How does someone go from a soap opera star to a Grammy-winning artist and household name in Hollywood?
Tia Carrere has done just that—and more. Her journey through the world of film, music, and television isn’t just impressive, it’s profitable.
If you’re curious about how she built her fortune and maintained financial relevance over decades, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive into the money trail of one of entertainment’s most dynamic talents.
Tia Carrere Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Althea Rae Duhinio Janairo |
| Popular Name | Tia Carrere |
| Birth Date | January 2, 1967 |
| Age | 58 (as of March 28, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Honolulu, Hawaii, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Filipino (with Chinese and Spanish roots) |
| Education | Sacred Hearts Academy |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Simon Wakelin (m. 2002–2010), Elie Samaha (m. 1992–2000) |
| Children | Bianca Wakelin |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | 4 siblings, including Saundra Janairo |
| Parents | Audrey Duhinio Janairo, Alexander Janairo |
| Height (meters) | 1.73 m |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, music, modeling, real estate |
What is the Net Worth Of Tia Carrere in 2025?
As of 2025, Tia Carrere’s net worth is estimated at $5 million. Her income stems from a multifaceted career spanning decades in Hollywood, Grammy-winning Hawaiian music, and strategic real estate decisions. While this number might seem modest compared to blockbuster stars, it speaks volumes about her consistency and versatility.
In comparison to peers and industry figures she’s worked with, Carrere’s wealth places her in a stable position within entertainment. What makes her financial portfolio stand out is not just film or television but the surprising strength of her music ventures, which earned her two Grammy Awards. Her real estate deal in Topanga also reflects a smart investment move, selling her home for nearly $2.5 million after buying it for $1.625 million.
Some related personalities and entities connected to her professionally or financially include:
- Mike Myers
- Daniel Ho
- Kevin Sorbo
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Disney
- Netflix
- RuPaul
- Sean Connery
- Wesley Snipes
- Simon Wakelin
For more insights into people with impressive fortunes, check out our article on who made their fortune in entertainment.
Tia Carrere Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How she built her wealth over the years
She began modestly, with her breakthrough role as Jade Soong in General Hospital, a launchpad that transitioned her from television to the big screen. From there, she landed a major opportunity playing Cassandra Wong in Wayne’s World, doing her own vocals—a move that helped define her as both actress and singer. This performance gave her a place in pop culture and likely a considerable paycheck.
Over time, her diverse roles created multiple income streams. From acting in hits like True Lies and Rising Sun to voicing Nani Pelekai in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, her work spanned genres and generations. Each role added longevity and financial depth to her portfolio. Even when box office hits slowed, her music revived her momentum.
What are her main sources of income today?
Her earnings come from acting, voice-over work, music, and real estate. Shows like Relic Hunter and appearances in AJ and the Queen provided television income while recurring voice work in major animated projects like Duck Dodgers and Scooby-Doo created a stable, ongoing royalty stream.
Her music, specifically Hawaiian albums like ‘Ikena and Huana Ke Aloha, didn’t just gain attention—they won Grammy Awards, proving commercially viable as well. Collaborating with Daniel Ho, she tapped into a niche but respected genre, securing her income and adding a new title to her résumé: Grammy-winning artist.
How much has she earned from television and film roles?
Although detailed salary figures are not publicly available, her long-standing presence in film and TV suggests a steady income. Roles in cult classics and blockbusters offered not only upfront payments but also residuals. Wayne’s World and its sequel were massive hits, while True Lies, alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, ensured she remained in big-budget circles.
Television further padded her earnings. From being featured in MacGyver and The A-Team to recurring characters in animated series, each appearance contributed to a layered revenue base. Add to that the reality shows like Dancing with the Stars and The Celebrity Apprentice, and you have diversified television earnings.
What is the financial impact of her music career?
After releasing her debut album Dream in 1993, which went Platinum in the Philippines, she took a break before returning with a Grammy-nominated Hawaiian album, Hawaiiana. From 2008 to 2011, her consecutive nominations and wins for ‘Ikena, He Nani, and Huana Ke Aloha not only boosted her reputation but likely her financial stability.
Collaborating with producer Daniel Ho, she tapped into global Hawaiian music appeal. With her vocal talent, stage presence, and recognition in the Grammy circuit, this segment became a surprising and solid financial pillar.
What are the details of her real estate and property ventures?
Carrere made a smart investment when she purchased a home in Topanga, California for $1.625 million in 2005. Almost a decade later, she sold the property for $2.5 million, generating nearly a $875,000 profit before expenses. While not her primary income stream, real estate clearly played a supporting role in growing her financial portfolio.
This successful deal shows her ability to manage her assets well, balancing her earnings across property and performance-based income.
How her awards and accolades contributed to her financial success
Winning two Grammy Awards for Best Hawaiian Music Album gave her music legitimacy and increased demand. These accolades added another layer to her earning potential, helping her sell more albums and book higher-paying gigs.
When someone wins a Grammy, their asking price for performances typically rises—and for Carrere, this was no different. Her recognition ensured both marketability and long-term career relevance.
How her personal life has influenced her financial decisions
Carrere’s two marriages—first to Elie Samaha, then Simon Wakelin—both ended in divorce, with custody agreements over her daughter playing a role in financial planning. Like many public figures, she cited irreconcilable differences in court documents.
These events may have affected her real estate decisions and career pacing. Maintaining balance between single parenthood and a demanding career likely shaped her financial strategies. She requested sole physical custody but ended up sharing custody, which could have long-term financial and emotional implications.
How she compares to other celebrities in similar career paths
Compared to 90s stars who peaked and disappeared, Carrere maintained a more balanced and enduring presence. Her career is similar in scope to names like Kevin Sorbo and Sean Connery, who shared the screen with her. However, Carrere carved out a niche, especially in Hawaiian music, which many of her peers did not.
She may not reach the heights of stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger, but her ability to stay relevant, shift genres, and monetize different talents puts her ahead of many one-hit wonders. Her multi-decade career, spanning soaps, films, voiceovers, and music, makes her a resilient and adaptive figure in entertainment.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan or simply curious about her finances, there’s no denying her diverse career has paid off.
Drop a comment, share the post, or check out more celebrity finance updates at Pennbookcenter.com.
