Michael Flatley is ‘on the mend’ after cancer surgery

The 64-year-old Riverdance dancer and choreographer said he was ‘overwhelmed’ by his fans’ kindness following his release from hospital.
Michael Flatley is ‘on the mend’ after cancer surgery

By Charlotte McLaughlin, PA Senior Entertainment Reporter

Michael Flatley has said he is “on the mend” after having surgery to treat his cancer.

The 64-year-old choreographer, best known for creating Irish dancing troupe Riverdance, added that he has been released from hospital.

Flatley told his followers on Instagram: “Thank you to everyone around the world for your love and prayers.

“I am overwhelmed by your kindness. I have been released from hospital and am on the mend.”

In a post last week, Flatley’s account revealed he had undergone surgery for “an aggressive form of cancer” and was in the care of “excellent doctors”.

Flatley, who was born into a blue-collar Irish-American family in Chicago, rose to fame when Riverdance performed during a seven-minute interval at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994.

A year later, he had a full-length show in Dublin and followed this up with his own stage show, Lord Of The Dance.

He has also created, produced and directed other productions including Feet Of Flames and Celtic Tiger.

Flatley has also expanded into film – directing and starring in the 2018 spy thriller Blackbird.

In the movie, which also stars Eric Roberts, Patrick Bergin and Ian Beattie, Flatley plays former MI6 operative Victor Blackley, who is drawn back into the world of espionage he had left behind.

Last year, Flatley also launched a Lord Of The Dance tour to raise money for the humanitarian effort in Ukraine.

More in this section

Ariana Grande urges fans not to ‘fret’ after suffering injury before London show Ariana Grande urges fans not to ‘fret’ after suffering injury before London show
Dolly Parton laid to rest after private family funeral Dolly Parton laid to rest after private family funeral
Fontaines D.C announce concert at Slane Castle Fontaines D.C announce concert at Slane Castle

Sponsored Content

Big Beach Clean 2026: Final call to join 7,000 Clean Coasts volunteers  Big Beach Clean 2026: Final call to join 7,000 Clean Coasts volunteers 
CS Skoda September 2026 In every hidden detail, Tapestry for Ireland captures who we are
When it comes to supporting education for children with special needs, every little helps a lot When it comes to supporting education for children with special needs, every little helps a lot
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more