Sir Michael Caine is an iconic English actor known for his distinctive Cockney accent and a career spanning over eight decades. With appearances in over 160 films, he has earned global recognition and numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards and a knighthood. His films have grossed over $7.8 billion worldwide, solidifying his status as a British film legend.
Michael Caine's mother, Ellen Frances Marie (née Burchell), was born in 1901.
Sir Michael Caine was born Maurice Joseph Micklewhite in March 1933.
Michael Caine, born Maurice Joseph Micklewhite, was born in March 1933 to Ellen Frances Marie (née Burchell) and Maurice Joseph Micklewhite. His father worked as a fish market porter.
Stanley Micklewhite, Michael Caine's younger brother, was born in 1935.
During World War II, London faced severe housing shortages due to the Blitz's destruction in 1940 and 1941, leading to families like Michael Caine's being rehoused in prefabricated homes.
The housing shortages in London, caused by the Blitz's destruction in 1940 and 1941, persisted, leading to families like Michael Caine's residing in prefabricated homes for extended periods.
At age 10, Michael Caine discovered his passion for acting after a school play. In 1944, he excelled in his eleven-plus examination, securing a scholarship to Hackney Downs School. Later, he transitioned to Wilson's School in Camberwell, where he completed his School Certificates in six subjects at 16.
Michael Caine made his uncredited film debut in "Morning Departure" in 1950.
Michael Caine began his national service in the British Army's Royal Fusiliers in 1952.
Michael Caine, under the stage name "Michael White," made his stage debut in July 1953, playing the character of Hindley in a production of "Wuthering Heights" with the Westminster Repertory Company.
Upon moving to London in 1954, Michael Caine was forced to adopt a new stage name due to another actor already using the name "Michael White." Inspired by the film "The Caine Mutiny," he chose the name "Michael Caine."
Michael Caine completed his national service in the British Army's Royal Fusiliers in 1954.
Michael Caine married actress Patricia Haines in 1954. They had a daughter, Dominique.
Michael Caine's father passed away from liver cancer in 1955.
Caine continued to build his acting portfolio in 1957 with appearances in the television series "Dixon of Dock Green" and "Escape".
The father of Michael Caine, Maurice Joseph Micklewhite, died in 1957.
In 1958, Caine furthered his television career with roles in "Dixon of Dock Green" and the crime drama "Mister Charlesworth".
In an interesting coincidence, Michael Caine played a minor role in a BBC Television adaptation of "The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial" in 1958, the same film that inspired his stage name.
Michael Caine's marriage to Patricia Haines ended in divorce in 1958.
In 1959, Michael Caine moved in with fellow actor Terence Stamp and began frequenting London's party scene alongside Peter O'Toole. He became O'Toole's understudy in "The Long and the Short and the Tall" and eventually took over the role, embarking on a UK and Ireland tour.
In December 1961, Caine appeared in "Somewhere for the Night", a Sunday-Night Play written by Bill Naughton, showcasing his talent in television productions.
January 1963 marked a turning point for Caine when he was cast as Meff in "Next Time I'll Sing To You" at the New Arts Theatre in London.
Caine's performance in "Next Time I'll Sing To You" was recognized with a feature in the April 1963 issue of Theatre World magazine, increasing his visibility.
Michael Caine spent 14 weeks in Natal, South Africa, filming the movie "Zulu." This experience would later lead to a significant turning point in his career.
Caine tackled a classical role as Horatio in the BBC production of "Hamlet at Elsinore," starring alongside Christopher Plummer. This marked his only foray into classical acting.
Michael Caine's breakthrough in film arrived in 1964 with his starring role in the British film "Zulu."
In 1965, Michael Caine starred in the British film "The Ipcress File."
Michael Caine's career reached new heights with his role as the gritty antihero Harry Palmer in "The Ipcress File". This marked a departure from his earlier roles and solidified his screen persona.
The film "Alfie," starring Michael Caine, was released in 1966. The film would later be referenced in the title of Caine's 1992 memoir.
Michael Caine's performance in "Alfie" earned him an Oscar nomination in 1966.
1966 proved to be a pivotal year for Caine. "Alfie" catapulted him to international stardom and earned him his first Academy Award nomination. He also made his Hollywood debut in "Gambit" alongside Shirley MacLaine.
