Michael Flatley to explore ‘pinnacles and pitfalls’ of his life in new documentary film
‘Lord of the Dance’ creator was treated for cancer in January
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Riverdance star Michael Flatley is to be the subject of a new documentary about the “pinnacles and pitfalls” of his life.
The Billion Dollar Dancer will explore the “tumultuous” life of Irish dancer and choreographer Flatley, including his exit from the Riverdance show ahead of its world tour in 1995 and the creation of Lord Of The Dance.
The film will use archive footage and interviews with Flatley as he oversees a 25-year anniversary tour of Lord Of The Dance.
Announcing the documentary on Wednesday (17 September), production company Lorton Entertainment and Fine Point Films said the film would show the “rollercoaster ride” that has been Flatley’s life.
Aged 65, Flatley has lived a life filled with bullying, boxing, fast cars and cancer. In January, the Irish-American performer shared that he was “on the mend” after surgery to treat an aggressive form of the disease.
Speaking about the documentary, which will be directed by Grammy-winner Ryan Suffern, Flatley said: “I’m proud to be able to share my story with the world. It’s a peek under the hood at what it took to be where I am today.”
He added: “There were so many times growing up when I thought I had reached the end of the road, but the challenges made me who I am. More than anything, I want to inspire young people in all walks of life to never give up on their dreams.”
Director Suffern said: “As two Chicago boys with South Side [the large Irish-American community on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois] ties, I could not be more thrilled to be making this documentary on Michael Flatley’s remarkable life. His story is truly an inspired one, and I’m grateful to be a part of bringing it to the screen.”
No release date has been given for The Billion Dollar Dancer.
Flatley was born in Chicago into a blue-collar Irish-American family. He was catapulted to fame in 1994 when his Riverdance troupe performed in the interval of the Eurovision Song Contest hosted in Ireland.
After the success of Riverdance at Eurovision, it was extended into a full-length show. Flatley left ahead of its world tour, starting his own stage show called Lord Of The Dance.
He has also created, produced and directed other popular productions including Feet Of Flames and Celtic Tiger.
During his esteemed career, Flatley also ventured into film. In 2018, he directed and starred in spy thriller Blackbird as a former MI6 operative who is drawn back into the world of espionage he had left behind. Eric Roberts and Patrick Bergin also starred.
According to reports earlier this year, Flatley is also currently developing a scripted project about his life.
Additional reporting by Press Association
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments