Net Worth Ranker
What Is Tia Carrere’s Net Worth?
Tia Carrere, a multifaceted Hawaiian actress, singer, and former model, has cultivated a net worth of $5 million. Her financial standing is primarily attributed to her extensive and diverse career in the entertainment industry, spanning television, film, and music. Her journey began with early roles that provided initial income, leading to more significant earnings as her career progressed.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Born Althea Rae Duhinio Janairo on January 2, 1967, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Tia Carrere’s early life provided the foundation for her future success. While specific financial details of her upbringing are not publicly available, her education at the all-girls Sacred Hearts Academy likely contributed to her personal and professional development. Her initial foray into the entertainment industry began with a performance on “Star Search” in 1985, although she was eliminated in the first round. This early exposure, however, led to her first acting roles in the television series “Airwolf” and “Cover Up” in the same year. Carrere’s breakthrough role came with her recurring part on the daytime soap opera “General Hospital,” where she portrayed Jade Soong from 1985 to 1986. While the exact salary from “General Hospital” is not publicly disclosed, such roles typically provide a steady income and valuable exposure, setting the stage for future opportunities. This early work was crucial in building her net worth and establishing her presence in the industry.
Television Career and Earnings
Following her stint on “General Hospital,” Tia Carrere’s television career flourished, with guest appearances on numerous shows throughout the 1980s and 1990s. She appeared on popular series such as “The A-Team,” “MacGyver,” “Tour of Duty,” and “Anything But Love.” She also served as a panelist on “The New Hollywood Squares,” contributing to her income through these various engagements. In the 1990s, Carrere continued to secure guest-starring roles in series such as “Quantum Leap,” “Married… with Children,” “Tales from the Crypt,” and “Veronica’s Closet.” She also had a recurring role on the ABC legal drama “Murder One.” The specific earnings from these guest appearances are not publicly documented, but each role would have contributed to her overall income and increased her visibility. A significant milestone in her television career was her starring role as archeology professor Sydney Fox on the Canadian action-adventure series “Relic Hunter,” from 1999 to 2002. While the exact salary for “Relic Hunter” is not publicly available, lead roles in such series typically command substantial compensation. Her presence in the show for three years would have provided a significant boost to her net worth, solidifying her status as a leading actress. Carrere also took on main roles in animated shows, including “Duck Dodgers” and “Lilo & Stitch: The Series,” and a recurring role on “Johnny Bravo.” Voice acting roles, such as these, can provide steady income and are often less demanding in terms of time commitment compared to live-action roles. Her participation as a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2006 and “The Apprentice” further added to her income through appearance fees and potential endorsement deals. The exact financial details of these reality show appearances are not publicly disclosed, but such opportunities can be lucrative, contributing to her net worth through various avenues.
Film Career and Notable Roles
Tia Carrere made her feature film debut in the 1987 Canadian film “Zombie Nightmare.” She went on to appear in “Aloha Summer,” “Fine Gold,” and the action films “Showdown in Little Tokyo” and “Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man.” However, it was her role as rock singer Cassandra Wong in “Wayne’s World” (1992) that brought her mainstream recognition. Playing the love interest of Mike Myers’ character, she reprised her role in the film’s 1993 sequel, “Wayne’s World 2.” While specific salary details for these films are not publicly available, the success of the “Wayne’s World” franchise would have significantly boosted her earnings, contributing substantially to her net worth. Throughout the 1990s, Carrere secured notable roles in several high-profile films. She appeared in the Arnold Schwarzenegger action comedy “True Lies,” the courtroom comedy “Jury Duty,” the crime thriller “Rising Sun,” the action film “The Immortals,” the high school comedy “High School High,” and the fantasy film “Kull the Conqueror,” starring opposite Kevin Sorbo. While the exact financial compensation for each of these roles is not publicly disclosed, appearing in such a diverse range of films would have diversified her income streams and increased her net worth. In 2002, Carrere voiced the character of Nani Pelekai in the Disney animated film “Lilo & Stitch.” She reprised this role in numerous direct-to-video spinoffs and sequels. Voice acting for a major Disney franchise can provide a steady income stream over several years, enhancing her financial stability. Carrere returned to the big screen in 2009 with a role in the teen comedy “Wild Cherry,” followed by appearances in films such as “Hard Breakers,” “You May Not Kiss the Bride,” and “Showdown in Manila.” She has also appeared in several direct-to-video movies, including “Back in the Day,” “Dark Honeymoon,” and “Gunshot Straight,” adding to her film credits and income.
Music Career and Grammy Awards
As a singer, Tia Carrere released her debut solo album, “Dream,” in 1993, which achieved Platinum status in the Philippines, contributing to her earnings through record sales and royalties. In 2007, she returned to her music career with her second album, “Hawaiiana,” marking the beginning of her collaborations with Hawaiian musician and producer Daniel Ho. The album received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Hawaiian Music Album. Her 2008 album, “‘Ikena,” won the Grammy in the same category, adding to her accolades and income. She received another nomination for her 2009 album “He Nani,” and another win for her 2010 album “Huana Ke Aloha.” Winning Grammy Awards not only enhanced her reputation but also increased her earning potential through increased album sales, performance fees, and endorsement opportunities. Although specific sales figures and royalty earnings are not publicly available, these awards undoubtedly boosted her net worth. While the exact earnings from her music career are not fully detailed, the success of her albums and Grammy wins significantly contributed to her overall financial standing. Royalties from album sales, streaming, and public performances would have provided a steady income stream over the years, enhancing her net worth.
Real Estate Investments
In 2005, Tia Carrere purchased a home in Topanga, California, for $1.625 million. This real estate investment was a significant component of her asset portfolio. She listed the property for sale in 2014 for $2.6 million and ultimately sold it for $2.5 million in December 2014. This sale resulted in a profit of approximately $875,000 before taxes and expenses. Real estate investments can be a lucrative way to build wealth, and this transaction added significantly to her net worth. The profit from this sale, combined with her earnings from her entertainment career, further solidified her financial standing. These strategic investments in real estate have played a crucial role in bolstering her net worth over the years. Real estate investments provide not only potential capital appreciation but also tax benefits and the opportunity for rental income, further enhancing her financial portfolio.
