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INTERVIEW WITH CARRIE ANN INABA
From "Fly Girl" to Madonna's "Pole Dancer"
From "Fook Yu" to "Dancing with the Stars"

 

BREAKING DOWN THE WALLS OF CREATIVITY
US ASIANS: Being a "Fly Girl," did your weekly appearances on "In Living Color" accomplished (in your opinion) your hope(s) of bringing more Asian/Asian Pacific American representation on television and film? If not, what were the reasons why?

CARRIE ANN INABA: I honestly had no thoughts of trying to bring more Asian /Asian Pacific American representation on to television and film when I auditioned. I just loved to dance and wanted to dance.

After receiving a lot of fan mailed from the Asian communities congratulating me on offering choices to their children….by playing a different sort of "role" in the media, I realized the impact. I don't' live my life with that sort of agenda but I am clearly aware of the impact the media has on people. It can inspire amazing things and touch people in wonderous ways but it can also hurt people.

I am proud to be who I am doing what I do. And yes, I am an Asian Pacific Islander and I love being what I am. My agenda is really for other people to feel the same way about who they are as well. I kind of look at it like this. I'll be the best person I can be, accepting who I am and I wish for others to be the best person they can be, accepting themselves for who they are and accepting me for who I am and I, accepting them as they are.

US ASIANS: Can you share how the ability of being a performer/director/choreographer can provide unlimited creative benefits on both sides of the camera?

CARRIE ANN INABA: We all have the power to make a difference. The entertainment industry is a creativity machine. It is a big stew of creativity (of course and business as well) but I look at each show I work on as a stew where I get to throw in a few of ideas. Until I can produce my own projects I know that I am part of someone else's vision and that my ingredients are only added to enhance someone else's vision but I love it every step of the way and I stay true to what I believe in. You can be creative in any position.

JAPANESE RECORDING ARTIST CREDITS
3 Singles Released in Japan
Pony Canyon Records (1987-1989)
1. Pony Girl / China Blue
2. Be Your Girl / 6 1/2 Capezio
3. Yume no Senaka (Fuji TV Theme Song) / Searchin'

JAPANESE CREDITS
Yoru no Hit Studio DX
Series Regular / Featured Artist (2 years)
All Night Fuji (Featured Artist)
Dokkiri Camera (Featured Artist)
All Star Hawaii Special (Celebrity Guest)
Yume Koojoo (Series Regular - correspondent)
Zoom in Asia (Series Regular - Fashion Segment

Source: Carrie Ann Inaba Website

US ASIANS: In breaking down preconceived guidelines of creativity, how do you balance "not worrying about what other people think" (going against the grain) with "not disrespecting people" in making your choices in life and in creating something?

CARRIE ANN INABA: This is sometimes difficult. There is no one rule for me. For each situation, I take different things into consideration. I don't want to disrespect anyone but usually the "greater good" is the better choice. And good communication skills…that is a must.

COMEDY & ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICANS
US ASIANS: Do you think that the Asian Pacific American communities are able and/or have the "self esteem" to be able to laugh at themselves?

CARRIE ANN INABA: I honestly had no thoughts of trying to bring more Asian /Asian Pacific American representation on to television and film when I auditioned. I just loved to dance and wanted to dance.

They should!! I think that if people spend too much time worrying about things outside of what they are supposed to be doing in this life to make the world a better place, by being their personal best, I think they are wasting time. And if people are so busy worrying about issues that are not their own, then they are wasting time.

 
 

Andy Bumatai

US ASIANS: What is your opinion of how "funny" the characters and/or comic's routines that are listed below

US ASIANS: Having had the privileged of working with George Wallace, Steven Wright, Judy Tenuta, Emo Phillips, Charles Fletcher and others (along with being a great fan of Robin Williams, Richard Pryor, etc.), comedy is truly great for the soul. Comedy works best on people that are secure about themselves. As a result, do you think that the Asian Pacific American communities are "secure" about themselves - collectively? Could this be the reason why there are not a great number of Asian/Asian Pacific American comics?

CARRIE ANN INABA: Great point there my friend!!!

Continue the interview with Carrie by clicking HERE
       
Uncover Carrie's many interests, passions, experiences and vision by clicking at the below-listed links
Achieving Goals Alex Magno Andy Bumatai Being Happy with Balance
Biography Breaking Down the Walls of Creativity Choreography Goals Comedy and Asian Pacific Americans
Dancing with Madonna Dancing Topless Engagement Cancelled EnterMediaArts Inc.
Entertainment vs. Education Family Background Future in "The Biz" Gedde Watanabe
Interesting Tidbits Japanese Credits Julie Taymour Life as "Fook Yu"
Life with Ricky Martin Music Parting Words Producing Goals
Role Model's Responsibilities Role Models Working on Reality Shows Working with Diane

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