Carrie Ann Inaba

Carrie Ann Inaba is an American television personality, dancer, and choreographer best known for her long-standing role as a judge on the hit ABC competition series Dancing with the Stars. Her career spans multiple facets of the entertainment industry, including work as a Fly Girl on In Living Color, a choreographer for major artists and award shows, and a co-host on the daytime talk show The Talk. Inaba is recognized for her technical expertise in dance and her advocacy for health and wellness.

Early life and education

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to a Japanese-born father and a Chinese-Irish mother, she was immersed in dance from a young age, studying ballet, jazz, and Hula dancing. Inaba attended Maryknoll School before moving to Japan for a year as a teenager. Upon returning to the United States, she pursued higher education at the University of California, Irvine, but left to focus on a professional dance career in Los Angeles. Her multicultural heritage and early training provided a strong foundation for her future work in various dance disciplines.

Career

Inaba's professional career began when she was selected as a Fly Girl on the groundbreaking Fox sketch comedy series In Living Color, alongside future star Jennifer Lopez. This visibility led to work as a dancer and choreographer for prominent musicians, including Madonna, Ricky Martin, and David Copperfield. She choreographed for events like the MTV Video Music Awards and served as an assistant choreographer for the Academy Awards. Inaba also pursued acting, with guest roles on series such as One West Waikiki and Chicago Hope, and was a member of the short-lived all-female pop group, the Bardot.

Dancing with the Stars

Inaba gained her most significant fame as an original judge on Dancing with the Stars when it premiered on ABC in 2005. Alongside fellow judges Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli, she became known for her focus on technical precision, lifts, and emotional connection in performances. Her tenure on the show has made her a household name, and she has evaluated the performances of hundreds of celebrities, from Emmitt Smith to Bindi Irwin. Inaba temporarily stepped away from the judging panel in season 32 but returned as a permanent judge for season 33, continuing to shape the competition's standards.

Other television and media work

Beyond her judging role, Inaba has been a frequent presence on television as a host and personality. She served as a co-host on the daytime talk show The Talk from 2019 to 2021. She has made numerous guest appearances on programs like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Family Matters, and as a panelist on The View. Inaba also hosted her own syndicated talk show, The Carrie Ann Inaba Show, and served as a correspondent for shows like Entertainment Tonight and The Insider.

Personal life and activism

Inaba has been open about her health challenges, including diagnoses with Sjögren syndrome, lupus, and fibromyalgia, using her platform to advocate for chronic illness awareness. She is a dedicated animal rights activist, working with organizations like the ASPCA and Best Friends Animal Society. Inaba has been engaged twice, to actor Jesse Sloan and art dealer Robb Derringer, and was in a long-term relationship with dancer Artem Chigvintsev. She resides in Los Angeles and continues to be a vocal proponent of meditation, holistic health, and mindfulness practices.

Category:American television personalities Category:American dancers Category:American choreographers Category:1968 births Category:Living people