Tia Carrere was born in Honolulu, Hawaii of Filipino and Chinese descent. While attending Sacred Hearts Academy, Tia was discovered in a Waikiki grocery store and landed the female lead in the independent film Aloha Summer.
Is Tia Carrere Hawaiian?
Tia was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, the daughter of Audrey, a computer supervisor, and Alexander Janairo, a banker. She has Filipino, Chinese, and Spanish ancestry. She is sometimes described as having Native Hawaiian ancestry as well, but it is not clear if this is accurate.
Tia was born Althea Rae Duhinio Janairo. She received her stage first name because her little sister could not pronounce her full name, Althea. The surname Carrere is a tribute to former James Bond Girl Barbara Carrera.
Tia’s maternal grandfather was Alfred Cornelio Duhinio (the son of Ciriaco Abagala Cantiberos and Enorata Alfeche Cornelio). Alfred was born in Hawaii, to Filipino parents, from Cebu.
Tia has a daughter with her former husband, British photojournalist Simon Wakelin.