Michael Flatley: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia
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{{short description|Irish-American step dancer}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2022}}
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{{Infobox person
| image = Flatley alone cropped.jpg
| caption = Flatley on stage, 20102009
| name = Michael Flatley
| birth_name = Michael Ryan Flatley
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=y|1958|07|16}}
| birth_place = <!-- The commonly cited Chicago birthplace is disputed; please "Birthplace" section of see talk page before modifying. -->
| birth_place =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| years_active = 1969–2016 <small>(dancing)</small><br />1971–present <small>(music)</small>
| occupation = [[Irish dance]]r, musician, businessmanDancer
| known = ''[[Riverdance]] <small>(1994–2016)</small>''<br />''[[Lord of the Dance (musical)|Lord of the Dance]] <small>(1996–2022)</small>''<br />''[[Feet of Flames]] <small>(1998–2001)</small>''<br />''[[Celtic Tiger Live]] <small>(2004–2007)</small>''
| children = 1
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| website = {{URL|https://www.michaelflatley.com/}}
}}
'''Michael Ryan Flatley''' (born July 16, 1958)<ref>{{cite news |last=Johnson |first=Lawrence A. |date=2001-06-15 |title=Former Chicago Plumber Brings His Remarkable Feat Back Home |work=[[The Chicago Tribune]] |quote=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.|page=5-2}}</ref> is an Irish-American dancer and [[musician]]. He became known for creating and performing in [[Irish dance]] shows ''[[Riverdance]]'', ''[[Lord of the Dance (musical)|Lord of the Dance]]'', ''[[Feet of Flames]]'', ''[[Celtic Tiger Live]]'' and ''Michael Flatley's Christmas Dance Spectacular''. Flatley's shows have played to more than 60 million people in 60 countries and have grossed more than $1 billion.<ref name=halloffame/> HisHe careerhas also includes work asbeen an actor, writer, director, producer, musician, and philanthropist.
Flatley is credited with reinventing traditional Irish dance by incorporating new rhythms, syncopation, and upper body movements, which were previously absent from the dance, as well as including influences from tap and contemporary dance. He formerly held the [[Guinness World Record]] for tap dancing 35 times per second and his feet were at one time insured for $57.6 million. Flatley retired from dance in 2016 due to constant spinal, knee, foot, and rib pain.<ref name=retire>{{cite news | url=https://www.irishcentral.com/culture/entertainment/michael-flatley-lord-of-the-dance-has-retired | title=Lord of the Dance Michael Flatley in his farewell performance | work=Irish Central | date=March 18, 2016}}</ref> In January 2023, it was reported that he was being treated for "an aggressive cancer".
==Early life==
Michael Ryan Flatley was born on July 16, 1958, the second of five children born to Irish parents Michael James Flatley and Elisabeth "Eilish" Flatley (''née'' Ryan), both of whom had emigrated to the United States in 1947.<ref>{{cite news |last=Vaisvilas |first=Frank |date=2015-03-16 |title=Iconic Dancer's Father Dies at 87 |url= |work=[[Daily Southtown]] |page=3 |quote=Michael James Flatley...father of step-dancing icon Michael Flatley...}}</ref><ref name="autob" mystory/> Michael was a plumber from [[County Sligo]], and Eilish was a gifted [[step dance]]r from [[County Carlow]] whose mother, Hannah Ryan, was a champion dancer.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics2016/6/24/18463134/michael-flatley-sr-father-to-lord-of-the-dance-founded-suburban-plumbing-business/ | title=Michael Flatley Sr., father to 'Lord of the Dance,' founded suburban plumbing business | first=Maureen | last=O'Donnell | work=[[Chicago Sun Times]] | date=June 24, 2016}}</ref> Michael and Eilish met at an Irish dance in [[Detroit]],<ref name="birth">{{Cite web |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2016/12/31/18389144/elizabeth-flatley-81-mom-of-famed-irish-dancer-michael-flatley |title=Elizabeth Flatley Obituary |websitework=chicago.suntimes.com[[Chicago Sun Times]] |date=December 31, 2016 |language=en|access-date=March 27, 2022}}</ref> and were married in that city on August 25, 1956.<ref name="autob"mystory>{{cite book |title=Lord of the Dance: My Story | first1=Michael | last1=Flatley | first2=Douglas | last2=Thompson | publisher=Sidgwick & Jackson | location=London | year=2006 | page=15 | isbn=978-0-283-07042-6}}</ref> They eventually had five children: Anne-Marie, Michael, Eliza, Thomasina, and Patrick.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/michael-flatley-left-devastated-after-5334715 | title=Michael Flatley left devastated after death of his beloved father | first=Sarah | last=Slater | work=[[Daily Mirror|The Mirror]] | date=March 14, 2015}}</ref> When Michael was two months old, the family moved from Detroit to [[South Side, Chicago|Chicago's South Side]].<ref name="autob" mystory/>
In Chicago, Flatley began dance lessons at age eleven with Dennis G. Dennehy at the Dennehy School of Irish Dance.<ref>{{cite news | last1=Giangrasse Kates | first1=Joan | title=Dennis G. Dennehy, 1939–2013 | url=httphttps://articleswww.chicagotribune.com/2013-/01-/20/news/ct-met-dennis-dennehy-obit-20130120_1_irish-danceg-dennehy-school1939-michael-flatley2013/ | work=[[Chicago Tribune]] | date=January 20, 2013}}</ref> He attended [[Brother Rice High School (Chicago)|Brother Rice High School]], an all-boys Catholic private school.<ref name="autob" mystory/> In 1975, at age 17, Flatley was the first American to win a World Irish Dance title at [[Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne]], the Irish dancing championships.<ref>{{cite news | url=httphttps://www.irishamerica.com/2009/06/the-world-of-irish-dance/ | title=The World of Irish Dance | first=Tara | last=Dougherty | work=[[Irish America (magazine)|Irish America]] | date=June 2009}}</ref> In 1975 and 1976, Flatley won twice in the All-Ireland [[Fleadh Cheoil]] concert flute competitions.<ref name="LODMS">{{cite book | title=Lord of the Dance: My Story | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MPK36izpagsC | first1=Michael | last1=Flatley | first2=Douglas | last2=Thompson | publisher=Pan Macmillan | location=London | year=2006 | pages=1–8 | isbn=9780330445405}}</ref>
