American Girl”
- “Miss America Pageant” (choreographed five consecutive years)
Her expertise in movement and storytelling made her one of the most sought-after choreographers in Hollywood.
4. Acting and Film Appearances
Inaba has also ventured into acting, appearing in several movies and TV shows.
Notable Film Roles
- “Austin Powers in Goldmember” (2002) – Played Fook Yu alongside Diane Mizota’s Fook Mi.
- “Showgirls” (1995) – Featured as a dancer.
- “Lord of Illusions” (1995) – Appeared in a minor role.
TV Appearances
- “Hannah Montana” – Played Tina, a choreographer.
- Guest appearances on various talk shows and reality programs.
Her ability to seamlessly transition between dance, acting, and choreography highlights her versatility.
5. “Dancing with the Stars” and TV Hosting Career
Carrie Ann Inaba became a household name as a judge on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), where she has been a key panelist since 2005.
Judging Style and Popularity
- Known for her constructive criticism and emotional responses.
- Often emphasizes technique, musicality, and performance quality.
- Has become one of the most beloved figures on the show.
Hosting “The Talk”
In addition to DWTS, Inaba co-hosted “The Talk” on CBS from 2019 to 2021. This role showcased her ability to engage in discussions beyond dance and entertainment.
6. Personal Life and Relationships
Romantic Relationships
Carrie Ann Inaba has been in several high-profile relationships:
- Dated Russian dancer Artem Chigvintsev (2006–2008).
- Engaged to Jesse Sloan in 2011 but ended their engagement in 2012.
- Engaged to actor Robb Derringer in 2016, but they broke up in 2017.
Despite her relationships not leading to marriage, Inaba remains open about her experiences and continues to focus on her career and personal growth.
Health Struggles
Inaba has been open about her chronic health conditions, including:
- Lupus
- Fibromyalgia
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
She uses her platform to raise awareness about these conditions and advocate for others facing similar health challenges.
7. Net Worth and Financial Success
Estimated Net Worth
As of 2025, Carrie Ann Inaba’s estimated net worth is $9 million.
Sources of Income
- Dancing with the Stars salary
- Choreography and acting
- TV hosting and endorsements
- Real estate investments
She owns multiple properties and has made smart financial decisions throughout her career.
8. Legacy and Influence
Carrie Ann Inaba is a trailblazer in the entertainment industry. She has:
- Inspired countless dancers and performers.
- Advocated for health awareness and inclusivity.
- Established herself as a respected TV personality.
Her impact extends beyond dance, making her one of the most influential figures in the entertainment world today.
Final Thoughts
Carrie Ann Inaba’s journey from a young dancer in Hawaii to an international television star is truly inspiring. Her dedication to her craft, resilience in overcoming challenges, and ability to evolve in a constantly changing industry make her a role model for aspiring performers.As she continues to make her mark, fans can expect even more achievements from this multi-talented star in the years to come.
