Exploring Carrie Ann Inaba’s Net Worth, Career Achievements, and More from Dancing with the Stars

The widely recognized dance competition series, Dancing with the Stars, made its debut on ABC in 2005, showcasing famous personalities from various entertainment realms who paired up with professional dancers to vie for the coveted Mirrorball trophy. Now, after nearly twenty years, this beloved show is entering its 33rd season.

Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars, hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, launched on September 17, 2024, with notable judges including Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough.

Carrie Ann Inaba, a cornerstone judge of DWTS since its inception in 2005, brings a wealth of experience to the panel. Beyond her role as a judge on the popular ABC series, Carrie Ann is an accomplished dancer, choreographer, actress, singer, and television host. As of 2024, her net worth is estimated at $7 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Her impressive financial portfolio stems from a multifaceted career that spans music, television, and dance.

Carrie Ann Inaba: From Local Pop Sensation to Dancing with the Stars Judge

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Carrie Ann began her dance journey at the tender age of three. Her passion for the art blossomed as she spent time dancing in her backyard, which offered stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. After completing her studies at Punahou School in 1986, she participated in a talent show where she captured attention and eventually moved to Japan to pursue a singing career.

In Japan, Carrie Ann became a local pop icon, residing in Tokyo until 1988. During her time there, she released three singles—Party Girl, Be Your Girl, and Yume no Senaka—while also hosting various radio and television shows. Upon returning to the United States in 1988, she became well-known as a dancer, notably as one of the original Fly Girls on Fox’s comedy series, In Living Color.

As a judge on Dancing with the Stars, Carrie Ann has shared the stage with many acclaimed artists, including Norman Iceberg, Viktor Manoel, and Luca Tommassini at Prince’s Glam Slam. She also served as a solo dancer during Madonna’s illustrious Girlie Show World Tour in 1993. In addition to choreography for the Miss America Pageant for five years, her contributions extended to numerous television programs such as The Swan, American Idol, and All American Girl.

Carrie Ann made her cinematic debut in 2002, portraying Fook Yu in Austin Powers in Goldmember. A few years later, in 2005, she teamed up with her co-star Diane Mizota for a Motorola commercial with Mike Myers. She also appeared in an episode of Disney’s Hannah Montana, playing Hannah’s choreographer Tina in “Papa’s Got a Brand New Friend.”

In 2009, the TV Guide Network tapped Carrie Ann as the host for its live red-carpet coverage of the Primetime Emmy Awards. Additionally, after taking over from the original host Julie Chen, she co-hosted and served as a moderator for CBS’s talk show The Talk from 2019 to 2021.

Beyond her performance career, Carrie Ann is the founder and president of EnterMediArts, Inc., a video production company where she directs, writes, and edits films. Her notable projects include E! Behind The Scenes Miss America Special, 7th Festival of the Pacific Arts, and a short film titled Black Water.

In recognition of her contributions to the Asian American community through arts and media, Carrie Ann received the prestigious Visionary Award from East West Players, the oldest Asian-Pacific American theatre organization in the U.S., in 2008.

In 2012, she established the Carrie Ann Animal Foundation, reflecting her affection and advocacy for animals. That same year, she launched a YouTube series dedicated to discussing shelter cats. Furthermore, she is a founding member of Nigel Lythgoe’s dance initiative, the Dizzy Feet Foundation.

Despite facing significant health challenges, including diagnoses of Sjögren’s Syndrome and Lupus, Carrie Ann has persevered. As the National Awareness Ambassador for the Sjögren Syndrome Foundation, she has committed her efforts to raise awareness about this autoimmune condition.

Currently, Carrie Ann Inaba continues to shine as a judge on season 33 of Dancing with the Stars.

Catch season 33 of Dancing with the Stars every Tuesday at 8 PM ET, exclusively on ABC.

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