In the 1970s, Flatley competed in the [[amateur boxing]] [[Chicago Golden Gloves]] tournament in the 126 pound novice division and won the middleweight division of the Chicago Golden Gloves Boxing Championship. He recorded five knock-out victories. Flatley stated that he continued to flirt with the idea of becoming a professional into the early 1980s, but ultimately stayed with a career in dance. In this early stage of his career he was described as "the white [[Michael Jackson]]" by ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', the "[[Rudolph Nureyev]] of Irish dance" by the ''[[Los Angeles Herald-Examiner]]'', and the ''[[Washington Post]]'' compared his feet to "the hands of [[Vladimir Horowitz]] in power and agility".<ref name=Prescott>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1985-12-08-8503240974-story.html |title=Michael Flatley Is Fast Becoming a Stepping Legend |work=[[The Chicago Tribune]] |last=Prescott |first=David |date=1985-12-08}}</ref> He later became a philanthropic donor to the Golden Gloves organization.<ref>{{Cite webnews | url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2005-11-17-0511170222-story.html| title=Flatley gives $10,000 to Golden Gloves |website work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=November 17, 2005 }}</ref> In 2023 Flatley was one of four fighters to be named a Titan of Chicago Golden Gloves Boxing during their 100th Anniversary celebrations.<ref name=Timl />
==Career==
===Early career===
After graduating high school, Flatley worked in various fields, including as a stockbroker, a blackjack gambler, and a flautist.<ref name=flat>{{cite news | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/lord-of-dance-appears-to-fall-flat-on-his-ego-1.205685 | title=Lord of dance appears to fall flat on his ego | work=[[Irish Times]] | date=October 21, 1998}}</ref> From 1978 to 1979, Flatley toured with [[Green Fields of America]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/how-one-impromptu-jam-session-spawned-irish-american-music-revival-180968512/ | title=How One Impromptu Jam Session Spawned a Sweeping Irish-American Music Revival | first=Mick | last=Moloney | work=[[Smithsonian (magazine)|Smithsonian]] | date=March 16, 2018}}</ref> In the 1980s, he toured with [[The Chieftains]], though he was turned down when he requested to become a full-time member of the band.<ref name=flat/>
===''Riverdance''===
After attracting the attention of Ireland's president, [[Mary Robinson]], and dance-show producers, Flatley was invited to help create an intermission show for the [[Eurovision Song Contest 1994|1994 Eurovision Song Contest]]. He performed in a 7-minute show titled "[[Riverdance (song)|Riverdance]]" for the interval act of the contest, which was held in Ireland.<ref name="auto1"Riverdance>{{cite web |title=Riverdance Scenes |url=https://riverdance.com/the-show/scenes/ |website=Riverdance The Original and Best |access-date=March 23, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michael-Flatley|title=Michael Flatley {{!}} American dancer|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en|access-date=April 24, 2020}}</ref> After receiving worldwide acclaim, Flatley pushed to turn the show into a full-length production, which became ''[[Riverdance]]''. The show was produced by [[Moya Doherty]], with principal choreography by Flatley and lead performances by Flatley and [[Jean Butler]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0136491/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast|titlename=Riverdance: The Show - IMDB|website=IMDB|access-date=March 23, 2020}}</ref><ref name="auto1"/> It debuted in February of 1995 at the [[Point Theatre]] in Dublin.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/12/entertainment/michael-flatley-cancer-intl-scli/index.html |publisher work=[[CNN]] |title=Dancer Michael Flatley diagnosed with 'aggressive' form of cancer |author first=Issy | last=Ronald |date=January 12, 2023}}</ref>
In September 1995, after the show sold out, Flatley left ''Riverdance'' to pursue what would eventually become ''Lord of the Dance''. Flatley had been in a dispute with the ''Riverdance'' producers over his salary and royalty fees. He was fired the night before the show was set to begin its second run in London<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/flatley-s-riverdance-court-action-is-settled-1.219662 |title=Flatley's 'Riverdance' court action is settled |first=Jim |last=Dunne | newspaper=The Irish Times}}</ref> and replaced with [[Colin Dunne]].<ref>{{cite news | url=httphttps://articleswww.baltimoresun.com/1997-/05-/27/features/1997147100_1_michaellord-flatley-riverdanceof-lord-of-the-dance-gives-his-side-of-the-story/ | title=Lord of 'Lord of the Dance' gives his side of the story | first=Patti | last=Hartigan | work=[[Baltimore Sun]] | date=May 27, 1997}}</ref> He also reportedly did not work well with Butler,<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/theatre/502446/Riverdance-Queen-Jean-Butler-explains-why-she-left-the-limelight | title=What became of the Riverdance Queen? Jean Butler explains why she left the limelight | last=Warren | first=Jane | work=[[Daily Express]] | date=August 23, 2014}}</ref><ref name=flat/> though on the split, Flatley said, "I just wanted control over the work that I had created myself. That's all. I don't think that that's too much to ask. I felt like I built it and they took it, and that's the end of it... and it hurt."<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/q1hZkbPNCD8 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20171020000617/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1hZkbPNCD8&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1hZkbPNCD8| title = The Making of Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance: Part 1 | website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Flatley paid approximately £1 million to settle a wrongful termination lawsuit from his former manager, [[John Reid (music manager)|John Reid]].<ref name=flat/>
===''Lord of the Dance'' and ''Feet of Flames''===
Immediately afterAfter the Riverdance split, Flatley decided to createcreated his own show, ''[[Lord of the Dance (musical)|Lord of the Dance]]'', which was capable of playing in arenas and stadiums aside from traditional theaters. It premiered in June 1996 at the Point Theatre (now [[3Arena]]) in Dublin, the same venue where Riverdance premiered, then made its U.K. premiere at the [[London Coliseum]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.lordofthedance.com/the-show/michael-flatley/ | title=Lord of the Dance: MICHAEL FLATLEY}}</ref> The music for the show was composed by [[Ronan Hardiman]]. In 1997, Flatley earned £36 million, rankingmaking him 25th among the world's 25th-highest earning entertainersentertainer in the world.<ref name=flat/>
In 1998, Flatley created an expanded version of the show called ''[[Feet of Flames]]'' which served as its one-off performance and his final performance in Lord of the Dance. It was performed outdoors in the [[Rotten Row]]/Route of Kings<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.irishamerica.com/honoree/michael-flatley/ |title=Michael Flatley |date=January 2011 }}</ref> area of [[Hyde Park, London]] on a gigantic 4-tier hydraulic stage, with a live band, and over 100 dancers performing on all four levels of the stage during the finale. Ronan Hardiman's music from the original Lord of the Dance was used again, along with new compositions, also by Hardimanof himselfhis.<ref>{{cite web | title=Feet Of Flames | url=httphttps://www.ronanhardiman.com/projects/feet-of-flames/}}</ref> The show featuredhad six new numbers;, one of which is Flatley's solo.