Caine reprised his role as Harry Palmer in "Billion Dollar Brain," further solidifying the character's popularity and cementing his own status as a bankable star.
Despite its BAFTA nomination for cinematography, "The Magus" failed to resonate with audiences and critics, proving to be a setback for Caine.
Caine worked with Noël Coward on "The Italian Job" and took on the role of RAF fighter pilot squadron leader Canfield in the star-studded war film "Battle of Britain."
Caine's portrayal of Charlie Croker in "The Italian Job" became legendary, with his memorable line solidifying its place in cinematic history. The film's cliffhanger ending continues to spark debate among moviegoers.
In 1969, Caine starred in the war film "Battle of Britain," playing the role of Squadron Leader Canfield, a Royal Air Force fighter pilot.
Michael Caine further solidified his rising career in 1969 with lead roles in two successful British films: "The Italian Job" and "Battle of Britain."
Caine starred in the British gangster film "Get Carter," further showcasing his versatility and ability to embody complex, morally ambiguous characters.
In 1971, Michael Caine achieved stardom with his roles in "Get Carter" and "The Last Valley."
On October 28, 1972, Peter Sellers appeared on BBC1's "Parkinson" and used Caine's habit of sharing obscure facts to popularize the catchphrase "Not a lot of people know that."
Michael Caine's performance in the film "Sleuth" led to an Oscar nomination in 1972.
The original version of "Sleuth", in which Michael Caine starred, was released in 1972.
Caine shared the screen with acting legend Laurence Olivier in "Sleuth," solidifying his status as a respected actor capable of holding his own against the best in the industry.
Michael Caine married actress and model Shakira Baksh in January 1973. The couple met after Caine saw Baksh in a coffee commercial and persistently pursued her. They have a daughter, Natasha Haleema.
Caine starred alongside Donald Pleasence in the thriller "The Black Windmill," adding another genre to his diverse filmography.
Caine's performance alongside Sean Connery in John Huston's "The Man Who Would Be King" garnered critical acclaim, with praise for their on-screen chemistry and comedic timing.
Michael Caine starred in "The Man Who Would Be King" in 1975.
Beginning in 1976, Michael Caine became a part-owner of Langan's Brasserie, marking the start of his involvement in the restaurant industry. He eventually held ownership in seven restaurants across the UK and US.
Caine portrayed Oberst Kurt Steiner, the commander of a Luftwaffe paratroop unit, in the adaptation of Jack Higgins's novel "The Eagle Has Landed."
The film "The Eagle Has Landed," starring Michael Caine, was released in 1976.
Michael Caine appeared in the film "A Bridge Too Far" in 1977.
Caine joined an all-star cast for the war film "A Bridge Too Far," contributing to another epic cinematic production.
Caine starred in the film adaptation of "Silver Bears" and appeared in the Academy Award-winning "California Suite," showcasing his range and ability to transition between different types of roles.
Michael Caine delivered a notable performance in the film "California Suite" in 1978.
Despite appearing in "The Swarm," which received an Academy Award nomination for costume design, and "Ashanti" and "Beyond the Poseidon Adventure," Caine faced criticism for some of his film choices during this period. He later acknowledged these career decisions with self-deprecating humor.
In 1980, Michael Caine starred in the film "Dressed to Kill."
Michael Caine appeared in the films "The Island" and "Dressed to Kill" in 1980.
Michael Caine appeared in the films "The Hand" and "Escape to Victory" in 1981.
Michael Caine appeared alongside Laurence Olivier in the film "The Jigsaw Man" in 1982.
Michael Caine received an Oscar nomination for his role in the film "Educating Rita" in 1983.
Michael Caine starred in "Educating Rita", earning a BAFTA and a Golden Globe Award in 1983.
Michael Caine incorporated his famous "not a lot of people know that" phrase as a humorous element in the 1983 film "Educating Rita."
Caine's performance in the 1983 film "Educating Rita" earned him critical acclaim, winning both the BAFTA and Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.
Michael Caine appeared in the film "Blame It on Rio" in 1984.
Michael Caine provided vocal samples for the ska-pop band Madness for their hit song "Michael Caine" in 1984, a gesture influenced by his daughter's fandom.
Michael Caine appeared in the Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais comedy "Water" in 1985.
In 1986, Michael Caine won his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film "Hannah and Her Sisters."
