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, 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.

Sections (5)

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

March 1933: Michael Caine Born

In March 1933, Maurice Joseph Micklewhite, later known as Sir Michael Caine, was born in London, England.

March 1933: Birth of Michael Caine

On 14 March 1933, Michael Caine, originally named Maurice Joseph Micklewhite, was born in London.

1940: The Blitz in London

In 1940, London experienced the Blitz, which destroyed much of its housing stock.

1941: The Blitz in London

In 1941, London experienced the Blitz, which destroyed much of its housing stock.

1944: Acting in School Play

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

1952: National Service Begins

In 1952, Michael Caine was called up to do his national service in the British Army's Royal Fusiliers.

1954: End of National Service

In 1954, Michael Caine finished his national service in the British Army's Royal Fusiliers, having served in Korea.

1954: Married Patricia Haines

In 1954, Michael Caine married Patricia Haines.

1955: Father's Death

In 1955 Michael Caine convinced a doctor to euthanize his father due to liver cancer.

1958: Divorced Patricia Haines

In 1958, Michael Caine divorced Patricia Haines.

October 1972: Peter Sellers Initiates 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.

January 1973: Married Shakira Baksh

On January 8, 1973, Michael Caine married Shakira Baksh.

1976: Became part owner of Langan's Brasserie

In 1976 Michael Caine became part owner of Langan's Brasserie.

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: Provided Vocal Samples for Madness

In 1984, Michael Caine provided vocal samples for the ska-pop band Madness for their hit "Michael Caine".

1987: Television Appearance with Name Change Joke

In 1987, Michael Caine joked on television about how he chose his name.

1992: Publication of 'What's It All About?'

In 1992, Michael Caine published his first memoir, "What's It All About?".

1992: Death of half-brother

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

1997: Supported New Labour

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

2007: Commented on impersonations

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

2007: Released compilation CD

In 2007, Michael Caine released a chill-out music compilation CD called Cained.

2009: Called for reintroduction of National Service

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

2009: Criticised Labour Government

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

2009: Reflected on marriage

In 2009, Michael Caine reflected on his interfaith marriage with Shakira Baksh, highlighting their peaceful co-existence despite differing religious beliefs.

2010: Endorsed Conservative Party

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

2010: Published The Elephant to Hollywood

In 2010, Michael Caine published his memoir, The Elephant to Hollywood.

2010: Autobiography Published

In 2010, Michael Caine wrote in his autobiography "The Elephant to Hollywood" that he lived every moment to the fullest since his experience in the Korean War.

2010: Appeared in The Trip

In 2010, the television series The Trip featured improvised scenes where Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan argued over who could do a better Michael Caine impression.

2010: Endorsed Voluntary Euthanasia

In a 2010 Classic FM interview, Michael Caine endorsed voluntary euthanasia and said that he had persuaded a doctor to deliberately give his father a fatal overdose in 1955.

2010: Spoke of impersonations

In a 2010 interview with The Telegraph, Michael Caine spoke of the impersonations of him and how everyone he meets quotes lines at him.

June 2014: D-Day Commemorations

In June 2014, the real-life story of a British World War II veteran who attended the 70th anniversary D-Day commemorations in France became the basis for the film, The Great Escaper, starring Michael Caine.

July 2014: Reported to invest 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: Criticized proposed mansion tax

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

2015: Hatton Garden safe deposit burglary

In 2015, Hatton Garden safe deposit burglary occurred, which served as the basis for the film King of Thieves

July 2016: Changed Name by Deed Poll

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

2016: Voted in favour of Brexit

In 2016, Michael Caine voted in favour of Brexit in the European Referendum.

2016: Cited Alfie as Favorite Film

In a 2016 interview, Michael Caine cited Alfie as his favorite film, mentioning it was his first Academy Award nomination.

2018: Published Blowing the Bloody Doors Off

In 2018, Michael Caine published Blowing the Bloody Doors Off: And Other Lessons in Life.

2018: Starred in British Airways Safety Video

In 2018, Michael Caine starred in a British Airways pre-flight safety video alongside other British celebrities.

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.