Alexander Godunov, a Russian-born naturalized American dancer and actor, was a prominent figure in the worlds of ballet and cinema. Trained at the Riga Choreography School, he reached the pinnacle of his career as a principal dancer with the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow, noted for his powerful technique and remarkable stage presence. For his artistic merits, in 1976 he was awarded the title of Honored Artist of the RSFSR. Following his high-profile defection to the United States in 1979, he joined the American Ballet Theatre before embarking on a successful film career. His most memorable roles include the Amish farmer Daniel Hochleitner in "Witness" (1985), the musician Max Beissart in "The Money Pit" (1986), and the antagonist Karl Vreski in "Die Hard" (1988). His professional trajectory represents an exceptional artistic transition from the rigor of Soviet classical ballet to Hollywood cinema.