1. – Anthony Dowell, Valentino, 1977. The usually outrageous director Ken Russell always wanted Nureyev to play Nijinksy’s life. All plans were thwarted, so Ken offered him a two-day cameo as the dancer in his next biopic. Then, when no Valentino could be found, Russell called again – and postponed shooting a year to have a Tartar into a Latin Lover. And a British Dowell into the Russian dancer.
2. – George de la Pena, Nijinsky, 1980. Producer Harry Saltzman’s obvious choice to play (and dance) the Russian ballet demi-god when first, Tony Richardson, then Ken Russell, were directing. Never mattered which ballet star had the role for the British – they thought it was about their favourite racehorse!
Usual occupation: Ballet IkonBirth year: 1938Death year: 1992Other name: Casting Calls: 0