History of Michael Caine in Timeline

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Michael Caine

Sir Michael Caine is a highly celebrated English actor with a distinctive Cockney accent and a career spanning eight decades, during which he appeared in over 160 films. A British cultural icon, he has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, a BAFTA, and three Golden Globes. His films have grossed over $7.8 billion worldwide. Caine is one of only five male actors nominated for an acting Academy Award in five different decades. He received a BAFTA Fellowship in 2000 and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

1954: Caine married Patricia Haines

In 1954, Michael Caine married actress Patricia Haines.

1955: Caine requested fatal overdose for his father

In a 2010 Classic FM interview, Michael Caine recounted requesting a doctor to deliberately give his father a fatal overdose when he was dying from liver cancer in 1955.

1958: Caine divorced Patricia Haines

In 1958, Michael Caine divorced Patricia Haines.

1966: Release of Alfie

In 1966, Michael Caine starred in the hit film Alfie.

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1969: Release of The Italian Job

In 1969, Michael Caine starred in the hit film The Italian Job.

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October 1972: Peter Sellers initiates "Not a lot of people know that" catchphrase

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

January 1973: Caine married Shakira Baksh

On January 8, 1973, Michael Caine married actress and model Shakira Baksh.

1976: Caine became part owner of Langan's Brasserie

Starting in 1976, Michael Caine became part owner of Langan's Brasserie.

1983: Caine uses "not a lot of people know that" in Educating Rita

In 1983, Michael Caine used his catchphrase "not a lot of people know that" as a joke in the film Educating Rita.

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1983: BAFTA and Golden Globe Award for Educating Rita

In 1983, Michael Caine won the BAFTA and Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for his performance in Educating Rita.

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1984: Caine provided vocal samples for Madness' song

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

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1986: Academy Award for Hannah and Her Sisters

In 1986, Michael Caine won his first Academy Award for his role in the film Hannah and Her Sisters. He won in the supporting actor category.

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1988: Publication of Not a Lot of People Know This Is 1988

In 1988, Michael Caine published the trivia book Not a Lot of People Know This Is 1988, with proceeds benefiting the National Playing Fields Association.

1992: Publication of What's It All About?

In 1992, Michael Caine published his first memoir, What's It All About?, a title taken from the song from his 1966 film Alfie.

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What's It All About
What's It All About

1992: Caine sang in The Muppet Christmas Carol

In 1992, Michael Caine sang in the musical film The Muppet Christmas Carol.

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1992: Commander of the Order of the British Empire

In 1992, Michael Caine was appointed as Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the Birthday Honours.

1992: Death of Caine's half-brother, David

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: Caine supported New Labour under Tony Blair

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

2000: Knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II

In 2000, Michael Caine was knighted (as Sir Maurice Micklewhite, CBE) by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace for his contribution to cinema. Also in 2000 he received a BAFTA Academy Fellowship Award.

2000: Academy Award for The Cider House Rules

In 2000, Michael Caine won his second Academy Award for his role in the film The Cider House Rules. This was also for a supporting actor role.

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2002: Caine stars in Austin Powers in Goldmember

In 2002, Michael Caine starred in Austin Powers in Goldmember, playing Nigel Powers, father of Austin Powers, spoofing Harry Palmer.

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2007: Caine comments on impersonations of his voice

In 2007, Michael Caine commented on the impersonations of his voice, particularly the 'Not many people know that' catchphrase, during an interview with Michael Parkinson.

2007: Caine released a compilation CD called Cained

In 2007, Michael Caine released a compilation CD called Cained on the UMTV record label.

2008: Variety Club Awards

In 2008, Michael Caine was awarded the prize for Outstanding Contribution to Showbusiness at the Variety Club Awards.

2009: Caine 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.

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2009: Caine Criticized 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: Caine describes marriage to Shakira Baksh

In 2009, Michael Caine reflected on his marriage to Shakira Baksh, noting their different religious practices and peaceful coexistence.

