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Michael Flatley: Photos Of The ‘Riverdance’ Creator

By:
January 12, 2023 9:47AM EST

He is the ‘Lord of the Dance,’ who rose to fame with his fast-flying feet in ‘Riverdance.’ He is Michael Flatley, so take a look at this renowned dancer.

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Michael Flatley: Photos

Michael Flatley: Photos
Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock

Michael Flatley is the true ‘lord of the dance,’ no matter what anyone else says. Born in Chicago to Irish-American parents, Michael gained international success in Ireland during the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest. Performing a seven-minute dance routine focused on Ireland’s step-dancing tradition, Flatley was thrust into the spotlight and soon became synonymous with dance, thanks to the ‘Riverdance’ production.

A smash-hit on stages and on home video, ‘Riverdance’ transformed Michael Flatley from a dancer to a star. He would continue his rise to fame in subsequent shows like ‘Lord of the Dance’ and ‘Celtic Tiger,’ before retiring in 2016 due to a variety of ongoing physical issues. Despite him hanging up his tap dancing shoes, Michael remained involved in the art that he loved, producing and directing shows.

Sadly, in 2023, he announced that he was battling an “aggressive form of cancer,” and had undergone surgery to combat the disease. 

We’re in awe of Michael Flatley’s career. Look back at his best photos here.

January 12, 2023, 8:53AM
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Michael Flatley Flies

Michael Flatley Flies
Marc O'sullivan/Shutterstock

Michael Flatley at Diggs Lane dance studio, Dublin, Ireland, during rehearsals for Riverdance. He would soon become a superstar beyond his wildest dreams. 

January 12, 2023, 8:53AM
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Micheal Flatley Poses

Micheal Flatley Poses
Shutterstock

Michael Flatley poses in 2005. Here, he attends a photocall for his production, Celtic Tiger. At this point, he’d already been crowned Lord of the Dance. 

January 12, 2023, 8:53AM
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Michael Flatley In ‘Riverdance’

Michael Flatley In ‘Riverdance’
David Fisher/Shutterstock

This is how many remember Michael Flatley: the svelt, shirtless heartthrob of Riverdance.

January 12, 2023, 8:53AM
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Michael Flatley Relaxes

Michael Flatley Relaxes
Marc O'sullivan/Shutterstock

Michael Flatley pictured in Diggs Lane dance studio, Dublin, Ireland. This was during rehearsals ahead of Riverdance.

January 12, 2023, 8:53AM
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Michael Flatley In 1996

Michael Flatley In 1996
Shutterstock

Michael Flatley. He is Lord of the Dance. 

January 12, 2023, 8:53AM
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Micheal Flatley In 1997

Micheal Flatley In 1997
Mike Lawn/Shutterstock

Michael Flatley strikes a pose in 1997. The man knows how to create a sihoulette. 

January 12, 2023, 8:53AM