Tia Carrere – An American Actress, Singer and Model
Early Life
Tia Carrere, born Althea Rae Duhinio Janairo on January 2, 1967, in Honolulu, Hawaii, is of Filipino and Chinese descent. She was raised by her parents Audrey Lee Janairo, a computer supervisor, and Alexander Janairo, a banker. Carrere attended Sacred Hearts Academy, an all-girls school, where she harbored dreams of becoming a singer from a young age.
Despite an early setback on the talent show Star Search in 1985, where she was eliminated in the first round at 18 years old, Carrere’s fortunes changed when she caught the eye of a producer while shopping in a Waikiki grocery store. This encounter led to her casting in the movie “Aloha Summer” and marked the beginning of her career in entertainment.
Rise in Film and Television
Carrere’s career took off when she moved to Los Angeles and landed her first television role on “Airwolf” in 1985. Shortly after, she gained recognition for her role as Jade Soong Chung on the daytime soap opera “General Hospital” from 1985 to 1987. This role paved the way for numerous guest appearances on shows like “The A-Team,” “MacGyver,” “Anything but Love,” and “Married… with Children.”
Her breakout moment came with the role of Cassandra Wong in the hit comedy “Wayne’s World” (1992) and its sequel “Wayne’s World 2” the following year. Carrere’s portrayal of Cassandra, a rock singer and love interest of Mike Myers’ Wayne Campbell, showcased her talents as both an actress and a singer. She performed all of her songs in the films, solidifying her status as a multi-talented performer.
Carrere continued to impress audiences with roles in notable films such as “True Lies” (1994), “Rising Sun” (1993), “The Immortals” (1995), and “Kull the Conqueror” (1997). She also ventured into voice acting, lending her voice to characters such as Nani Pelekai in Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” franchise and Queen Tyr’ahnee in “Duck Dodgers.”
Relic Hunter and Later Career
From 1999 to 2002, Carrere starred as the adventurous archeology professor Sydney Fox in the action-adventure series “Relic Hunter.” The show, reminiscent of Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider, showcased Carrere’s ability to lead in an action-packed role.
Her music career also flourished during this time. In 1993, Carrere released her first solo album, “Dream,” which went platinum in the Philippines. She continued to explore her musical talents with albums like “Hawaiiana” (2007) and earned critical acclaim, including Grammy Awards for her albums “Ikena” (2009) and “Huana Ke Aloha” (2011).
Carrere also delved into reality television, competing on “Dancing with the Stars” and “The Celebrity Apprentice.” Her versatility as an entertainer was further showcased in guest appearances on popular shows like “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Nip/Tuck,” and “Warehouse 13.”
Personal Life
In her personal life, Carrere has experienced the ups and downs of relationships. She married film producer Elie Samaha in 1992, with the marriage ending in divorce in February 2000. Later, she married photojournalist Simon Wakelin in 2002, with whom she has a daughter named Bianca.
In 2010, Carrere filed for divorce from Wakelin, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple finalized their divorce later that year, with arrangements made for shared custody of their daughter. As of 2010, Carrere resides in Los Angeles, balancing her career in entertainment with her personal life.
Tia Carrere’s journey from a young dreamer in Hawaii to a multi-talented actress, singer, and television personality is a testament to her perseverance, talent, and versatility in the entertainment industry.