Following the success of the 1998 Hyde Park show, Flatley produced another version of ''Feet of Flames'' in 1999, which included half of the original show and half new material. Titled ''Feet of Flames: The Victory World Tour'', the show was performed also on a multi-level stage and toured Europe in 2000 and the U.S. in 2001.<ref name=retire/>
===''Celtic Tiger''===
Flatley's next show, ''[[Celtic Tiger Live]]'', opened in July 2005. The show explores the history of the Irish people and Irish emigration to the U.S., fusing a wide range of dance styles, including jazz. The show also includes popular elements from his previous shows, such as Flatley's flute solos and the line of dancers in the finale.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://variety.com/2006/legit/reviews/celtic-tiger-1200516576/ | title=Review: 'Celtic Tiger' | first=Karen | last=Fricker | work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date=May 2, 2006}}</ref>
Flatley wrote "I will be a dancer until the day I die" in the program book of the show.<ref>{{cite news | url=httphttps://www.pressreader.com/ireland/sunday-independent-ireland/20061119/281698315250530 | title=He's a whirlwind on stage but the Lord of the Dance is human after all | work=[[Sunday Independent (Ireland)]] | date=November 19, 2006}}</ref>
On November 15, 2006, prior to the autumn andplanned winterEuropean toursperformances of the show, Flatley was admitted to a private London hospital with a viral infection.<ref>{{cite news|last=Castle|first=Tim|date=November 16, 2006|title="Celtic" dancer Flatley in hospital, cancels tour|work=[[Reuters]]|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/people-flatley-dc/celtic-dancer-flatley-in-hospital-cancels-tour-idUSL1650524820061116 |title='Celtic' dancer Flatley in hospital, cancels tour |work=[[Reuters]] |last=Castle |first=Tim | date=November 16, 2006}}</ref> He was discharged two weeks later, andbut cancelled the said tour.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/lord-of-the-dance-star-flatley-leaves-hospital-7213562.html | title=Lord of the Dance star Flatley leaves hospital | work=[[London Evening Standard]] | date=November 18, 2006}}</ref>
===Television performances (2007–2009)===
[[File:Lord of the Dance - 06 Cry Of The Celts, The Lord of the Dance.JPG|alt=Flately dancing|thumb|A ''Lord of the Dance'' performance in 2008]]
In November 2007, Flatley and a troupe of male dancers performed on ''[[Dancing with the Stars]]'' in the U.S.<ref>{{cite news | url=httphttps://www.ocregister.com/2007/11/16/former-riverdance-star-michael-flatley-to-perform-on-dancing-with-the-stars/ | title=Former 'Riverdance' star Michael Flatley to perform on 'Dancing With the Stars' | work=[[The Orange County Register]] | date=November 16, 2007}}</ref> In October 2008, he appeared as a guest judge on an episode of the show, filling in for [[Len Goodman]]. He performed the solo "Capone" from ''Celtic Tiger'' on the show. Flatley was also the host of ''[[Superstars of Dance]]'', an [[NBC]] series that ran for 5 episodes in early 2009. He also performed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, during the 1997 Academy Awards ceremony, and was interviewed on Piers Morgan's Life Stories in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Romano |first1=Nick |date=November 14, 2015 |title=See 'Lord of the Dance' Michael Flatley take over Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show' |url=https://ew.com/article/2015/11/14/stephen-colbert-michael-flatley-late-show/ |website=EW.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/02/1997-oscars-recap |title=Recapping the 1997 Academy Awards |date=February 23, 2017 |magazine=Vanity Fair}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/programme/b-7ad108/piers-morgans-life-stories-season-6/ |title=Piers Morgan's Life Stories Season 6 |website=Radio Times}}</ref>
===Return to the stage (2009–2010)===
In December 2009, Flatley returned to the stage for a limited run of the "Hyde Park" version of ''Feet of Flames'' in [[Taiwan]]. The run of shows had to be extended to meet the demand for tickets.<ref name=smashes>{{cite press release | url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20091221005304/en/Michael-Flatley-Smashes-Box-Office-Records-Taiwan | title=Michael Flatley Smashes Box Office Records in Taiwan | publisher=[[Business Wire]] | date=December 21, 2009}}</ref>
In 2010, he returned to headline the ''Lord of the Dance'' show, with performances in arenas in the [[EnglandUnited Kingdom]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]], [[Germany]], [[Switzerland]], and [[Austria]].<ref>{{cite news | url=httphttps://latimesblogswww.latimes.com/culturemonsterarchives/2010blogs/culture-monster-blog/story/2010-04-22/michael-flatley-returning-to-lord-of-the-dance.html | title=Michael Flatley returning to 'Lord of the Dance' | first=David | last=Ng | work=[[Los Angeles Times]] | date=April 22, 2010}}</ref> However, unlike the original show, the stage for the 2010 Return Tour was redesigned; it featured new sets, new costumes, state-of-the-art lighting, newer [[pyrotechnics]], and projections.
