Carmit Bachar

Early Life

Carmit Maile Bachar was born in Los Angeles, California, to a family with a rich dance heritage. Her father, of Jewish Israeli descent, and her mother, who has Dutch, Indonesian, and Chinese roots, both influenced her artistic journey. Born with a cleft lip and palate, Bachar faced numerous challenges, including undergoing multiple surgeries and dealing with bullying during her formative years. Despite these obstacles, she excelled as a rhythmic gymnast, competing internationally and placing fifth in the U.S. Olympic trials in 1992. Her passion for the arts led her to attend the Hamilton Academy of Music, where she honed her skills in music, dance, piano, and viola.

Career

Bachar's career began in 1993 when she started working as a dancer in television commercials and films. In 1995, she joined the Pussycat Dolls, a burlesque dance troupe that transitioned into a successful pop music group. As part of the Dolls, she performed alongside notable artists and contributed to their chart-topping hits like "Don't Cha" and "Buttons." Bachar was the only original member to remain in the final lineup of the group, which achieved global fame with their debut album, "PCD," released in 2005. Her extensive dance background also saw her touring with major artists such as Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, and Ricky Martin.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

In 2008, Bachar married Kevin Whitaker, and they welcomed their daughter, Keala Rose, in 2011. Passionate about giving back, she aims to establish a non-profit organization called "Smile With Me" to support individuals born with cleft palates, inspired by her own experiences. As an ambassador for "Operation Smile," she has actively participated in missions to improve the lives of children with facial deformities, emphasizing the importance of inner beauty over physical appearance.