Gregory Osborne; Dancer Starred in Ballets Worldwide

Gregory Osborne, guest artist with many of the world’s most prestigious ballet companies whose classic good looks helped make him a favorite in the traditional dance repertoire, died Saturday in Newport Beach, where he was raised.

The strikingly handsome performer, who looked more like a prototypal surfer than a ballet dancer, was 39 and died of cancer, a family spokesman said.

Osborne, who turned to dancing as therapy after he broke both legs in a childhood sledding accident, became intrigued with dance as a possible profession while in his early teens.

He studied at the North Carolina School of the Arts, starred as Patrick in a Corona del Mar High School production of “Auntie Mame” and was encouraged by Ferdinand Nault, director of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens.

He joined the American Ballet Theater in the 1970s and won a bronze medal at the First International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Miss.

His renown spread, and in 1983 he left the American Ballet Theater for what he felt were more promising roles as a principal classics dancer with the National Ballet of Canada.

He became best known for his performances in “Les Sylphides,” “Swan Lake,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “La Bayadere” and “Giselle.”

Osborne also was seen regularly with the English National Ballet, the San Francisco Ballet and the Royal Danish Ballet.

In 1990 he left the National Ballet of Canada to pursue a free-lance career.

Survivors include his mother, Lois; father, Matthew and a brother.