Carrie Ann Inaba has been on the judging panel of Dancing with the Stars since 2005. It was previously reported that a contestant made anywhere between $125,000 to $295,000 depending on how far they went with the competition.

As for the judges, it was estimated that they made around $1.2 million per season.

Given how long she has been with the dance competition reality show, it’s not surprising that her net worth has been valued at an impressive $9 million.

But aside from her work as a judge on Dancing with the Stars, Inaba has also been involved in dozens of other shows, movies, and productions as an actress, dancer, and choreographer.

Inaba Started As A Singer In Japan

Inaba had an interest in singing and performance from a young age. She lived in Tokyo from 1986 to 1988, during which she began her professional career as an entertainer.

Inaba hosted a weekly radio and television show and also kicked off her musical career. She also released three singles over those two years.

After returning to America, she gained further recognition for appearing alongside Jennifer Lopez in the series In Living Color in 1992. The next year, she began working as a dancer for Madonna’s 1993 Girlie Show World Tour.

Following these two gigs, Inaba also landed roles in multiple movies, with her most notable acting work being in the 2002 Austin Powers in Goldmember. There she played the twin of actress Diane Mizota, who had suggested Inaba for the role after being asked if she knew anyone who resembled her close enough.

Well-Known Choreographer

While Inaba appeared in many productions as a dancer, what really made use of her dancing skills were her works as a choreographer. Throughout the years, she has established herself as an accomplished choreographer and has been a part of many popular TV series.

Some productions she choreographed for are American Idol, All-American Girl, Married by America, and Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire? Inaba also choreographed for Miss America Pageant for five years.

Philanthropy

Aside from her professional work as a host, judge, and dancer, Inaba is also a philanthropist who has dedicated much of her time and effort to helping others. She has worked with multiple organizations to contribute to animal welfare and helped find homes for hundreds of animals.

Inaba appeared in a PETA campaign that taught the basics of animal birth control in 2009. She was also a celebrity ambassador for Best Friends Animal Shelter.

Other than animals, the Dancing with the Stars judge has also been involved in several projects that help Asian Americans and students of dance. She is also the founder of Carrie Ann Conversations, an online wellness magazine.

ncG1vNJzZmign6G5usPOqJummaOge6S7zGicp6yVp8Gitc2mnKesX5ius77InmSapp5itq%2BtwZpkp52kYsSwvtOhZaGsnaE%3D