Childhood and Education Journey of Michael Caine in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Michael Caine. From birth to education, explore key events.

Sir Michael Caine is a highly acclaimed English actor, recognized for his distinctive Cockney accent and extensive career spanning eight decades with over 160 films. A British cultural icon, Caine has garnered numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. His films have grossed over $7.8 billion worldwide. He holds the distinction of being one of only five male actors nominated for an Academy Award across five decades. Caine received a BAFTA Fellowship in 2000 and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1900: Birth of Ellen Frances Marie Burchell

In 1900, Ellen Frances Marie Burchell, Michael Caine's mother, was born.

March 1933: Michael Caine's Birth

On 14 March 1933, Maurice Joseph Micklewhite, known as Michael Caine, was born at St Olave's Hospital in London.

1935: Birth of Stanley Micklewhite

In 1935, Stanley Micklewhite, Michael Caine's younger brother, was born.

1940: The Blitz in London

During 1940, much of London's housing stock was destroyed during the Blitz.

1941: The Blitz in London

During 1941, much of London's housing stock was destroyed during the Blitz.

1944: School Play: Cinderella

In 1944, at the age of 10, Michael Caine acted in a school play as the father of the ugly sisters in Cinderella, which inspired him to pursue an acting career.

1952: National Service Call-up

In 1952, Michael Caine was called up to do his national service.

1954: End of National Service

By 1954, Michael Caine had served in the British Army's Royal Fusiliers, including active service in the Korean War.

1954: Move to London and Name Change

In 1954, Michael Caine moved to London and changed his name from Michael White to Michael Caine, inspired by the film The Caine Mutiny.

1955: Father's Overdose

In 1955, Michael Caine requested a doctor to deliberately give his father a fatal overdose when he was dying from liver cancer.

October 1972: Peter Sellers Initiated Catchphrase

On October 28, 1972, Peter Sellers initiated the catchphrase "Not a lot of people know that" on BBC1's Parkinson show, parodying Michael Caine's habit of sharing obscure facts.

1976: Part Owner of Langan's Brasserie

Starting in 1976, Michael Caine became part owner of Langan's Brasserie and eventually had ownership in seven restaurants in the UK and United States.

1992: What's It All About?

In 1992, Michael Caine published his first volume of memoirs, What's It All About?

1992: Death of Half-Brother David

In 1992, Michael Caine's elder half-brother, David, who suffered from severe epilepsy and had lived his entire life in Cane Hill Mental Hospital, died.

1997: Supported New Labour

In 1997, Michael Caine previously supported New Labour under the leadership of Tony Blair.

2007: Interview with Michael Parkinson

In a 2007 interview with Michael Parkinson, Michael Caine commented on the impersonations of his voice.

2009: Call for National Service Reintroduction

Following the launch of his film Harry Brown in 2009, Michael Caine called for the reintroduction of national service in the UK.

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2009: Criticism of Labour Government

In 2009, Michael Caine publicly criticized the Labour government of Gordon Brown for its new 50% income tax rate on top earners.

2009: Views on Religion

In 2009, Michael Caine reflected on his interfaith marriage, stating that his Muslim wife and he, a Christian, respect each other's religious practices without issue.

2010: Endorsement of the Conservative Party

During the run up to the 2010 general election, Michael Caine publicly endorsed the Conservative Party.

2010: The Elephant to Hollywood

In 2010, Michael Caine published his second volume of memoirs, The Elephant to Hollywood.

2010: Endorsed Voluntary Euthanasia

In a 2010 Classic FM interview, Michael Caine endorsed voluntary euthanasia.

2010: Interview with The Telegraph

In a 2010 interview with The Telegraph, Michael Caine discussed impersonations of him and how frequently people quote his lines, even quoting them quoting him.

June 2014: The Great Escaper - True Story

In June 2014, the true-life story of a British World War II veteran who 'broke out' of his nursing home to attend the 70th anniversary D-Day commemorations in France became the basis for the film The Great Escaper.

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July 2014: Celebrity Investor in Tax Avoidance Scheme

In July 2014, Michael Caine was reported to have been a celebrity investor in a tax avoidance scheme called Liberty.

November 2014: Criticism of Proposed Mansion Tax

In November 2014, Michael Caine described the proposed mansion tax by then Labour leader Ed Miliband as "preposterous and silly".

July 2016: Name Change by Deed Poll

In July 2016, Michael Caine legally changed his name by deed poll to his stage name to simplify airport security checks.

2016: Voted for Brexit

In 2016, Michael Caine voted in favour of Brexit in the European Referendum, stating he would rather be a "poor master than a rich servant".

2016: Favorite film of his career

In a 2016 interview, Michael Caine cited Alfie as his favourite film of his career.

2018: Blowing the Bloody Doors Off: And Other Lessons in Life

In 2018, Michael Caine published his third volume of memoirs, Blowing the Bloody Doors Off: And Other Lessons in Life.

October 2023: Official Retirement Announcement

On October 13, 2023, Michael Caine officially confirmed his retirement from acting, citing a lack of leading roles and positive reviews for his performance in The Great Escaper as reasons.

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