Net Worth Ranker
What Is Mikhail Baryshnikov’s Net Worth?
Mikhail Baryshnikov, a celebrated Russian dancer, choreographer, and actor, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $45 million. This financial standing reflects his successful and multifaceted career, encompassing ballet, artistic direction, and ventures into film and television.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on January 27, 1948, in Riga, Latvian SSR (now Latvia), Mikhail Nikolayevich Baryshnikov’s upbringing provided an initial foundation for his later artistic achievements. His introduction to the performing arts was facilitated by his mother, while his father, a military man, instilled a sense of discipline. At the age of 12, Baryshnikov commenced his formal ballet training at the Vaganova School. Early recognition came through wins in various ballet competitions, which led to his association with the Mariinsky Ballet. Although his relatively short stature presented challenges in securing leading roles in traditional ballets, Baryshnikov’s talent soon garnered attention from both Soviet and American media outlets. In 2017, the Republic of Latvia granted him citizenship for extraordinary merits, making him a legal resident of his birthplace once again.
Defection and Rise to Prominence
In 1974, during a tour in Toronto, Canada, Baryshnikov defected from the Soviet Union, seeking artistic freedom and the opportunity to work with innovative choreographers in the West. After requesting political asylum in Canada, he joined the National Ballet of Canada briefly. He soon moved to the United States. In the U.S. he collaborated with renowned choreographers like Jerome Robbins, Glen Tetley, Alvin Ailey, and Twyla Tharp. During the mid-to-late 1970s, he worked extensively with the American Ballet Theatre and the New York City Ballet, gaining recognition for his performances in ballets such as “Apollo,” “The Prodigal Son,” and “Rubies.” By the late 1970s, Baryshnikov departed from the New York City Ballet to focus on becoming an artistic director, while also addressing several injuries.
Artistic Direction and the Baryshnikov Arts Center
Following his departure from performing as a principal dancer, Baryshnikov served as an artistic director for both the American Ballet Theatre and the White Oak Dance Project. In 2005, he established the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York, an organization dedicated to supporting and showcasing artists across various disciplines. Throughout this later stage of his career, Mikhail Baryshnikov has received numerous awards, honorary degrees, and other accolades in recognition of his significant contributions to the world of dance.
Film and Television Career
Baryshnikov’s foray into film and television added another dimension to his career and further boosted his visibility. His debut on American television was in 1976, with an appearance on the PBS show “In Performance Live.” In 1977, his performance in “The Nutcracker” was broadcast on CBS, earning him an Emmy Award nomination. That same year, he starred in the film “The Turning Point,” portraying a womanizing Russian ballet dancer, a role that garnered him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. In 1985, Baryshnikov starred in the film “White Nights,” further cementing his status as a crossover star. Other film credits include “Dancers” (1987). During the final season of “Sex and the City,” he played a Russian artist who became a central character. In 1991, he appeared alongside Gene Hackman in “Company Business.” Baryshnikov also hosted the animated Russian show “Mikhail Baryshnikov’s Stories from My Childhood,” introducing children to various folktales. In later years, he appeared in series such as “Iconoclasts” and on “News Hour with Jim Lehrer.” In 2014, he had an uncredited role in “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit,” playing Interior Minister Sorokin. He also took on stage acting roles, including Gregor Samsa in a theatrical adaptation of Franz Kafka’s “Metamorphosis,” which earned him a Tony Award nomination, and in a stage adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s “Man in a Case.” It is in these film and television appearances that Mikhail Baryshnikov’s net worth would have increased.
Real Estate Investments
Baryshnikov’s real estate portfolio provides additional insights into his financial choices. In 2010, he reportedly put a property in Palisades, New York, on the market for $4 million. Acquired in 1981 with his wife, this home offered six bedrooms and views of the Hudson River, situated in the Snedens Landing neighborhood of the Palisades. In 2017, reports surfaced of Baryshnikov’s move to Harlem, where he purchased a three-bedroom condo for $1.4 million. This residence, located near Central Park, features an open kitchen and expansive living areas. In 2018, the media showcased Baryshnikov’s home in Puntacana, Dominican Republic. This property includes an infinity pool, a dance studio, and a large balcony, reportedly purchased two decades prior and extensively renovated. While specific details about additional properties or their values are not readily available, these transactions offer a glimpse into Baryshnikov’s real estate investments and lifestyle choices.