''Lord of the Dance 3D'', the [[3D film]] of the return tour, debuted in theaters worldwide in 2011.<ref name=3D>{{cite web | title=Lord of the Dance in 3D | url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1792584/ | website=[[IMDb]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118028650 | work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | first=Gordon | last=Cox | title='Lord' dances to screens in 3D | date=December 8, 2010}}</ref> The 3D film was later released on DVD and [[Blu-ray]] under the title, ''Michael Flatley Returns as Lord of the Dance'', and shows performances from the O2 Arenas of London, Dublin, and Berlin.<ref name=3D/>
===Flute album (2011)===
In 2011, Flatley released ''On A Different Note'', a flute album.<ref>{{cite news | last=Harty | first=Patricia | title=What Are You Like? Michael Flatley: The Last Dance | url=httphttps://www.irishamerica.com/2015/12/what-are-you-like-michael-flatley-the-last-dance-2/ | work=[[Irish America (magazine)|Irish America]] | date=December 2015}}</ref> The 25 tracks include airs and tunes he has played in his shows, other traditional tunes, and new compositions.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.upi.com/Flatleys-first-flute-CD-released/19571300136450/ | title=Flatley's first flute CD released | work=[[United Press International]] | date=March 14, 2011}}</ref>
===''A Night to Remember, Dangerous Games''===
On May 18, 2014, Flatley recorded a one-off 60 minute [[ITV Music Specials]] episode titled ''Michael Flatley: A Night to Remember'' celebrating his long career. The show aired on June 1, 2014, and was presented by [[Christine Bleakley]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://entertainment.ie/tv-highlight/Michael-Flatley-A-Night-to-Remember/264260.htm | title=Michael Flatley: A Night to Remember | publisher=[[entertainment.ie]] | date=June 1, 2014}}</ref>
Also in the same year, Flatley created a revised spin-off of Lord of the Dance, entitled ''Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games'', which featured a similar storyline with new numbers, as well as new music by Gerard Fahy, who previously served as a bandleader and musical director in Flatley's shows.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/12/arts/dance/michael-flatley-lord-of-the-dance-dangerous-games-review.html | title=Review: Michael Flatley's New Show Has Unicorns, Rainbows and Some Footwork, Too |first=Brian |last=Seibert |newspaper work=[[The New York Times]] |date=November 11, 2015 | url-access=limited}}</ref>
===Injuries, farewell tour, and retirement===
In May 2015, Flatley revealed that much of his [[vertebral column]] was irreparably damaged and that he had a damaged left knee, a torn right calf/[[triceps surae muscle]], two ruptured [[Achilles tendon]]s, a fractured [[rib]], and a recurring broken bone in his [[foot]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/cancer-spurred-michael-flatley-to-take-stock-of-life-340866.html | title=Cancer spurred Michael Flatley to take stock of life | first=Linda | last=McGrory | work=[[Irish Examiner]] | date=July 6, 2015}}</ref> That year, a caricature of him was hung in the Sardi's restaurant on Broadway.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hollywood.com/general/michael-flatley-thrilled-by-sardis-restaurant-honour-60503278| title=Michael Flatley thrilled by Sardi's restaurant honour |date=December 11, 2015}}</ref>
In November 2015, Flatley's show ''Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games'' premiered at the [[Lyric Theatre (1998 New York City)|Lyric Theatre]], a [[Broadway theatre]]. Due to his injuries, Flatley was only able to perform in the final two numbers of the performance. After shows in New York, Flatley went on a final tour in the United States.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/12/arts/dance/michael-flatley-lord-of-the-dance-dangerous-games-review.html | title=Review: Michael Flatley's New Show Has Unicorns, Rainbows Too | work=[[The New York Times]] | date=November 15, 2015}}{{subscription required| url-access=limited}}</ref> What was then thought to be Flatley's last show was in [[Las Vegas]] on [[St. Patrick's Day]] 2016.<ref name=retire/>
===Later work===
In January 2017, Flatley introduced his troupe for a performance at the [[inauguration of Donald Trump]] as president, to which he called it "a great honour".<ref>{{Cite webnews | url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/its-a-great-honour-michael-flatley-responds-to-trump-inauguration-invitation-35382606.html |title = 'It's a great honour' - Michael Flatley responds to Trump inauguration invitation | date=January 20, 2017 }}</ref> In 2021, he was involved withhelped the World Irish Dancing Championships, a competition that he won in 1975 - becoming the first American to do so -, to launch a new competition for freestyle dance. The competition attracted inover excess of 25002,500 entrants.<ref name=Timl />
==FilmmakingOther ventures==
In 2018, Flatley wrote, directed, financed and starred in ''[[Blackbird (2018 film)|Blackbird]]'', a [[spy fiction|spy film]] set in Barbados, Ireland and the UK.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/jul/06/michael-flatley-blackbird-film-self-financed-spy-thriller-what-you-need-to-know | title=Michael Flatley's self-financed spy thriller: what you need to know | first=Stuart | last=Heritage | work=[[The Guardian]] | date=July 6, 2018}}</ref> The film co-stars [[Patrick Bergin]] and [[Eric Roberts]]. ''Blackbird'' was scheduled to receive its world premiere in a private showing at the Raindance Film Festival in London, where Flatley was also a member of the Festival Jury.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.irishcentral.com/culture/entertainment/michael-flatley-blackbird-premieres-london | title=Michael Flatley's Blackbird Premieres in London}}</ref> As of November 2018 pre-production work had already begun on Flatley's second film, titled ''Dreamdance'', set in Hollywood at the outbreak of [[World War II]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://africa.