Biografía

After having two supporting roles in big blockbuster hits "Witness" and "Die Hard," Godunov seemed destined for stardom. But he turned down just about every other role that came his way. Most of the work either pigeonholed him as a ballet dancer or as a villain like in "Die Hard." He mostly was reduced to appearing in direct-to-video clunkers. He seemed to be making something of a comeback up until the time of his death.

Lived with Jacqueline Bisset from 1981 to 1988.

Despite his tall stature, piercing stare and adonis presence, he was quite a shy and insecure man.

Godunov's ashes were released into the Pacific. His mother, brother, niece and nephew, who still live in Latvia, did not attend his service.

He danced with the American Ballet Theater which was at the time being run by his childhood friend and former classmate Mikhail Baryshnikov until Baryshnikov forced him out in 1982. Godunov was crushed and betrayed. He eventually bounced back and started his own dance troupe (which he danced in). But many of his closest friends said, "After that, he never put himself into ballet completely."