Michael Caine won his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Elliot in Woody Allen's "Hannah and Her Sisters" in 1986.
Michael Caine won his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Woody Allen's "Hannah and Her Sisters" in 1986.
In 1987, Michael Caine shared an anecdote on television about choosing his stage name, suggesting he might have been called "Michael Mutiny" had his view been slightly different while searching for inspiration.
Michael Caine narrated "Hero", the official film of the 1986 FIFA World Cup, and starred in "Jaws: The Revenge" and "The Fourth Protocol" in 1987.
Michael Caine starred in "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" and "Jack the Ripper", earning a Golden Globe nomination for the former in 1988.
Michael Caine showcased his comedic talent in the film "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" in 1988.
Michael Caine published several trivia books, including "Not a Lot of People Know This Is 1988," with proceeds donated to the National Playing Fields Association, a UK charity he supported as vice president.
Michael Caine's mother, Ellen Frances Marie (née Burchell), passed away in 1989.
Michael Caine appeared in the films "Mr. Destiny" and "Bullseye!" in 1990.
In 1992, Michael Caine portrayed Ebenezer Scrooge in "The Muppet Christmas Carol."
In 1992, Michael Caine published his first memoir, titled "What's It All About?"
In 1992, Michael Caine showcased his singing abilities in the musical film "The Muppet Christmas Carol".
Michael Caine and his brother, Stanley, discovered they had an elder half-brother, David, who had been institutionalized due to severe epilepsy. David passed away in 1992.
Michael Caine played Ebenezer Scrooge in "The Muppet Christmas Carol" and Lloyd Fellowes in "Noises Off" in 1992.
Michael Caine was honored by Queen Elizabeth II in 1992 when he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his contributions to the film industry.
Michael Caine's first memoir, "What's It All About?," was published in 1992. The title is a nod to a song from his 1966 film "Alfie."
Michael Caine played a villain in the Steven Seagal film "On Deadly Ground" in 1994.
Caine returned to the role of Harry Palmer in "Bullet to Beijing," revisiting the character after a long hiatus.
Caine's journey as Harry Palmer concluded with "Midnight in Saint Petersburg," marking the final installment in the film series.
Michael Caine expressed previous support for the New Labour party under Tony Blair's leadership in 1997.
Michael Caine appeared in the film "Little Voice" in 1998.
Michael Caine's performance in "Little Voice" was well-received and earned him a Golden Globe Award in 1998.
Michael Caine received his second Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Dr. Wilbur Larch in "The Cider House Rules" in 1999.
Michael Caine received his second Academy Award in 1999, again for Best Supporting Actor, for his performance in the film "The Cider House Rules."
Michael Caine won his second Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "The Cider House Rules" in 1999.
In 2000, Michael Caine received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace for his significant contributions to cinema. He was knighted under his birth name, Maurice Micklewhite.
Michael Caine had a role in the film "Quills" in 2000.
Michael Caine received a BAFTA Fellowship and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000.
Michael Caine starred in the comedy "Miss Congeniality" and the acclaimed drama "Quills" in 2000.
Michael Caine starred in the ensemble dramedy "Last Orders" in 2001.
Caine's line "You're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!" from "The Italian Job" was voted the second-funniest in film history in a 2002 poll, highlighting its enduring impact.
Michael Caine played Austin's father in the comedy "Austin Powers in Goldmember" in 2002.
Michael Caine received critical acclaim and earned his sixth Academy Award nomination, a Golden Globe Award, and a British Academy Film Award for his performance in "The Quiet American" in 2002.
Michael Caine starred as Nigel Powers, Austin Powers' father, in the movie "Austin Powers in Goldmember", released in 2002. His portrayal was a parody of his own iconic role, Harry Palmer from "The Ipcress File".
Michael Caine took on a comedic role in the film "Austin Powers in Goldmember" in 2002.
Michael Caine was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in "The Quiet American" in 2002.
Further solidifying its iconic status, Caine's line from "The Italian Job" was also chosen as a favorite one-liner in a 2003 poll of film fans.
Michael Caine appeared in the film "Secondhand Lions" in 2003.
Michael Caine co-starred with Robert Duvall and Haley Joel Osment in the family comedy "Secondhand Lions" in 2003.
Michael Caine played family elder Henry Lair in the film "Around the Bend" in 2004.
Michael Caine began his portrayal of Alfred Pennyworth in Christopher Nolan's "Batman Begins" in 2005.