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201810/15/WS5bc46ad7a310eff303282773.html | title=Flatley flies in new direction | first=Julian| last=Shea | work=[[China Daily]] | date=October 15, 2018}}</ref> ''Blackbird'' premiered August 2022 in the Light House Cinema in Dublin.<ref>{{Cite news |title='You can't listen to the naysayers': Michael Flatley in flying form at premiere of debut film |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/2022/08/31/lord-of-the-dance-turns-to-lord-of-the-spies-as-michael-flatley-hits-the-red-carpet-for-the-premiere-of-his-debut-film-blackbird/ |access-date=2022-09-01 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}</ref> It received a one star review from [[Peter Bradshaw]] in [[The Guardian]], and was described by [[Mark Kermode]] as “one of the worst films I've ever seen”.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/aug/31/blackbird-review-michael-flatleys-fabulously-bad-spy-tale-is-a-classic-of-egosploitation-cinema |last=Bradshaw |first=Peter | title=Blackbird review – Michael Flatley's fabulously bad spy tale is a classic of egosploitation cinema | work=[[The Guardian]] |date=August 31, 2022 | issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
Starting in the early 2010s, Flatley has used his choreographer dance moves to create artwork with his feet, by dancing upon paint splattered canvas. A series of paintings he created in the mid-2010s was based upon the Great Irish Famine. As of 2015, Flatley was second only to [[Jack Butler Yeats]] in terms of the auction price of paintings by Irish painters.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.irishamerica.com/2012/01/michael-flatley-tries-his-feet-at-painting/|title=Michael Flatley Tries his Feet at Painting | work=Irish America |date=January 26, 2012|website=Irish America}}</ref><ref>{{Cite webnews | url=httphttps://www.irishcentral.com/culture/entertainment/Michaelmichael-Flatleysflatleys-Irishirish-dancing-foot-paintings-sells-for-128k.html | title=The new Picasso? Michael Flatley's tapdanced paintings sell for $128k | work=Irish Central | date=April 22, 2015|website=IrishCentral.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/art-and-design/visual-art/michael-flatley-painting-danced-onto-canvas-expected-to-sell-for-30-000-1.2017780|title=Michael Flatley painting 'danced onto canvas' expected to sell for €30,000 |first=Michael |last=Parsons |newspaper=The Irish Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite webnews |url=https://news.artnet.com/art-world/michael-flatley-tops-irish-auction-292275 |title=Riverdance Michael Flatley Most Expensive Irish artist |first=Eileen |last=Kinsella | work=[[Artnet]] |date=April 27, 2015|website=Artnet News}}</ref>▼
it is considered a vanity project and was met with negative reviews.
Around this time he also founded the food and beverage company Castlehyde, named for his residential estate.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/new-product-development/michael-flatley-plans-castlehyde-food-drink-and-homeware-brand/657168.article| title=Michael Flatley plans Castlehyde food, drink and homeware brand |first=Niamh |last=Leonard-Bedwell2021-06-17T09:12:00+01:00Bedwell |website=The Grocer | date=17 June 2021}}</ref> His net worth was reportedly €301 million in 2019.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/irish-rich-list-2019-profiles-51-100-michael-flatley-worth-zdlb5wh9j |title=Irish Rich List 2019: profiles 51-100, featuring Michael Flatley | work=[[The Times]] |date=June 26, 2023 |via=www.thetimes.co.uk}}</ref>▼
==Painting==
▲Starting in the early 2010s, Flatley has used his choreographer dance moves to create artwork with his feet, by dancing upon paint splattered canvas. A series of paintings he created in the mid-2010s was based upon the Great Irish Famine. As of 2015, Flatley was second only to [[Jack Butler Yeats]] in terms of the auction price of paintings by Irish painters.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.irishamerica.com/2012/01/michael-flatley-tries-his-feet-at-painting/|title=Michael Flatley Tries his Feet at Painting|date=January 26, 2012|website=Irish America}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.irishcentral.com/culture/entertainment/Michael-Flatleys-Irish-dancing-foot-paintings-sells-for-128k.html|title=The new Picasso? Michael Flatley's tapdanced paintings sell for $128k|date=April 22, 2015|website=IrishCentral.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/art-and-design/visual-art/michael-flatley-painting-danced-onto-canvas-expected-to-sell-for-30-000-1.2017780|title=Michael Flatley painting 'danced onto canvas' expected to sell for €30,000|first=Michael|last=Parsons|newspaper=The Irish Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.artnet.com/art-world/michael-flatley-tops-irish-auction-292275|title=Riverdance Michael Flatley Most Expensive Irish artist|first=Eileen|last=Kinsella|date=April 27, 2015|website=Artnet News}}</ref>
==Business career==
▲Around this time he also founded the food and beverage company Castlehyde, named for his residential estate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/new-product-development/michael-flatley-plans-castlehyde-food-drink-and-homeware-brand/657168.article|title=Michael Flatley plans Castlehyde food, drink and homeware brand|first=Niamh|last=Leonard-Bedwell2021-06-17T09:12:00+01:00|website=The Grocer}}</ref> His net worth was reportedly €301 million in 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/irish-rich-list-2019-profiles-51-100-michael-flatley-worth-zdlb5wh9j|title=Irish Rich List 2019: profiles 51-100, featuring Michael Flatley|date=June 26, 2023 |via=www.thetimes.co.uk}}</ref>
==Awards and achievements==
[[File:Michael Flatley's feet.jpg|thumb|Flatley's feet at [[Wembley Square of Fame]]]]
In 1988, Flatley received a [[National Heritage Fellowship]], the highest folk-related honor awarded by the US [[National Endowment for the Arts]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.arts.gov/honors/heritage/year/1988michael-flatley | title=NEAMichael NationalFlatley Heritage Fellowships 1988 |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=n.d. |website=www.arts.gov |publisher=[[National Endowment for the Arts |access-date=December 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730005654/https://www.arts.gov/honors/heritage/year/1988 |archive-date=July 30, 2020 | url-status=dead]]}}</ref>
