40 Facts About Carrie Ann Inaba

Early Life and Education

Carrie Ann Inaba's journey began in the vibrant city of Honolulu, Hawaii. Her multicultural background and early exposure to dance set the stage for her future success.

1. Carrie Ann Inaba was born on January 5, 1968, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
2. She is of Irish, Japanese, and Chinese descent, a unique blend of cultures.
3. Inaba graduated from Punahou School in 1986.
4. She attended Sophia University and the University of California, Irvine.
5. Inaba earned her B.A. degree in world arts and cultures from UCLA.

Dance Beginnings and Early Career

Inaba's passion for dance started at a very young age. Her early experiences in dance classes and competitions paved the way for her future in the entertainment industry.

6. Her first dance instruction was at three years old in a "creative movement" class.
7. Inaba has trained in ballet, jazz, and hip-hop.
8. At 16, she and her friend Tina Horii won the Hawaii statewide competition, "Search for Talent."
9. She was scouted to go to Japan to become a "Teen Idol" at 16 but waited until after high school.
10. Inaba lived in Tokyo from 1986 to 1988, hosting weekly radio and television series.

Transition to American Television

Carrie Ann Inaba made a significant impact on American television, starting with her role on "In Living Color" and later as a judge on "Dancing with the Stars."

11. Inaba was one of the original Fly Girls on "In Living Color" from 1990 to 1992.
12. She worked as a choreographer for artists like Madonna, Ricky Martin, and Beyoncé.
13. Inaba has been a judge on "Dancing with the Stars" since 2005.
14. She has made several guest appearances as a co-host on "Live with Kelly and Ryan."
15. Inaba co-hosted and moderated "The Talk" from 2019 to 2021.

Diverse Talents and Interests

Inaba's talents extend beyond dance and television. She has explored various fields, including singing, acting, and martial arts.

16. Inaba started her career as a singer, performing with the Japanese group, The View.
17. She released three singles in Japan: "Party Girl," "Be Your Girl," and "Yume no Senaka."
18. Inaba appeared as a featured solo dancer during Madonna's 1993 Girlie Show World Tour.
19. She performed with Canadian singer Norman Iceberg at Prince's Glam Slam.
20. Inaba has practiced martial arts, specifically Wushu and Tai Chi.

Advocacy and Philanthropy

Carrie Ann Inaba is dedicated to various causes, including animal welfare, cancer research, and dance education. Her philanthropic efforts have made a significant impact.

21. Inaba is a strong advocate for adopting pets from shelters.
22. She launched her own dancewear line, offering stylish and functional dance apparel.
23. Inaba promotes self-love and body positivity.
24. She penned the book "The 90-Day Commit to Get Fit."
25. Inaba has worked with the Entertainment Industry Foundation's iParticipate campaign.

Personal Challenges and Health

Despite her success, Inaba has faced numerous health challenges. She has been open about her struggles, raising awareness and support for others facing similar issues.

26. Inaba has bad vision since the 5th grade and is almost totally blind.
27. She suffers from spinal stenosis, Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, and fibromyalgia.
28. Inaba has a vision of 20/750, corrected with eyeglasses and contact lenses.
29. She was diagnosed with acute gangrenous appendicitis in March 2023.
30. Inaba also opened up about struggling with Tourette Syndrome as a child.

Career Highlights and Legacy

Carrie Ann Inaba's career is marked by her versatility and dedication. From her early days as a dancer to her current role as a television personality, she has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

31. Inaba has modeled and appeared on the cover of European and Japanese magazines.
32. She was the national spokesmodel for an AT&T Asian Campaign.
33. Inaba has been involved in various initiatives to raise awareness and promote treatment for arthritis.
34. She opened her own digital video production company, EnterMediArts, Inc.
35. Inaba's favorite dance style is rumba.

Personal Life and Relationships

Inaba's personal life has been in the spotlight, with several high-profile relationships and public moments that have endeared her to fans.

36. Inaba has been in relationships with Artem Chigvintsev, Jesse Sloan, and Robb Derringer.
37. She accepted a marriage proposal from Jesse Sloan on "Live with Kelly and Mark" in 2011.
38. In December 2020, Inaba tested positive for COVID-19 but later recovered.
39. Inaba's mother battled cancer in 2008, leading them to participate in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women.
40. Inaba continues to support causes related to animal welfare, cancer research, and dance education.

Carrie Ann Inaba: A Multifaceted Talent

Carrie Ann Inaba's journey from a young dancer in Hawaii to a renowned television personality is truly inspiring. Her diverse heritage, including Japanese, Chinese, and Irish roots, has influenced her love for dance and music. From being a pop star in Japan to a Fly Girl on "In Living Color," Inaba's career has been nothing short of remarkable. As a judge on "Dancing with the Stars," she brings her extensive dance background and unique perspective to the show. Beyond her professional achievements, Inaba is a passionate advocate for animal welfare, self-love, and body positivity. She has faced health challenges with resilience, openly sharing her struggles with autoimmune conditions and vision impairment. Her philanthropic work and commitment to various causes further highlight her dedication to making a positive impact. Carrie Ann Inaba's legacy in the entertainment industry is marked by her talent, advocacy, and unwavering spirit.