Michael Caine was cast as Alfred Pennyworth in "Batman Begins" and appeared as Isabel's father in "Bewitched" in 2005.
Michael Caine appeared in Alfonso Cuarón's "Children of Men" and Christopher Nolan's "The Prestige" in 2006.
Michael Caine gave a performance in the film "Children of Men" in 2006.
Michael Caine had a role in Christopher Nolan's film "The Prestige" in 2006.
Michael Caine starred in the remake of "Sleuth", taking on the role originally played by Laurence Olivier in 1972.
Michael Caine, a fan of chill-out music, released a compilation album titled "Cained" in 2007. This project stemmed from his hobby of creating mixtapes and a conversation with his friend, Elton John.
Michael Caine appeared in the film "Flawless" in 2007.
In a 2007 interview with Michael Parkinson, Caine talked about the many impersonations of his voice and the "Not many people know that" catchphrase.
In 2007, Caine spoke to CNN's "The Screening Room" about his decision to retain his distinctive Cockney accent throughout his career.
In 2008, Michael Caine's significant contributions to the entertainment industry were acknowledged with the Outstanding Contribution to Showbusiness award at the Variety Club Awards.
Michael Caine reprised his role as Alfred Pennyworth in Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight" in 2008.
Michael Caine starred in "Harry Brown", initially stating it would be his last lead role, though he later clarified he had no intention of retiring in November 2009.
Following the release of his film "Harry Brown" in 2009, Michael Caine advocated for the reinstatement of national service in the UK, believing it would instill a sense of belonging in young people.
In 2009, Michael Caine publicly criticized the Labour government's 50% income tax rate for top earners. He threatened to move back to the United States if his taxes increased further.
Michael Caine played a role in the film "Harry Brown" in 2009.
On the TV series "The Trip," actors Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan engaged in humorous Michael Caine impersonations. During a Royal Albert Hall event celebrating Caine's career in 2010, they did their impressions, only to be interrupted by Caine himself, who playfully remarked on their 'out-of-shape' impressions.
Michael Caine released his second memoir, "The Elephant to Hollywood", in 2010.
Michael Caine appeared in Christopher Nolan's film "Inception" in 2010.
In the lead-up to the 2010 general election, Michael Caine publicly endorsed the Conservative Party. He appeared with then-party leader David Cameron to launch a proposed National Service program for 16-year-olds.
In a 2010 interview, Michael Caine addressed the many impersonations of him, noting that he encounters people quoting his lines constantly. He shared his approach to telling anecdotes, suggesting self-deprecation as the key to humor.
In 2010, Michael Caine published his autobiography, "The Elephant to Hollywood," in which he shared his life experiences, including his time in the Korean War and its profound impact on him.
In 2010, Caine shared his life experiences and insights into his acting career with the publication of his autobiography, "The Elephant to Hollywood."
During a 2010 radio interview, Michael Caine shared that he had persuaded a doctor to administer a fatal overdose to his father, who was suffering from liver cancer, in 1955. He voiced his support for voluntary euthanasia.
In 2010, Michael Caine released his second memoir, titled "The Elephant to Hollywood."
In January 2011, French Culture Minister Frédéric Mitterrand bestowed upon Michael Caine the prestigious honor of Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in recognition of his contributions to the arts.
Michael Caine lent his voice to two animated films in 2011. He voiced Finn McMissile in Pixar's "Cars 2" and had a supporting role in "Gnomeo & Juliet."
Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian praised Michael Caine's performance in "Hannah and Her Sisters" in 2011.
Michael Caine received the Honorary Freedom of the London Borough of Southwark in May 2012, recognizing him as a distinguished individual within the borough.
In July 2012, "The Dark Knight Rises," the final film in Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, was released. Michael Caine reprised his role as Alfred Pennyworth in the film.
Michael Caine reprised his role as Alfred in "The Dark Knight Rises" in 2012.
Michael Caine made his final appearance as Alfred Pennyworth in Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy with "The Dark Knight Rises" in 2012.
Caine starred in the heist thriller "Now You See Me" in 2013, playing Arthur Tressler, a wealthy insurance magnate. The film, also featuring Jesse Eisenberg and Mark Ruffalo, was a commercial success.
Stanley Micklewhite, Michael Caine's younger brother, passed away in 2013.