In December 2001, Flatley became the first recipient of the Irish Dancing Commission Fellowship award (an honorary degree in Irish dance), and was also made a Fellow of the American Irish Dance Teachers' Association.<ref name=history>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ujm2BQAAQBAJ&pg=PA306 |title=Irish Americans: The History and Culture of a People | first1=William E. | last1=Watson | first2=Eugene J. | last2=Halus Jr. | publisher=[[ABC-CLIO]] | pages=306 | date=2015 |isbn=9781610694674 }}</ref> In 2003 Flatley received a special award from Prince Rainier of Monaco for his charity work,<ref name=Indi>{{Cite webnews |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/lord-of-the-dance-michael-flatley-launches-charity-campaign-to-help-homeless-39824737.html | title=Lord of the Dance Michael Flatley launches charity campaign to help homeless |website work=independent[[Irish Independent]] | date=December 4, 2020 }}</ref> and in March 2003 ''[[Irish America (magazine)|Irish America]]'' magazine named Flatley Irish American of the Year. In 2004, Flatley received an honorary doctorate degree from [[University College Dublin]], and that same year received the prestigious [[Ellis Island Medal of Honor]] in New York.<ref>{{cite news | last=Downes | first=John | title=Michael Flatley and Charlie Bird among those honoured by UCD | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/michael-flatley-and-charlie-bird-among-those-honoured-by-ucd-1.1164677 | newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] | date=November 3, 2004}}</ref><ref name=history/> In 2016 he received an honorary degree from the [[University of Limerick]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://avondhupress.ie/michael-flatley-honoured-doctorate-university-limerick/ |title=Michael Flatley honoured with doctorate from University of Limerick | first=Eoin | last=Scanlon |date=May 7, 2016|website=The Avondhu Newspaper}}</ref>
In 2007, the ''Freedom of the City of Cork'' was conferred on Flatley at a ceremony in Cork's City Hall.<ref>{{cite news | last=Kelleher | first=Olivia |title=Freedom of Cork city conferred on Michael Flatley | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/freedom-of-cork-city-conferred-on-michael-flatley-1.1208840 | newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] | date=June 4, 2007}}</ref> In 2008, he was conferred withawarded the Freedom of the Borough of [[Sligo]] at a ceremony in Sligo City Hall.<ref name=smashes/> Also in 2008, The Variety Club of Ireland presented Flatley with their Entertainer of the Decade Award.<ref>{{cite news | title=Variety Club puts best foot forward with Flatley gong | url=https://www.independent.ie/woman/celeb-news/variety-club-puts-best-foot-forward-with-flatley-gong-26430294.html | work=[[independent.ieIrish Independent]] | date=March 14, 2008}}</ref>
In 2011, he was inducted into ''[[Irish America (magazine)|Irish America]]'' magazine's [[Irish America Hall of Fame]].<ref name=halloffame>{{cite news | url=http://irishamerica.com/2011/04/michael-flatley-irish-america-hall-of-fame/ | title=Michael Flatley: Irish America Hall of Fame | first=Debbie | last=McGoldrick | work=[[Irish America (magazine)|Irish America]] | date=April 2011}}</ref>
On October 24, 2013, Flatley received the Lifetime Achievement Award at ''[[The Irish Post]]'' Awards on [[Park Lane]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.irishpost.com/business/michael-flatley-irish-britain-shine-irish-post-business-gala-awards-16215 | title=Michael Flatley shines at Irish Post Business Awards | work=[[The Irish Post]] | date=November 6, 2013}}</ref> In 2015, a section of 42nd Street and Broadway in New York City was namenamed "Flatley Way" for the artist. The honour corresponded with his opening of his show Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games at the nearby Lyric Theatre.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2015/11/10/ex-riverdance-star-michael-flatley-gets-a-rare-broadway-honour-a-street-renaming-on-broadway/ | title=CityNews|website=toronto.citynews.ca}}</ref>Ex-'Riverdance' In July 2021,star Michael receivedFlatley thegets awarda forrare BestBroadway Actorhonour, ata thestreet [https://mcsff.com/renaming Monacoon StreamingBroadway Film| Festival]first=Mark for| hislast=Kennedy role in| work=[[BlackbirdCityNews]] (2018 film)|''Blackbird.'' agency=[[Associated Press]] He| alsodate=November 10, 2015}}</ref> He received the Freedom of the City of London honour from London, UK, which names a number of specific actions those who receive the honor can take that others cannot—such as the ability to "drive a herd of sheep over London Bridge".<ref>{{Cite webnews |url=https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/city-freedom-for-michael-flatley-eddie-jordan-and-dan-tim-osullivan-40911027.html | title=City 'freedom' for Michael Flatley, Eddie Jordan, and Dan Tim O'Sullivan |website work=independent[[Irish Independent]] | date=October 3, 2021 }}</ref>
=== Arms ===
{{Infobox coat of arms wide
|name = Michael Ryan Flatley
|notes = Flatley was granted [[Coat of arms|arms]] by Ireland's Chief Herald.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nli.ie/GetAttachment.aspx?id=a7d931ee-b0b3-4bde-8e3d-e14d7db09618 |title=Heraldry in Ireland |author=<!--Not stated--> |website=National Library of Ireland|language=en|access-date=2022-07-04}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=July 2022}}
|image = Arms of Michael Flatley.png
|notes = Flatley was granted [[Coat of arms|arms]] by Ireland's Chief Herald.
|year_granted = 2015
|escutcheon = Party per fess dancettée or and azure a pilepale wavy counterchanged.▼
|crest = From an ancient Irish crown or a stag's head argent attired of the first.▼
|torse = A wreath of the colours.
▲|escutcheon = Party per fess dancettée or and azure a pile wavy counterchanged.
▲|crest = From an ancient Irish crown or a stag's head argent attired of the first on a helmet mantled gules doubled argent.
