Born in Latvia in 1948, he rose to prominence as a ballet dancer with the Kirov Ballet before defecting to Canada in 1974. He later joined the American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet, cementing his status as one of the greatest dancers of his time. Transitioning to acting, he earned an Oscar nomination for his role in "The Turning Point" (1977) and appeared in several films and TV shows, including "White Nights" and "Sex and the City," showcasing his versatility and artistic prowess.