In July 2014, Michael Caine was linked to an alleged tax avoidance scheme called Liberty.
Caine criticized the proposed mansion tax by then Labour leader Ed Miliband in November 2014, calling it "preposterous and silly".
In 2014, Caine appeared in Christopher Nolan's science fiction film "Interstellar." He played the role of Professor Brand, a high-ranking NASA scientist.
Michael Caine had a role in Christopher Nolan's film "Interstellar" in 2014.
In May 2015, Caine starred in Paolo Sorrentino's comedy-drama "Youth." He played Fred Ballinger, a retired composer, and earned critical acclaim for his performance.
In October 2015, Caine participated in the "GivingTales" project, reading Hans Christian Andersen's "Little Claus and Big Claus" for a children's fairytales app supporting UNICEF.
Caine co-starred in the action comedy "Kingsman: The Secret Service" in 2015, directed by Matthew Vaughn and starring Colin Firth and Taron Egerton.
Michael Caine appeared in the film "Youth" in 2015.
In 2015, "The Times" recognized Michael Caine as a symbol of "Sixties cool," highlighting his lasting impact on British culture and his iconic status.
In July 2016, Michael Caine legally changed his name to his stage name to simplify airport security checks. The frequent confusion caused by his stage name differing from his birth name, Maurice Joseph Micklewhite, led to this decision.
"Now You See Me 2," the sequel to the 2013 heist film, was released in 2016. Michael Caine reprised his role as Arthur Tressler in the film.
In a 2016 interview, Caine named "Alfie" as his most cherished film, highlighting its significance in shaping his career and establishing his presence in Hollywood.
Michael Caine revealed his support for Brexit in the 2016 European Referendum. Although a reluctant "Leave" voter, he expressed concerns about the EU's governance and advocated for significant changes.
By 2017, films featuring Michael Caine had collectively grossed over $7.8 billion globally.
Caine had a voice cameo in Christopher Nolan's World War II film "Dunkirk" (2017), playing a Royal Air Force pilot, a nod to his role in the 1969 film "Battle of Britain."
The American Academy of Achievement honored Michael Caine with the Golden Plate Award in 2017. The award was presented by Peter Jackson, a member of the Awards Council.
In 2018, Michael Caine was featured in a British Airways pre-flight safety video. He appeared alongside other British celebrities in humorous sketches that promoted safety measures and the airline's partnership with the Flying Start children's charity.
Caine published his third memoir, "Blowing the Bloody Doors Off: And Other Lessons in Life", in 2018.
Caine portrayed Brian Reader in the 2018 film "King of Thieves," based on the 2015 Hatton Garden safe deposit burglary.
In May 2019, Caine was cast in Christopher Nolan's espionage film "Tenet." He played the role of Sir Michael Crosby, a British Intelligence officer.
Two films featuring Michael Caine, "Tenet" and "Come Away," were released in September 2020. "Tenet" was a Christopher Nolan thriller, while "Come Away" was a fantasy film.
Michael Caine appeared in Christopher Nolan's film "Tenet" in 2020.
In 2021, Caine appeared in "Twist," a modern adaptation of "Oliver Twist." He also starred in "Best Sellers." During this time, he hinted at possibly retiring from acting.
Michael Caine filmed "The Great Escaper" in 2022. This British-French production, based on a true story, would later be released in 2023.
"The Great Escaper," a British-French film starring Michael Caine, was released on October 6, 2023. The film is based on the true story of a World War II veteran who leaves his nursing home to attend the 70th anniversary D-Day commemorations.
Michael Caine announced his retirement from acting in October 2023, marking the end of his illustrious career. His final film, "The Great Escaper," was released in the same month.
Michael Caine officially confirmed his retirement from acting on October 13, 2023, citing his age and satisfaction with his career. He made the announcement during a BBC radio interview.
Michael Caine is set to release his first novel, a thriller titled "Deadly Game," in November 2023.
As of 2023, Michael Caine resides in Chelsea Harbour and Wimbledon, London. He has previously resided in various locations, including Leatherhead, Surrey, where he had a house with a dedicated theater. He also owns an apartment in Miami Beach, Florida. Caine has authored three volumes of memoirs: "What's It All About?" (1992), "The Elephant to Hollywood" (2010), and "Blowing the Bloody Doors Off: And Other Lessons in Life" (2018).