|motto = Pede liberoLibero telluremTellurem pulsarPulsar
|symbolism = This horizontal, three-pointed, partition of the field of the shield is heraldically called dancetée while the pilepale wavy resembles a river, therefore alluding to his dancing career.}}
==Personal life==
===MarriagesRelationships and family===
Flatley met Beata Dziaba in London's [[Royal Albert Hall]]. The couple married in 1986 in a Danish registry office; they divorced in 1997 after his multiple affairs with other women.<ref>{{Cite webnews |url=https://www.independent.ie/woman/celeb-news/lord-of-dance-strays-from-lovers-arms-to-step-out-alone-26410529.html |title=Lord of Dance strays from lover's arms to step out alone |website=[[Irish Independent]] |date=April 8, 2006}}</ref> In the early 2000s, Flatley was engaged to Lisa Murphy; she died in 2024, aged 51.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.independent.ie/woman/celebirish-news/lordi-ofwent-danceto-strayssee-fromlisa-loversin-armshospital-toits-stepheartbreaking-outmichael-aloneflatley-26410529pays-tribute-as-ex-fiancee-murphy-dies-aged-51/a1757417050.html |access-date title=2022'I went to see Lisa in hospital, it's heartbreaking' – Michael Flatley pays tribute as ex-07-14fiancée Murphy dies aged 51 |website first1=independentRalph |date last1=AprilRiegel 8,| 2006first2=Eugene |language last2=enMasterson | work=[[Irish Independent]] | date=February 2, 2024}}</ref>
In June 2006, Flatley began dating Niamh O'Brien, a longtime dancer from several of his shows. AccordingAs tothe [[CanonCatholic lawChurch ofdoes thenot Catholicrecognise Church|Canondivorce Law]]and does not marry divorcees, his first marriage as a Catholic in a civil wedding was not recognized in [[Canon law of the Catholic Church|Canon Law]] by the Church, so the 48 -year -old Flatley and Niamh, 32, were able to have a [[Roman Catholic]] ceremony.; Onon October 14, 2006 the couplethey married at the heritage landmark St. Patrick's Church<ref>{{Cite web |title=Parish Restoration |url=https://www.fermoyparish.ie/parish-restoration/ |access-date=2022-07-15 |website=Fermoy Parish Website |language=en-GB}}</ref> in [[Fermoy]], [[County Cork]], with a lavish reception hosted inat Flatley's historic Castlehyde House, also located in Cork, Ireland.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=OK WITH ME; Flatley married once and got divorced but now wants a church wedding... so his friendly local priest said that's EXCLUSIVE. - Free Online Library |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/OK+WITH+ME;+Flatley+married+once+and+got+divorced+but+now+wants+a...-a0151489445 |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=www.thefreelibrary.com}}</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Riegel |first=Ralph |date=September 29, 2006 |title=Lavish wedding day for dance lord Flatley |work=[[Irish Independent]] |url=https://www.independent.ie/woman/celeb-news/lavish-wedding-day-for-dance-lord-flatley-26367324.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-01-01 |title=Lord of the Dance Marries His Lady |url=https://www.irishamerica.com/2007/01/lord-of-the-dance-marries-his-lady/ |access-date work=2022-07-14[[Irish America (magazine)|website=Irish America]] |languagedate=en-US1 January 2007}}</ref>
He and his wife have a son, Michael St. James, born in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 26, 2007 |title=Dancer Michael Flatley announces birth of son |url=https://people.com/parents/dancer_announce/ |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=people.com |language=en}}</ref> They divide their time between a home in [[Monte Carlo]] and Castlehyde House in Ireland.<ref>{{Cite web |title='If I have been accused of having a bit of ego then maybe I deserve it' - Michael Flatley talks marriage, fatherhood, and why he won't be selling his €23m mansionnews |url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/if-i-have-been-accused-of-having-a-bit-of-ego-then-maybe-i-deserve-it-michael-flatley-talks-marriage-fatherhood-and-why-he-wont-be-selling-his-23m-mansion-41463263.html |access-datetitle=2022'If I have been accused of having a bit of ego then maybe I deserve it' -07-14 Michael Flatley talks marriage, fatherhood, and why he won't be selling his €23m mansion |website work=independent[[Irish Independent]] |date=March 20, 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Michael Flatley vetoed Cork home deal, 'I couldn't go through with the sale' |url=https://www.sundayworld.com/showbiz/irish-showbiz/michael-flatley-vetoed-cork-home-deal-i-couldnt-go-through-with-the-sale/39880036.html |access-date first=2022-07-14Ralph |website last=SundayWorld.comRiegel |language work=en-GB[[Sunday World]] | date=19 December 2020}}</ref>
===Health===
In 2003, Flatley was treated for a [[malignant melanoma]], after a viewer of [[MTV]] pointed out a brown spot on the side of Flatley's face which Flatley himself had not noticed.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/riverdance-star-flatley-seriously-ill-in-hospital-424515.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220512/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/riverdance-star-flatley-seriously-ill-in-hospital-424515.html |archive-date=May 12, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live | title='Riverdance' star Flatley seriously ill in hospital | first=Thair | last=Shaikh | work=[[The Independent]] | date=November 16, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite Flatleynews later|title=Michael stated,Flatley "Itundergoes wassurgery purelyafter bydiagnosis chanceof thataggressive it was noticed [...] I had never even noticed it{{nbsp}}... it can be a frightening place to be."<ref>{{citecancer web|url=https://www.independent.ie/news/michael-flatley-undergoes-surgery-after-diagnosis-of-aggressive-cancer-42279571.html|title=Michael Flatley undergoes surgery after diagnosis of aggressive cancer|website=Independent.ie|last=Riegel|first=Ralph|website=Independent.ie |date=11 January 2023|access-date=11 January 2023}}</ref> OnIn January 11, 2023, a spokesperson for Flatley announced that he had undergoneunderwent surgery after diagnosis of an aggressive form of cancer.<ref>{{cite webnews |title=Michael Flatley diagnosed with 'aggressive form of cancer'|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/michael-flatley-instagram-patrick-bergin-mi6-eric-roberts-b1052412.html|title=Michael Flatley diagnosed with 'aggressive form of cancer'|website=Evening Standard|last=Evans | first=Connie |date work=11[[The JanuaryEvening Standard]] 2023|access- date=11 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite The statement read, "Dear friends, we have something personal to share,news |title=Michael Flatley has beensurgery diagnosed with anafter 'aggressive form of cancer.' He has undergone surgery and is in the care of an excellent team of doctors. No further comments will be made at this time. We ask only for your prayers and well wishes."