Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Michael Caine
Discover the career path of Michael Caine, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Sir Michael Caine is a highly acclaimed English actor, renowned for his Cockney accent and prolific career spanning eight decades with over 160 films. A British cultural icon, he has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, a BAFTA, three Golden Globes, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. His films have grossed over $7.8 billion worldwide, and he is one of few actors nominated for an Academy Award across five decades. Caine received a BAFTA Fellowship in 2000 and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.
1950: Film Debut
In 1950, Michael Caine made his uncredited film debut in Morning Departure.
July 1953: Stage Name and Role in Wuthering Heights
In July 1953, Michael Caine, then using the stage name "Michael White", was cast as Hindley in Wuthering Heights.
1954: Move to London and Name Change
In 1954, Michael Caine moved to London and changed his name from Michael White after learning there was already an actor with that name.
1956: First Film Role in A Hill in Korea
In 1956, Michael Caine's first film role was in A Hill in Korea.
1957: Appearances in Dixon of Dock Green and Escape
In 1957, Michael Caine appeared in Dixon of Dock Green and Escape.
1958: Role in Mister Charlesworth
In 1958, Michael Caine appeared in the crime/thriller drama Mister Charlesworth.
1958: Minor role in The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
In 1958, Michael Caine played a minor role in a BBC Television adaptation of The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial.
1959: Understudy for Peter O'Toole
In 1959, Michael Caine became Peter O'Toole's understudy in The Long and the Short and the Tall.
December 1961: Cast in The Compartment
In December 1961, Michael Caine was cast in the play The Compartment, written by Johnny Speight.
January 1963: Cast in Next Time I'll Sing To You
On 23 January 1963, Michael Caine was cast as Meff in James Saunders' Cockney comedy Next Time I'll Sing To You.
April 1963: Scenes from the play featured in Theatre World magazine
In April 1963, scenes from the play Next Time I'll Sing to You, were featured in the April 1963 issue of Theatre World magazine.
1963: Filming Zulu
In 1963, Michael Caine spent 14 weeks in Natal, South Africa, for location shooting for Zulu.
1964: Starring role in Zulu
In 1964, Michael Caine had a starring role in Zulu, a British film that marked his breakthrough in the 1960s.
1964: Cast in Hamlet
In 1964, Michael Caine was cast as Horatio in the BBC production Hamlet at Elsinore.
1965: Role in The Ipcress File
In 1965, Michael Caine played Harry Palmer in The Ipcress File, a role which increased his recognition.
1966: Alfie and Hollywood Debut
In 1966, Michael Caine starred in Alfie, earning him an Academy Award nomination, and made his Hollywood debut in Gambit.
1966: Alfie Release
In 1966, the hit film Alfie, starring Michael Caine was released.
1967: Harry Palmer in Billion Dollar Brain
In 1967, Michael Caine played Harry Palmer in Billion Dollar Brain.
1968: Starring in The Magus
In 1968, Michael Caine starred in the film The Magus, which was nominated for a BAFTA for Best Cinematography, but failed at the box office.
1969: Battle of Britain
In 1969, Michael Caine appeared as Squadron Leader Canfield in Battle of Britain
1969: Role in The Italian Job
In 1969, Michael Caine starred as Charlie Croker in The Italian Job, one of his most celebrated roles.
1969: Starring roles in The Italian Job and Battle of Britain
In 1969, Michael Caine starred in The Italian Job and Battle of Britain, continuing to establish his stardom.
1969: The Italian Job and Battle of Britain
In 1969, Michael Caine worked on "The Italian Job" with Noël Coward and played RAF fighter pilot squadron leader Canfield in "Battle of Britain".
1969: The Italian Job Film Release
In 1969, the hit film The Italian Job starring Michael Caine was released.
1971: Get Carter
In 1971, Caine played the lead in "Get Carter", a British gangster film.
1971: Starring roles in Get Carter and The Last Valley
In 1971, Michael Caine starred in Get Carter and The Last Valley, solidifying his status as a leading actor.
1971: Original Get Carter Film
In 1971, Michael Caine starred in the original version of "Get Carter".
1972: Pulp and Sleuth
In 1972, Michael Caine starred in the comedy thriller "Pulp" and "Sleuth" opposite Laurence Olivier.
1972: Original Sleuth Film
In 1972, Michael Caine starred in the original film Sleuth.
1974: The Black Windmill
In 1974, Caine appeared in "The Black Windmill", co-starring Donald Pleasence.
1975: The Man Who Would Be King
In 1975, Caine co-starred with Sean Connery in John Huston's "The Man Who Would Be King", which received widespread acclaim.
1975: Starring role in The Man Who Would Be King
In 1975, Michael Caine starred in The Man Who Would Be King, which further established his stardom.
