For Carrie Ann Inaba, finding her voice was a journey that took time and courage. "When I was young, I was actually afraid of speaking up, and that's why I turned to dancing," the 51-year-old judge of Dancing With the Stars shared exclusively with Closer Weekly in the latest issue, available on newsstands now. In January, she stepped into a new role as a permanent cohost of CBS' daytime show, The Talk, which revolves around the very thing she once feared most.
In a candid conversation, Carrie Ann reflected on her journey, "Life has a way of guiding us to where we're meant to be. I never imagined I'd be where I am today, but I've come to love having a voice. Sharing my experiences allows me to help others, and that's truly fulfilling. Success, for me, means working hard and feeling at peace with how I've spent my day."
View this post on InstagramWe hope you had a wonderful Wednesday, we’ll see you tomorrow on #TheTalk! #EverybodyTalks ☀️
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Closer Weekly caught up with Carrie Ann to explore her remarkable career, her thoughts on motherhood, and how she's turning a personal health challenge into a mission — scroll down to read our exclusive Q&A interview with Carrie Ann!
How Did Carrie Ann Join The Talk?
Carrie Ann explained, "I started guest cohosting on The Talk about 60 times because they needed someone who could fit the role. Living nearby made it convenient, and I genuinely enjoyed being there. When Julie Chen left the panel due to her husband's [former CBS chairman Les Moonves] sexual harassment allegations, an opportunity arose. Many others were auditioned, and I'm incredibly grateful that everything worked out in my favor."
Why Does The Talk Suit Carrie Ann?
"I adore the women on the show. They're inspiring, and I appreciate the dynamic we've created. The panel is wonderfully diverse, and being a part of it is a true blessing," Carrie Ann shared. "I get to talk about so many topics, from personal experiences to my battle with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). It's a chance to connect with people in a deeper, more meaningful way."
A Memorable Moment on Dancing With the Stars
When asked about her funniest memory from Dancing With the Stars, Carrie Ann laughed, "Gilles Marini delivered one of the best performances ever, and I was so thrilled that I literally fell off my chair! Bruno [Tonioli] followed suit, and that’s just us — we laugh and have fun together. It’s what makes the show so special."
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How Did Dancing With the Stars Prepare Carrie Ann for The Talk?
"Dancing With the Stars taught me the importance of staying true to myself while respecting others. It's about knowing your role and supporting others when they shine. It's like a dance — you give and take. The Talk allows me to discuss a broader range of topics and share more about my life, including my health journey with IDA," Carrie Ann explained.
Her Iron Deficiency Anemia Diagnosis
Carrie Ann opened up about her health battle, "I was constantly exhausted, in pain, and dealing with brain fog and anxiety. It was confusing until I found the right doctor who administered the ferritin test to measure my iron levels. That's when I learned I had IDA, six years ago. It's surprisingly common but often underdiagnosed."
View this post on InstagramGame face on! Who’s ready for the week ahead? What’s on the agenda folks? 👍🏻✨🙌🏻❤️
Her Journey Through Health Challenges
"In 2007, I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis. Through all of this, the key has been building a strong relationship with my doctor and being my own advocate. My mom was a huge support
