The Amazing Race Wiki
Register
Advertisement


Charla Baklayan Faddoul and Mirna Hindoyan are a team of Cousins on The Amazing Race 5 and The Amazing Race: All-Stars.

As the show's first disabled contestant in The Amazing Race 5, Charla aimed to break stereotypes about little people, with the two managing to make up for what they lacked in physical strength through their expert handling of airports. The pair also became known for their outspoken nature, getting them into feuds with Colin & Christie and Marshall & Lance. Their rivalry with Colin & Christie reached an explosive high in the seventh leg, with the two teams scrambling to get them and their allies the better flight into Kenya. Though the cousins initially seemed to win, their flight was delayed, putting them and Linda & Karen on the last charter flight into Tanzania, causing them to fall behind and finishing in 6th.

They later returned in All-Stars, with their aggressive personalities and tactics again resulting in them clashing with several teams such as Rob & Amber, Teri & Ian, and Dustin & Kandice at various points throughout the race, though also forming a strong working relationship with Oswald & Danny. Although they started off slowly, they eventually hit their stride come the fifth leg, winning back-to-back legs and frequently getting ahead of their competitors through their renowned skill with airports. Despite acknowledging being hampered by Charla's physical limitations at various tasks, they nevertheless made it to the final three, although they were unable to finish the final task within the time limit, resulting in them finishing in 3rd place.

Profile[]

Bio[]

Charla & Mirna are first cousins from Phoenix and Towson, Maryland, respectively. Both were born in the same hospital in Syria, one month apart. They emigrated to the United States when they were young children. Charla & Mirna know that physically they are quite different, but say they "fill each other's gaps with strengths and weaknesses."

Charla says she is married to the man of her dreams and is manager/co-owner of ten sportswear stores. She has a form of dwarfism and says she "certainly does not consider it a physical illness." In fact, she says she hopes "to show the world what I can do and break all stereotypes about dwarfs!"

Mirna is an attorney who graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law at age 23, the youngest in her class. While she describes herself as "sometimes too bossy and controlling," she blows off steam by doing some favorite activities such as running and cycling. Mirna also claims to be a frequent winner at blackjack tournaments.

Charla & Mirna describe themselves as "a unique team, definitely one of a kind, extremely comical and aggressive" and are excited about competing in THE AMAZING RACE 5 so that they can travel around the world and win.[1]

Before the Race[]

When and where did you meet?

  • Charla: We are cousins; we were born one month apart in the same hospital in Aleppo, Syria.
  • Mirna: Our moms are sisters, and we were born on the same day one month apart.

If you could describe your relationship in one phrase or sentence, what would it be?

  • Charla: We are full of laughter and always having fun.
  • Mirna: Sister-like, full of fun and energy.

Have you ever traveled together before? If so, what were the best and worst aspects of traveling together?

  • Charla: Yes, we traveled together many times, and we always have the best time because we bring excitement and laughter everywhere we go and to all the people we meet.
  • Mirna: Yes, we have traveled together. The best aspect is that we meet and greet new and exciting people and create laughter and joy. The worst aspect: the fun always ends too soon.

Why did you decide to team up for THE AMAZING RACE?

  • Charla: We both love the show, love to travel and love excitement.
  • Mirna: Traveling is our number one hobby. We balance each other's strengths and weaknesses, and together we make one heck of a dynamic duo.

As you begin the Race, how do you think this experience will affect your relationship?

  • Charla: This experience will make our relationship even stronger because we will have to depend on each other and trust one another, which will form a special bond with great memories to share for a lifetime.
  • Mirna: The Race will strengthen our relationship and bond, as we are forced to work together under such intense conditions.

What strengths and weaknesses do you bring to the Team?

  • Charla: I'm always willing to do anything fearlessly to accomplish my goals, but of course, nothing immoral or hurtful against anybody. My weakness is that I will not be able to run as fast as other people on the Race.
  • Mirna: I'm determined, motivated and will work without eating or sleeping to ensure victory. And I'm a fast runner. I learned how to drive a manual transmission car just before the Race began.

What strengths and weaknesses does your teammate bring to the Team?

