Jean Butler Biography
Jean Butler is an American actress, stepdancer, Irish dancer, and choreographer who is best known for originating the principal female role in the Irish dance theatrical production Riverdance.
Butler’s impact on the field of Irish dance is undeniable. She was the principal female dancer in the original Riverdance show, which helped to bring Irish dance to a wider audience. She also co-choreographed the show with Michael Flatley, and her work helped to redefine the genre.
The reader should care about Jean Butler because she is an inspiration to dancers and artists all over the world. She is a true testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and passion. She is also a role model for young people, and she shows them that anything is possible if they set their minds to it.
10 Quick Facts About Jean Butler
- Name: Jean Butler
- Age: 53 Years Old
- Birthday: March 14
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
- Height: 5 feet 7 inches (1.70m)
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Dancer, Choreographer, and Actress
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: Under Review
- Net worth: ****
Jean Butler Age
Butler is 53 years old. She was born on March 14, 1971, in Mineola, New York, United States. She celebrates her birthday on March 14 every year and her birth sign is Pisces.
Jean Butler Height
Butler stands at a height of 5 feet 7 inches (1.70m) tall.
Jean Butler Weight
Butler Weighs 55 kg (121 lbs).
Early Life and Education
Butler was born on March 14, 1971, in Mineola, New York, United States. Her mother, Josephine, is from County Mayo in Ireland. She has a sister, Cara.
Butler began dancing at the age of four. She took ballet and tap classes, but she quickly gravitated towards Irish dance. She was a natural, and she quickly began to win competitions. In 1988, Butler won the World Irish Dancing Championship. This was a major accomplishment, and it helped to launch her career.
After graduating from high school, Butler attended Hofstra University and earned an Honours Degree in Theatre and Drama from the University of Birmingham.
Rise to Fame
Butler’s rise to fame began in 1994 when she performed in the interval segment of the Eurovision Song Contest with Michael Flatley. The performance, entitled Riverdance, was so successful that it was extended into a full-scale show. Butler starred in Riverdance for three years, and she also co-choreographed the show with Flatley.
Jean Butler Parents
Butler was born in Mineola, New York, United States as the daughter of Michael (father), and Josephine (mother). Her parents have been a constant source of support for her throughout her career. They have always believed in her talent, and they have been there to cheer her every step of the way.
Jean Butler Siblings
Butler spent her childhood alongside her one sibling; a sister named Cara. Cara Butler is also a dancer and choreographer. She has performed with Riverdance and other Irish dance companies. She is also a teacher and choreographer.
Jean Butler Husband
Butler is currently married to her handsome husband Cuan Hanley a fashion designer. They met in the early 1990s when they were both working in the dance industry. They have been together ever since, and they are a strong and loving couple. They do their wedding in 2001 and together they are blessed with one child; a son named Fionn.
Jean Butler Children
Butler together with her husband Cuan Hanley are proud parents of one child; a son named Fionn.
Jean Butler Net Worth
Butler has an estimated net worth of $16 million dollars as of 2023. This includes her money and income. Her primary source of income is her career as a Dancer, Choreographer, and Actress. Through her various sources of income, Butler has been able to accumulate good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Facts and Body Measurements
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Jean Butler.
Jean Butler Wiki
- Full Names: Jean Butler
- Popular As: Dancer
- Gender: Female
- Occupation / Profession: Dancer, Choreographer, and Actress
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: To be Updated
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Jean Butler Birthday
- Age: 53 Years Old
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
- Date of Birth: March 14, 1971
- Place of Birth: Mineola, New York, United States
- Birthday: March 14
Jean Butler Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: 29-24-33 inches
- Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 7 inches (1.70m)
- Weight: 55 kg (121 lbs)
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Brown
- Shoe Size: To be Updated
- Dress Size: To be Updated
- Breast Size: 29 inches
- Waist Size: 24 inches
- Hip Size: 33 inches
Jean Butler Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Michael
- Mother: Josephine
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Cara
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse/Husband: Married to Cuan Hanley
- Dating / Boyfriend: Not Applicable
- Children: Fionn
Jean Butler Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $16 million
- Salary: Under Review
- Source of Income: Dancer, Choreographer, and Actress
Career
Butler began dancing at the age of four, and by the time she was 17, she had won numerous regional, national, and world championships. In 1994, she was asked to perform the interval segment in the Eurovision Song Contest with Michael Flatley. The performance, entitled Riverdance, was so successful that it was extended into a full-scale show.
After leaving Riverdance, Butler continued to perform and choreograph. She appeared in several films, including The Brylcreem Boys, Goldfish Memory, and The Revengers Tragedy. She also worked as a guest artist with the New York City Ballet and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
In 2010, Butler joined the faculty of the Glucksman Ireland House at New York University, where she teaches Irish dance and Irish studies. She is also the recipient of numerous awards, including the Irish Post Award for her outstanding contribution to Irish dance and an Irish America Magazine Top 100 Irish Americans honoree.
Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable, and Community Involvement
Butler is a strong supporter of the arts in education. She is a member of the board of directors of the Arts in Education Program, which provides arts education to children in New York City.
Butler is a longtime supporter of the Special Olympics. She has performed at the Special Olympics World Games, and she is a member of the board of directors of the Special Olympics New York State.
Butler is a member of the board of directors of the Riverdance Foundation. The Foundation supports a variety of charitable causes, including education, health care, and the arts.
Jean Butler Riverdance
Butler is widely recognized for her pivotal role in the original “Riverdance” production. “Riverdance” is an iconic Irish dance show that became a global sensation, captivating audiences worldwide with its blend of Irish traditional dance, music, and contemporary elements.
In 1994, “Riverdance” was originally conceived as an interval act for the Eurovision Song Contest, held in Dublin, Ireland. The seven-minute performance featured Irish dancing champions Michael Flatley and Jean Butler as the lead dancers, along with the Riverdance Irish Dance Troupe and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. The show’s unique fusion of traditional Irish step dancing with modern music and staging amazed the audience and received a standing ovation.
Jean Butler Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
- In 2011, she was awarded the Irish Post Award for her outstanding contribution to Irish dance.
- In 2012, she was named to the Irish America Magazine Top 100 Irish Americans list.
- In 2020, she was inducted into the Irish American Hall of Fame.
Quotes
Final Thought
Butler is a true inspiration. She is a talented dancer, a gifted choreographer, and a passionate advocate for the arts. Her work has had a profound impact on the world of Irish dance, and she continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
Jean Butler Contacts
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