Tia Carrere is an American actress, singer, and former model who has a net worth of $5 million. Over a career spanning more than three decades, she has built a reputation as a versatile entertainer with success in film, television, voice acting, and music.
Carrere first rose to prominence in the mid-1980s with her role on the daytime soap opera “General Hospital.” However, her global breakthrough came in 1992 when she starred as Cassandra Wong in the hit comedy:
Wayne’s World
The film was a massive commercial success and helped establish Carrere as a mainstream Hollywood star. It also showcased her musical talent, as she performed her own songs in the film.
Throughout the 1990s, she appeared in a series of popular action and adventure films, including:
True Lies
Rising Sun
Showdown in Little Tokyo
These roles reinforced her image as a strong screen presence in both action and comedy genres.
- Tia Carrere Net Worth: $5 Million
- Date of Birth: January 2, 1967
- Place of Birth: Honolulu, Hawaii
- Nationality: American
- Career: actress, singer, and former model
Early Life
Tia Carrere was born Althea Rae Duhinio Janairo on January 2, 1967, in Honolulu, Hawaii. She is of Chinese, Spanish, and Filipino descent and was raised by her parents, Audrey and Alexander Janairo.
From a young age, Carrere aspired to be a performer. She competed on “Star Search” in 1985, and although she was eliminated early, she soon landed her first acting roles in television series such as “Airwolf” and “Cover Up.” This led to her breakout role on “General Hospital,” where she played Jade Soong from 1985 to 1986.
Television Career
After her early soap opera success, Carrere built a steady television career with guest appearances in popular shows throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including “MacGyver,” “The A-Team,” and “Quantum Leap.”
Her biggest television success came between 1999 and 2002 when she starred as archaeologist Sydney Fox in the Canadian adventure series:
Relic Hunter
The show became a cult favorite and solidified her status as a genre television star.
Carrere also expanded into voice acting, most notably portraying Nani Pelekai in Disney’s animated franchise:
Lilo & Stitch
She reprised the role in multiple sequels and series adaptations.
Film Career Highlights
Carrere continued acting in films throughout the 1990s and 2000s, appearing in projects such as:
Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man
Jury Duty
My Teacher’s Wife
She also returned to film in later years with titles like “Wild Cherry,” “Hard Breakers,” and “You May Not Kiss the Bride.”
Music Career
In addition to acting, Carrere is a Grammy-winning recording artist specializing in Hawaiian music.
She released her debut album “Dream” in 1993, which achieved platinum success in the Philippines. Later collaborations with musician Daniel Ho led to critically acclaimed albums including “Hawaiiana,” “Ikena,” and “Huana Ke Aloha.”
Her work in music earned her multiple Grammy Awards for Best Hawaiian Music Album, further expanding her artistic legacy beyond Hollywood.
Personal Life
Tia Carrere was first married to film producer Elie Samaha from 1992 until their divorce in 2000. She later married photojournalist Simon Wakelin, with whom she shares a daughter. That marriage ended in 2010.
Carrere currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
Real Estate
In 2005, Carrere purchased a home in Topanga, California for approximately $1.625 million. She later listed the property in 2014 for $2.6 million and ultimately sold it for around $2.5 million later that year.
Author: Andrew Walyaula
Andrew Walyaula is a seasoned multimedia journalist. Email: [email protected]
