Michael Flatley

Michael Flatley
Flatley on stage, 2009
Born
Michael Ryan Flatley

(1958-07-16) July 16, 1958 (age 68)
OccupationIrish dancer
Years active1969–2016 (dancing)
1971–present (music)
Known forRiverdance (1994–2016)
Lord of the Dance (1996–2022)
Feet of Flames (1998–2001)
Celtic Tiger Live (2004–2007)
Spouses
  • Beata Dziąba
    ​
    ​
    (m. 1986; div. 1997)​
  • Niamh O'Brien
    ​
    (m. 2006)​
Children1
Websitewww.michaelflatley.com

Michael Ryan Flatley (born July 16, 1958) is an Irish-American dancer. He became known for Irish dance shows Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, Feet of Flames, and Celtic Tiger Live.

In 2003, Flatley was treated for a malignant melanoma. In January 2023, Flatley announced that he had surgery for "an aggressive form of cancer".

In July 2025, Flatley announced his candidacy for President of Ireland in the 2025 presidential election. He dropped out of the race in September 2025.

References

  1. ↑ Johnson, Lawrence A. (2001-06-15). "Former Chicago Plumber Brings His Remarkable Feat Back Home". The Chicago Tribune. p. 5-2. Born Michael Ryan Flatley July 16, 1958 to parents who emigrated from Ireland a decade earlier, Michael began dance lessons at age 4, taught by his grandmother, a champion Irish dancer.
  2. ↑ Shaikh, Thair (November 16, 2006). "'Riverdance' star Flatley seriously ill in hospital". The Independent. Archived from the original on May 12, 2022.
  3. ↑ Evans, Connie (11 January 2023). "Michael Flatley diagnosed with 'aggressive form of cancer'". Evening Standard. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  4. ↑ "Michael Flatley has surgery after 'aggressive cancer' diagnosis". RTE. 11 January 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  5. ↑ Ní Aodha, Gráinne (25 July 2025). "Michael Flatley to make bid for Irish presidency, court told". The Irish Independent. Retrieved 25 July 2025.