<ref>{{citediagnosis web|url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2023/0111/1346164-michael-flatley/|title=Michael Flatley has surgery after 'aggressive cancer' diagnosis|website=[[RTE|date=11]] January 2023|access-date=11 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite webnews |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/michael-flatley-diagnosed-with-aggressive-form-of-cancer-42279663.html|title=Michael Flatley diagnosed with 'aggressive form of cancer'|website=Belfast Telegraph |last=Evans |first=Connie |date work=11[[Belfast JanuaryTelegraph]] 2023|access-date=11 January 2023}}</ref> Flatley later commented to The Times that "Cancer battle is tough but I don’t give in easily."<ref name=Timl>{{cite news | url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/michael-flatley-cancer-battle-is-tough-but-i-dont-give-in-easily-3mj88mwm0#:~:text|url-access=The%20world%2Drenowned%20dancer%20said,other%20side%20of%20that%20wall.%E2%80%9Dsubscription | title=Michael Flatley - Cancer battle is tough but I don't give in easily | date last=JuneCorr 26,| 2023first=Julieanne | last1work=Corr[[The Times]] | first1date=JulieanneApril 16, 2023}}</ref>
===Properties===
In 2001,1997 Flatley purchased CastlehydePark Villas Place in London after a bidding war against [[Madonna]], utlimately selling the househome in 2024.<ref>https://www.standard.co.uk/homesandproperty/celebrity-homes/michael-flatley-park-place-villas-for-sale-madonna-b1174795.html</ref><ref>https://www.countryandtownhouse.com/cth-life/properties/michael-flatley-mansion/</ref> In 2001, Flatley purchased [[Castlehyde]] House, originally owned by [[Douglas Hyde]], the first president of Ireland, near [[Fermoy]] in north-east Cork, then in a derelict condition, for €3 million. Flatley spent €27 million renovating the mansion and another €20 million furnishing it with artwork and antiques. In 2015, Flatley purchased a mansion in [[Belgravia]], just off [[Eaton Square]], for €28 million and listed Castlehyde for sale for €20 million. He pulled it from the market after deciding he cannot part with the property.<ref name=":1">{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.ie/life/home-garden/no-sale-michael-flatley-changes-tack-as-beloved-castlehyde-mansion-remains-for-sale-after-two-years-36404792.html | title=No sale: Michael Flatley changes tack as beloved Castlehyde mansion remains for sale after two years | first=Ralph | last=Riegel | work=[[independent.ie]] | date=December 13, 2017}}</ref>
In addition to Castlehyde and his London mansion, Flatley owns valuable properties in the [[Caribbean]], New York, [[Beverly Hills, California|Beverly Hills]], [[France]], [[Italy]] and [[Villefranche-sur-Mer]]. He has invested a significant portion of his wealth in [[Berkshire Hathaway]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/rich-list-2017/profiles/michael-flatley-35588076.html | title=Business Profiles: Michael Flatley | work=[[independent.ie]]}}</ref>
===Other===
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==Fundraising==
Flatley has raised over €1 million for his charitable foundation by selling paintings made using his feet.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/art-and-design/visual-art/michael-flatley-s-paintings-generate-sales-of-1-million-1.2305857 | title=Michael Flatley's paintings generate sales of €1 million | first=Michael | last=Parsons | newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] | date=August 4, 2015}}</ref> He has hosted annual Christmas fundraisers for vulnerable children at his estate. In 2010, Flatley participated in the fundraising JP McManus Pro-Am in [[Adare]], [[County Limerick]], Ireland.<ref>{{cite web | title=Golfing Stars shine bright at Adare Manor | url=https://www.jpmcmanusproam.com/golfing-stars-shine-bright-at-adare-manor/ | date=April 20, 2018}}</ref> In 2020 he created the "Flatley'sTapForTen challenge" in order to raise money for people found homeless due to the COVID-19 pandemic, benefiting the charities Depaul in Ireland and Centrepoint in the UK.<ref name=Indi /> He is also a supporter of the Irish Fund for Great Britain that provides social support for Irish citizens living in the UK.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newstalk.com/news/michael-flatley-supports-charity-cycle-for-forgotten-irish-698673|title=Michael Flatley supports charity cycle for 'Forgotten Irish'|website=Newstalk}}</ref>
He has also spent time as an advocate for cancer research. In 2021, Flatley was named an Ambassador of Culture for Co Saolfada, a cancer research advocacy program.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.irishcentral.com/news/michael-flatley-county-cancer-survivors|title=Michael Flatley named Ambassador of new Irish county for cancer survivors|date=June 7, 2021|website=IrishCentral.com}}</ref> Flatley himself was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2003 and has since recovered.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/i-had-never-even-noticed-it-michaelflatley-reveals-malignant-skin-cancer-was-spotted-by-mtv-viewer-40558953.html|title=Michael Flatley: 'I had never even noticed it' – Flatley reveals malignant skin cancer was spotted by MTV viewer|website=independent|date=June 20, 2021 }}</ref> Flatley has also advocated an anti-war sentiment - in 2003 he performed the anti-war piece ''Warlord'' before an audience of national leaders meeting in St. PetersburghPetersburg. In 2022 he beganspoke fundraisingout for the humanitarian effort duringagainst the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine,]] providingand revenuenoted fromthat hisperformances of company's'Lord danceof performancesthe toDance'' thewould raise money for related humanitarian relief causeefforts.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/michael-flatley-anti-war-dance-putin |title=When Michael Flatley performed an anti-war dance in front of Russia's Putin | work=Irish Central|date=March 21, 2022 |publisher=Irish Central}}</ref>
==In popular culture==
Flatley has been parodied in several US television series, including ''[[Friends]]'', where [[Chandler Bing]] expresses his fear of Flatley due to the fact his "legs flail about as if independent from his body".<ref>{{CitationCite AV media |title=Friends - Lord of the Dance |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYmsbjhd--E |language=en |access-datevia=2022-12-10[[YouTube]]}}</ref> He also appeared in a 2005 episode of ''[[The Simpsons]]'', entitled "[[The Father, the Son, and the Holy Guest Star]]", in which [[Marge Simpson]] dreams of a group of Flatley look-alikes welcoming her into Catholic heaven, and in ''[[3rd Rock from the Sun]]'', 90’sa 90s sitcom with [[Jane Curtin]] and [[John Lithgow]]. <ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/04/arts/dance/riverdance-25th-anniversary.html |title=I Was a Teenage Riverdancer |first=Siobhan |last=Burke |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=March 4, 2020 | url-access=limited}}</ref>
==See also==