Born in Chicago, Flatley, 66, performed an Irish dance during the break at Eurovision in 1994. He developed Riverdance into a full-length production and opened at the Point theatre in Dublin the following year. His shows have been performed around the world and broken box-office records. He is currently taking Lord of the Dance around the UK, and Riverdance’s 30th anniversary tour starts next summer. He is married with a son, and lives in Monaco.
When were you happiest?
The day my son was born.
What is your greatest fear?
On my deathbed thinking I wish I would have done something that I didn’t do.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I don’t give myself that much thought.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
I always try to see the good. I never look for the bad.
What is your most treasured possession?
Other than my family, my nineteenth-century Rudall & Rose flute.
Describe yourself in three words.
Man of faith.
If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would you choose?
Chivalry.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
They’re making a film of my life right now. If it were my choice, I would pick John Cleese.
What is your most unappealing habit?
I’m a workaholic.
Which living person do you most despise and why?
I don’t despise anybody.
Which book are you ashamed not to have read?
I’m a voracious reader; I’m not ashamed of anything.
Would you choose fame or anonymity?
I don’t think it’s a choice. If you follow your dream and do what you love, God will guide you to whichever one it is.
What does love feel like?
Heaven.
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What was the best kiss of your life?
My wedding day at the altar.
Have you ever said ‘I love you’ without meaning it?
Never.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Nothing is impossible. Follow your dreams.”
What is the worst job you’ve ever done?
Digging foundations in the freezing-cold Chicago winters.
What would you like to leave your children?
A good start in life.
What is the closest you’ve ever come to death?
My recent battle with cancer.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Aside from the night that my wife said yes, creating Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, and employing thousands of dancers for the last 30 years.
What keeps you awake at night?
Rhythm patterns from my dance shows.
How would you like to be remembered?
I think any of us will be lucky to be remembered at all.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
You’re going to come up against brick walls in life. You’ve got to go over them, under them, around them, or crash through them, but somehow or other you’ve got to get to the other side.
What happens when we die?
How could I possibly know that?