1976: The Eagle Has Landed
In 1976, Caine appeared in "The Eagle Has Landed" as Oberst Kurt Steiner.
1976: Starring role in The Eagle Has Landed
In 1976, Michael Caine starred in The Eagle Has Landed, continuing to solidify his stardom.
1977: A Bridge Too Far
In 1977, Caine was part of an all-star cast in "A Bridge Too Far".
1977: Starring role in A Bridge Too Far
In 1977, Michael Caine starred in A Bridge Too Far, which added to his list of notable performances.
1978: Silver Bears and The Swarm
In 1978, Caine starred in "Silver Bears" and "The Swarm".
1979: Ashanti and Beyond the Poseidon Adventure
In 1979, Caine starred in "Ashanti" and "Beyond the Poseidon Adventure".
1980: Dressed to Kill
In 1980, Caine starred in "Dressed to Kill", which was nominated for a Golden Globe.
1981: Escape to Victory
In 1981, Caine was in the war film "Escape to Victory", featuring Sylvester Stallone and famous footballers.
1982: The Jigsaw Man
In 1982, Caine reunited with Laurence Olivier in "The Jigsaw Man".
1983: Educating Rita
In 1983, Caine co-starred in "Educating Rita", for which he won a BAFTA and a Golden Globe Award.
1983: BAFTA and Golden Globe Award for Best Actor
In 1983, Michael Caine earned the BAFTA and Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for his performance in Educating Rita.
1983: Used catchphrase in film
In 1983, Michael Caine used his "not a lot of people know that" catchphrase as a joke in the film Educating Rita.
1984: Blame It on Rio
In 1984, Caine appeared in the poorly received film "Blame It on Rio".
1984: Provided Vocal Samples for Madness
In 1984, Michael Caine provided vocal samples for the ska-pop band Madness for their hit "Michael Caine".
1985: Water
In 1985, Caine starred in the comedy "Water", which was poorly received.
1986: Hannah and Her Sisters
In 1986, Caine portrayed Elliot in Woody Allen's "Hannah and Her Sisters", winning his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
1986: First Academy Award
In 1986, Michael Caine won his first Academy Award for his role in the film Hannah and Her Sisters as a supporting actor.
1987: Hero, The Fourth Protocol and Jaws: The Revenge
In 1987, Caine narrated "Hero", starred in "The Fourth Protocol", and appeared in "Jaws: The Revenge".
1988: Jack the Ripper and Without a Clue
In 1988, Caine played Chief Insp. Frederick Abberline in "Jack the Ripper" and also starred in "Without a Clue".
1988: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
In 1988, Caine played a conman in "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels", earning a Golden Globe nomination.
1988: Published book Not a Lot of People Know This Is 1988
Michael Caine published Not a Lot of People Know This Is 1988 in 1988.
1990: Mr. Destiny and Bullseye!
In 1990, Caine played Mike in "Mr. Destiny" and appeared with Roger Moore in "Bullseye!".
1992: The Muppet Christmas Carol and Noises Off
In 1992, Caine played Ebenezer Scrooge in "The Muppet Christmas Carol" and starred in "Noises Off".
1992: Publication of 'What's It All About?'
In 1992, Michael Caine published his first memoir, "What's It All About?".
1992: Sang in Muppet Christmas Carol
In 1992, Michael Caine sang in the musical film The Muppet Christmas Carol.
1994: On Deadly Ground
In 1994, Caine played a villain in the Steven Seagal film "On Deadly Ground".
1995: Harry Palmer in Bullet to Beijing
In 1995, Michael Caine played Harry Palmer in Bullet to Beijing.
1996: Harry Palmer in Midnight in Saint Petersburg
In 1996, Michael Caine played Harry Palmer in Midnight in Saint Petersburg.
1998: Little Voice
In 1998, Caine's performance in "Little Voice" won him a Golden Globe Award.
1999: The Cider House Rules
In 1999, Caine won his second Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for "The Cider House Rules".
1999: Second Academy Award
In 1999, Michael Caine won his second Academy Award for The Cider House Rules, again as a supporting actor.
October 2000: Release of Get Carter Remake
In October 2000, the American action thriller film Get Carter was released in the U.S.. Michael Caine appeared in the remake in a cameo role, after starring in the original film.
2000: Miss Congeniality and Quills
In 2000, Caine appeared in the comedy "Miss Congeniality" and in Philip Kaufman's "Quills".
2000: Knighthood and BAFTA Academy Fellowship Award
In 2000, Maurice Micklewhite (Michael Caine) was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace and also received a BAFTA Academy Fellowship Award.
2001: Last Orders
In 2001, Caine starred in the ensemble dramedy "Last Orders".
2002: Austin Powers in Goldmember
In 2002, Caine played Austin's father in "Austin Powers in Goldmember".
