What is Mikhail Baryshnikov's Net Worth?
Mikhail Baryshnikov, the iconic Russian dancer, choreographer, and actor, has accumulated a net worth of $45 million. Born in the Soviet Union, Baryshnikov made a mark in ballet in Leningrad before defecting to Canada in the mid-70s. This significant move led him to join prestigious dance companies like the American Ballet Theatre and the New York City Ballet. He eventually gained fame as an artistic director, crafting numerous successful dance projects.
Beyond the dance world, Baryshnikov has achieved notable success as an actor on stage, film, and television. This broader recognition cemented his reputation as one of the most celebrated ballet dancers of the modern era. After defecting, he never returned to the Soviet Union and became a U.S. citizen in 1986. Notably, his role in the film The Turning Point earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 1977. Baryshnikov is also well-known for his roles in the film White Nights and the TV series Sex and the City.
Early Life
Mikhail Nikolayevich Baryshnikov was born on January 27, 1948, in Riga, Latvian SSR. Raised by his Russian parents in a strict household, Mikhail was introduced to the performing arts by his mother. His father, a rigorous military man with strong nationalist ideals, played a significant role in his upbringing. Tragically, Baryshnikov's mother committed suicide when he was 12. In 2017, Latvia granted Baryshnikov citizenship for extraordinary merits, reconnecting him with his birthplace.
Career
Baryshnikov’s dance journey began at 12 when he entered the Vaganova School. Demonstrating exceptional talent, he won numerous ballet competitions, eventually joining the Mariinsky Ballet. Soviet choreographers recognized his potential and collaborated with him early on. Despite his acclaim, his relatively short stature relegated him to secondary roles due to traditional ballet casting values. Seeking greater creative freedom, Baryshnikov defected to Canada in 1974 during a tour in Toronto.
After requesting political asylum, he briefly joined the National Ballet of Canada before moving to the United States. There, he worked with renowned choreographers, including Jerome Robbins, Glet Tetley, Alvin Ailey, and Twyla Tharp. Throughout the mid-to-late 70s, Baryshnikov was heavily involved with the American Ballet Theatre and the New York City Ballet. Iconic performances in ballets such as Apollo, The Prodigal Son, and Rubies marked this era. He later shifted his focus to becoming an artistic director, taking time off to address several injuries.
Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Baryshnikov’s artistic direction roles included stints with the American Ballet Theatre and the White Oak Dance Project. In 2005, he established the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York. His impressive contributions to dance garnered him numerous awards, honorary degrees, and accolades.
Baryshnikov’s television and film presence has been extensive. His first American TV show appearance was in 1976 on PBS's In Performance Live. In 1977, his televised performance in The Nutcracker on CBS earned him an Emmy Award nomination. His subsequent appearances included prominent roles in Broadway productions and TV shows.
In 1977, Baryshnikov played a womanizing Russian ballet dancer in The Turning Point, earning an Oscar nomination. He starred in the 1985 film White Knights and 1987’s Dancers. His role as a Russian artist in the final season of Sex and the City remains memorable. Baryshnikov also joined Gene Hackman in the 1991 film Company Business.
Additionally, he hosted Mikhail Baryshnikov's Stories from My Childhood, an animated Russian show presenting various folktales. Throughout the 2000s, he appeared on shows like Iconoclasts and NewsHour with Jim Lehrer. In 2014, he took an uncredited role in Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit as Interior Minister Sorokin.
Baryshnikov has also graced the stage as an actor, notably playing Gregor Samsa in a theatrical adaptation of Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis, which earned him a Tony Award nomination. His performance in a stage adaptation of Anton Chekhov's Man in a Case is also well-regarded.
Real Estate
In 2010, Baryshnikov listed a $4 million property in Palisades, New York. He and his wife purchased the six-bedroom home with stunning Hudson River views in 1981. Located in the scenic neighborhood of Snedens Landing, it epitomizes luxury living.
In 2017, Baryshnikov acquired a three-bedroom condo in Harlem for $1.4 million, just a few blocks from Central Park. The condo features an open kitchen and spacious living areas. In 2018, he showcased his home in Puntacana, Dominican Republic, a lavish property boasting an infinity pool, dance studio, and expansive balcony. He reportedly bought this home two decades earlier and carried out extensive renovations to suit his preferences.
