Carrie Ann Inaba is an American television personality, dancer, and choreographer best known for her enduring role as a sharp-eyed and often empathetic judge on ABC's hit competition series Dancing with the Stars, a position she has held since the show's premiere in 2005. Her career, however, spans decades and encompasses success as a performer, choreographer, actress, and talk show host, establishing her as a versatile and respected figure in the entertainment industry. Born on January 5, 1968, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Inaba is of Chinese, Japanese, and Irish descent. She began dancing at the age of three and pursued her passion professionally, which led her to study at the University of California, Irvine, and later to a stint as a professional singer in Japan.

Her breakthrough in American television came when she was selected as one of the original Fly Girls, the iconic dance troupe on the groundbreaking Fox sketch comedy series In Living Color, from 1990 to 1992, sharing the stage with future stars like Jennifer Lopez and Rosie Perez. This high-profile gig launched her into a successful career as a choreographer and dancer for major artists, including David Copperfield, Ricky Martin, and Chayanne, and she appeared in music videos for Michael Jackson and others. Inaba also ventured into acting with roles in films like Austin Powers in Goldmember and Showgirls, and made guest appearances on television shows such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and One on One.

While she had built a substantial career behind the scenes, it was her role on Dancing with the Stars that made Carrie Ann Inaba a household name. As a permanent judge alongside Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, and later Derek Hough, she became famous for her focus on proper dance technique and lifts, often exclaiming "You went off hold!" Her insightful, sometimes emotional critiques made her a central and beloved part of the show's fabric for over three decades of seasons. Expanding her presence in daytime television, Inaba joined the panel of the CBS talk show The Talk in 2019, serving as a co-host and moderator until her departure in 2021. Throughout her career, she has also been a vocal advocate for health and wellness, openly discussing her own experiences with autoimmune conditions. Carrie Ann Inaba remains a defining authority in the world of televised dance, her longevity on Dancing with the Stars cementing her status as an integral part of one of television's most successful reality competition formats.