2002: The Quiet American
In 2002, Caine starred in "The Quiet American", earning critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.
2002: Starred in Austin Powers
In 2002, Michael Caine starred in Austin Powers in Goldmember, spoofing Harry Palmer.
2003: Secondhand Lions
In 2003, Caine co-starred in the family comedy "Secondhand Lions".
2004: Around the Bend
In 2004, Caine played Henry Lair in the film "Around the Bend".
2005: Bewitched and Batman Begins
In 2005, Caine played Isabel's father in "Bewitched" and Alfred Pennyworth in "Batman Begins".
2006: Children of Men and The Prestige
In 2006, Caine appeared in "Children of Men" and "The Prestige".
2007: Sleuth Remake
In 2007, Caine starred in the remake of "Sleuth", taking over the role originally played by Laurence Olivier.
2007: Released compilation CD
In 2007, Michael Caine released a chill-out music compilation CD called Cained.
2008: The Dark Knight and Is Anybody There?
In 2008, Caine reprised his role as Alfred in "The Dark Knight" and starred in "Is Anybody There?".
2008: Outstanding Contribution to Showbusiness at the Variety Club Awards
In 2008, Michael Caine was awarded the prize for Outstanding Contribution to Showbusiness at the Variety Club Awards.
November 2009: Release of Harry Brown
In November 2009, "Harry Brown" was released, initially reported as Caine's last lead role, but he clarified that he would not retire.
2010: Published The Elephant to Hollywood
In 2010, Michael Caine published his memoir, The Elephant to Hollywood.
2011: Cars 2 and Gnomeo & Juliet
In 2011, Caine voiced Finn McMissile in "Cars 2" and a supporting role in "Gnomeo & Juliet".
May 2012: Honorary Freedom of the London Borough of Southwark
In May 2012, Michael Caine was awarded the Honorary Freedom of the London Borough of Southwark.
July 2012: The Dark Knight Rises Release
In July 2012, "The Dark Knight Rises" was released, with Caine reprising his role as Alfred Pennyworth.
2012: The Dark Knight Rises
In 2012, Caine reprised his role as Alfred in "The Dark Knight Rises".
2013: Now You See Me
In 2013, Caine appeared in "Now You See Me" as Arthur Tressler.
2014: Interstellar
In 2014, Caine appeared in Nolan's "Interstellar" as Professor Brand.
May 2015: Youth at Cannes Film Festival
In May 2015, Caine starred in Paolo Sorrentino's "Youth", which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival.
October 2015: GivingTales Contribution
In October 2015, Caine read Hans Christian Andersen's "Little Claus and Big Claus" for the GivingTales app in aid of UNICEF.
2015: Kingsman: The Secret Service
In 2015, Caine co-starred in "Kingsman: The Secret Service".
2016: Now You See Me 2
In 2016, Michael Caine appeared in Now You See Me 2
2017: Box Office Success
As of 2017, films featuring Michael Caine have grossed over $7.8 billion worldwide, marking his significant impact on the film industry.
2017: Dunkirk Cameo
In 2017, Caine had a spoken cameo in Christopher Nolan's "Dunkirk" as a Royal Air Force Spitfire pilot.
2017: Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement
In 2017, Michael Caine received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement.
2018: King of Thieves
In 2018, Caine starred as Brian Reader in "King of Thieves".
2018: Published Blowing the Bloody Doors Off
In 2018, Michael Caine published Blowing the Bloody Doors Off: And Other Lessons in Life.
May 2019: Cast in Christopher Nolan's Tenet
In May 2019, Michael Caine was cast as Sir Michael Crosby in Christopher Nolan's film, Tenet.
September 2020: Tenet American Release
In September 2020, after multiple delays, Christopher Nolan's Tenet, starring Michael Caine, was released in America during the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming a box office disappointment despite positive reviews.
2021: Appeared in Twist and suggested retirement
In 2021, Michael Caine appeared in the film Twist as Fagin. While promoting the film Best Sellers in 2021, Caine suggested he would retire from acting, but his representatives denied this.
2022: Filming The Great Escaper
In 2022, Michael Caine filmed The Great Escaper, alongside Glenda Jackson.
October 2023: Retirement from Acting
In October 2023, Michael Caine announced his retirement from acting, with The Great Escaper being his final film released in the same month.
October 2023: Release of The Great Escaper
On October 6, 2023, The Great Escaper, a film starring Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson, was released.
November 2023: Publication of 'Deadly Game'
In November 2023, Michael Caine's first novel, a thriller entitled Deadly Game, was published.
2024: Publication of 'Don't Look Back, You'll Trip Over: My Guide to Life'
In 2024, Michael Caine published his fourth memoir, "Don't Look Back, You'll Trip Over: My Guide to Life".