  • Charla: Mirna's strength is having the physical strength to do any task, especially using her strong arms or fast legs. Mirna's weakness is that she's sometimes overly analytical.
  • Mirna: Charla is just as determined and motivated as me, and mentally, she is strong enough to eat any odd food. She is not as fast a runner, but will surely make up for it in other ways.[2]

The inspirational cousins from Season 5 are back for another trip around the world. Charla and Mirna have both made numerous television appearances since their time on Race and are eager to capture America's heart once again. Both are now married and ready to start a family.

A highly competitive team during their season, Charla, who stands at 4 feet tall, describes herself as dedicated, passionate and driven to succeed. Mirna describes herself as hard working, a leader, but with a comical side. Her greatest achievement is obtaining her Juris Doctorate at age 23.

Charla proved just how strong she was when she threw a 50 pound slab of meat over her shoulder and helped carry it a quarter of a mile in order to complete a challenge with Mirna. Growing up together taught them how to work well with each other. Both are well traveled and speak several languages.

This motivated duo is proud of the way they played the game last time around and are eager for another opportunity to win the $1 million prize.[3]

The Amazing Race 5[]

Race History[]

Charla & Mirna's Race History
Episode Leg Destination(s) Detour Choice
(underlined)
Roadblock
Performer
Placement Notes
1 1 United States → Uruguay Zips / Chips No Roadblock 5 of 11
2 2 Uruguay → Argentina Perro / Tango Mirna 2 of 10
3 3 Argentina Smooth Sailing / Rough Riding Charla 2 of 9
4 4 Argentina → Russia Block 5 Shots / Drink 1 Shot Charla 4 of 8
5 5 Russia → Egypt Rock & Roll / Hump & Ride Charla 2 of 7
6 6 Egypt Herd It / Haul It Mirna 5 of 7
7 7 Egypt → Kenya → Tanzania Buzzing / Busy Charla 6 of 6
Average 3.71
Legend:
     The team finished in first place
     The team finished in last place and was eliminated from the race
     The team finished in last place in a non-elimination leg
     The team that won The Amazing Race
     The team that crossed the Finish Line second
     The team that crossed the Finish Line third
The team used the Fast Forward pass
> The team used the Yield
< Recipient of the Yield

The Amazing Race: All-Stars[]

Race History[]

Charla & Mirna's Race History
Episode Leg Destination(s) Detour Choice
(underlined)
Roadblock
Performer
Placement Notes
1 1 United States → Ecuador Wrangle It / Recover It No Roadblock 8 of 11
2 2 Ecuador → Chile By Hand / By Machine Charla 8 of 10
3 3 Chile Vertical Limit / River Wild Mirna 8 of 9
4 4 Chile → Argentina Navigate It / Sign It Mirna 7 of 8
5 5 Argentina → Mozambique Pamper / Porter Charla 1 of 7
6 6 Mozambique → Tanzania Solve It / Schlep It Mirna 1 of 7
7 7 Tanzania → Poland Perfect Pitch / Perfect Angle Mirna 4 of 6 [1]
8 8 Poland Eat It Up / Roll It Out Charla 4 of 6
9 9 Poland → Malaysia Artistic Expression / Cookie Confection Mirna 2 of 5
10 10 Malaysia → Hong Kong Kung Fu Fighting / Lost in Translation Charla 3 of 4
11 11 Hong Kong → Macau Noodle / Dragon Charla 2 of 4
12 12 Macau → Guam Care Package / Engine Care Charla 3 of 4
13 13 Guam → United States Under / Over Mirna 3 of 3 [2]
Average 4.15
Legend:
     The team finished in first place
     The team finished in last place and was eliminated from the race
     The team finished in last place in a non-elimination leg
     The team that won The Amazing Race
     The team that crossed the Finish Line second
     The team that crossed the Finish Line third
The team used the Fast Forward pass
> The team used the Yield
< Recipient of the Yield

Notes:
1: Leg 7 had an unaired Roadblock. Mirna performed the Roadblock as Charla was shown to have completed the maximum of six Roadblocks by the end of Leg 12.
2: Leg 13 also had an unaired Roadblock. Mirna is seen in pictures on the CBS website performing the task.

