As Blackbird movie prepares to release across cinemas for the first time in four years, we look at all you need to know about Michael Flatley.
The Irish-American dancer, famous for Riverdance, largely financed the movie and despite a 2018 screening of the film, the movie was never released, fuelling speculation over the film's quality.
But fast-forward four years and Michael Flatley is ready for the film to be released, as we look at all you need to know about him and the movie...
What is Blackbird the movie about?
Blackbird the movie is about a secret agent nicknamed "Blackbird", who retires and opens a nightclub in the Caribbean to escape his past. But paradise turns into a nightmare when a former lover comes to meet him and brings trouble with her.
The movie has a running time of one hour and 30 minutes and going back to his dancing roots, Michael produces an "incredible Tap dance sequence where he shoots knives from his shoes from the top of his bar while a ragtime tune plays."
There is also a thriller on Apple TV+ starring Taron Egerton based on a tense psychological prison story which is not to be confused with this movie - despite going by the same title name.
Blackbird cast
The following actors are in the cast of Blackbird movie; Eric Roberts as Blake, Patrick Bergin as The Head, Ian Beattie as Nick, Rachel Warren as Brea, Serhat Metin as Muhammed, Nicole Evans as Vivian and Michael Flatley as Victor Blackley.
Where was Michael Flatley born?
Michael Flatley was born in Chicago, Illinois, US, back in 1958. He was the second of five children born to Irish parents Michael and Elisabeth "Eilish" Flatley (née Ryan), both of whom had emigrated to the United States in 1947. Meanwhile, Michael's father also named Michael worked as a plumber from County Sligo, and Eilish was a gifted step dancer from County Carlow.
Chicago was where Michael took his first dance lesson, aged 11, with Dennis G Dennehy at the Dennehy School of Irish Dance. At the tender age of 17, he became the first American to win a World Irish Dance title at the Irish dancing championships - Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne.
What's happened to Michael Flatley?
Michael Flatley retired from Irish dancing due to constant spinal, knee, foot and rib pain. He formerly held the Guinness World Records for tap dancing 35 times per second and his feet were at one time insured for $57.6 million.
According to the Daily Mail, these days he enjoys living in Monaco (when he isn't living in a mansion in Ireland).
He attended the premier for his film Blackbird.
What's happened to Michael Flatley's wife?
Michael Flatley's wife Niamh O'Brien is a longtime dancer from several of his shows. The couple have a son, Michael Saint James, 14, together.
Speaking about his family, Michael said, 'I'm crazy about him. I realise he and Niamh are the most important and precious things in my life. Work and career are not the most important thing.
"You are on the clock. And this young person is going to grow quickly and time with them is priceless."
They started dating back in 2006 and according to Canon Law, his first marriage as a Catholic in a civil wedding was not recognised by the Church, so Michael and Niamh were able to have a Roman Catholic ceremony.
Related Film features:
- Who is playing Mike Tyson in Mike Hulu mini-series?
- Elvis - where to srtream
- Is Where the Crawdads Sing based on a true story?
- Did Elvis fire the Colonel on stage?
- Where is Where the Crawdads Sing filmed?
Video of the week
-
Magic Mixies Pixlings are a bestseller - but are they worth the money? We put this toy through its paces to find outMagic by name and magic by nature? We review Magic Mixies Pixlings to see if it lives up to the hype
-
Want to up your grandparenting game? These are the 6 phrases to avoid saying, according to experts“It’s never too late to start being more mindful of how you approach interactions with your grandchildren”
-
Is Brandy pregnant? Bluey fans think the Heelers could be about to welcome a new cousin following the season 3 finaleEagle-eyed Bluey viewers are wondering if Aunt Brandy is pregnant, following a touching moment in the season three finale.
-
Is Bluey ending? What we know about the rumours around the kids' cartoon, as the Heelers put their house up for saleBluey's producer has shared an update on the show's future
-
CoComelon has been accused of being 'overstimulating' - the experts explain why it's ok to let your kid watch the popular cartoonCoComelon is adored by kids around the world, but some experts have shared reasons they don't think children should be watching - we look at both sides of the argument.
-
The Boy and the Heron age rating: Is the Oscar winning anime movie for kids?The Boy and the Heron age rating: As the Oscar winning anime picks up major accolades, parents are wondering whether it's suitable for young kids.
-
Got a kid who loves anime? Here are the 10 shows they’re probably watching, plus everything to know about the popular genreDoes your child love anime? From old favourites to brand new finds, you'll find some great suggestions for shows they can watch from our top ten list.
-
When is Bridgerton season 3 coming out? Everything we know about the next instalmentWhen is Bridgerton season 3 coming out? Here's everything we know about the third instalment, as the countdown to its arrival is on!
-
Is Wicked Little Letters a true story and what happened to Rose Gooding and her family?Is Wicked Little Letters a true story and what happened to Rose Gooding? When Rose was suspected of sending obscene letters, an unbelievable tale unfolded.
-
Which MAFS couples have babies? Contestants from the UK and Australia series' who've welcomed childrenWhich MAFS couples have babies? We take a look at contestants from the UK and Australia series' who went on to hear the pitter patter of tiny feet.