Post-Race[]

  • Charla & Mirna competed on Battle of the Network Reality Stars in 2005. Mirna was voted out in the fourth episode, Charla was moved to the Red Team in the first episode, volunteered in the second episode, and Mirna returned as a Underdog in the fourth episode and won the final challenge.
  • Charla & Mirna later appeared in the tenth season premiere of the sketch comedy series MADtv for a parody of The Amazing Race, titled "The Amazing Presidential Race."
  • Charla is married and has one daughter. She also moved to Phoenix, Maryland with her husband, David Faddoul.
  • Mirna is married and gave birth to twins, Ava Marie Patricia and Michael Leo, on November 22, 2014.
  • Charla appeared in the FYI special, Flipping Baltimore – Charla's Big Deal, which chronicled a 30-day house flip she was working on in her hometown.[4][5]

Trivia[]

Franchise Records[]

  • Charla & Mirna are the first team of cousins.
  • First Asian-American team to compete.
    • They are also the first Middle Eastern American team to compete.
  • Charla is the first dwarf contestant.
    • She is currently the only female dwarf contestant to compete.
      • She is also the first disability contestant overall in The Amazing Race.
  • First team to be eliminated in Tanzania.
  • First team to win their first leg on their second attempt on the race.
  • Lowest average placing all-female team who two legs won in a season at 4.15.
  • The first team to have a higher placement, but lower average placement in their second season.

External links[]


Interviews[]

The Amazing Race 5[]

  • Ann Oldenburg at USA Today (07/26/2004): "Contestant Knows No Limit in Amazing Race run"
  • Rene Syler on The Early Show (08/18/2004): "Charla and Mirna Out But Proud"
  • Bill Keveney at USA TODAY (08/18/2004): "Late flight leaves Amazing Race duo a little short of goal
  • Ethan Alter at TV Guide Online (08/20/2004): "Race Breakouts Sound Off!"
  • Jessica Shaw at EW (09/03/2004): "Q&A with The Amazing Race's Charla and Mirna"
  • TARflies (10/27/2004): "Mingling with Mirna" (Parts 1 & 2)
  • TARflies (12/06/2004): "Chatting with Charla"

All-Stars[]

  • Sarah Kickler Kelber at The Baltimore Sun (05/07/2007): "Chance to travel drew pair back to Race"
  • Julie Chen on The Early Show (05/07/2007): "Eric and Danielle Get Their Money"
  • Christopher Rocchio at Reality TV World (05/09/2007): "INTERVIEW: Charla and Mirna dish about being Amazing underdogs"
  • Eric Goldman at IGN (05/10/2007): "Amazing Race: All-Stars Interview: Charla & Mirna"
  • Teeuwynn Woodruff on RealityNewsOnline (05/11/2007): ' "We're a Comedy Team, That's What We Do Best"

Social Media Profiles[]

References[]

The Amazing Race 5 Teams
S5 AlisonDonny
 Bob & Joyce
Internet Dating Couple
S5 BobJoyce
 Brandon & Nicole
Dating Models
S5 BrandonNicole
 Charla & Mirna
Cousins
S5 CharlaMirna
 Chip & Kim
Married Parents
S5 ChipKim
 Dennis & Erika
Once Engaged
S5 DennisErika
 Jim & Marsha
Military Dad and Daughter
S5 JimMarsha
S5 KamiKarli
 Linda & Karen
Bowling Moms
S5 LindaKaren
S5 MarshallLance
The Amazing Race: All-Stars (2007) Teams
 Charla & Mirna
Cousins
S11 CharlaMirna
 David & Mary
Coalminer and Wife
S11 DavidMary
 Dustin & Kandice
Beauty Queens
S11 DustinKandice
S11 EricDanielle
 Joe & Bill
Life Partners
S11 JoeBill
 John Vito & Jill
Formerly Dating
S11 JohnVitoJill
 Kevin & Drew
Lifelong Friends
S11 KevinDrew
 Oswald & Danny
Best Friends
S11 OswaldDanny
 Rob & Amber
Newlyweds
S11 RobAmber
 Teri & Ian
Married Parents
S11 TeriIan
S11 UchennaJoyce
Advertisement