2010: Caine endorsed the Conservative Party

During the run up to the 2010 general election, Michael Caine publicly endorsed the Conservative Party and appeared with then-party leader David Cameron.

2010: Publication of The Elephant to Hollywood

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

The Elephant to Hollywood
The Elephant to Hollywood

2010: The Trip features Caine impressions

In 2010, the television series The Trip featured scenes where Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan impersonated Michael Caine, reciting lines from The Italian Job and Get Carter.

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2010: Caine endorsed voluntary euthanasia

In a 2010 Classic FM interview, Michael Caine endorsed voluntary euthanasia and recounted requesting a doctor to deliberately give his father a fatal overdose in 1955 when he was dying from liver cancer.

2010: Caine talks about impersonations

In a 2010 interview with The Telegraph, Michael Caine discussed how people often quote his lines at him and that he enjoys telling stories against himself.

January 2011: Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres

On January 5, 2011, Michael Caine was honored as Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by France's culture minister, Frédéric Mitterrand.

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 as a person of distinction and eminence of the borough.

June 2014: Filming of The Great Escaper

In June 2014, Caine filmed The Great Escaper, a British-French feature film based on the story of a World War II veteran who attended the 70th anniversary D-Day commemorations.

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July 2014: Report of Caine's investment in a 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: Caine described proposed mansion tax as preposterous

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

2015: The Times calls Caine the epitome of Sixties cool

In 2015, The Times called Michael Caine "the epitome of Sixties cool" for his early role as secret agent Harry Palmer.

July 2016: Caine changes 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: Caine voted in favor of Brexit

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

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, presented by Peter Jackson.

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

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

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

2018: Publication of Blowing the Bloody Doors Off

In 2018, Michael Caine published his third memoir, Blowing the Bloody Doors Off, named after a quote from his 1969 film The Italian Job.

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

2018: Caine stars in British Airways safety video

In 2018, Michael Caine starred in a British Airways pre-flight safety video with other British celebrities, promoting the Flying Start children's charity partnership.

May 2019: Caine cast in Christopher Nolan's Tenet

In May 2019, Michael Caine was cast as Sir Michael Crosby, a British Intelligence officer, in Christopher Nolan's Tenet.

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September 2020: Tenet's American release during COVID-19 pandemic

In September 2020, Christopher Nolan's film Tenet, starring Michael Caine, was released in America during the COVID-19 pandemic after multiple delays. It became a box office disappointment despite receiving positive reviews.

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2021: Caine appears in Twist and suggests retirement

In 2021, Michael Caine appeared in the film Twist, an adaptation of Oliver Twist, playing Fagin. During promotion for the 2021 film Best Sellers, he suggested he would retire due to walking difficulties and interest in novel-writing, though his representatives later denied this.

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2022: Caine filmed The Great Escaper

In 2022, Michael Caine filmed The Great Escaper, a film based on the true story of a British World War II veteran who attended the 70th anniversary D-Day commemorations.

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October 2023: Caine Confirmed Retirement from Acting

On October 13, 2023, Michael Caine officially confirmed his retirement from acting, citing the decreasing likelihood of him getting leading roles. He made the announcement during a BBC Today radio interview, referencing the positive reviews for his lead role in The Great Escaper as a high point to conclude his career.

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October 2023: Release of The Great Escaper

The film The Great Escaper, starring Michael Caine, was released on October 6, 2023.

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November 2023: Publication of Deadly Game

In November 2023, Michael Caine's first novel, a thriller entitled Deadly Game, was published.

2023: Caine's residences in 2023

As of 2023, Michael Caine divides his time between residences in Chelsea Harbour and Wimbledon, London.

November 2024: Caine Supported Petition for New General Election

In November 2024, Michael Caine supported a petition demanding a new general election in the UK by sharing it on his X account, following the election of Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister in July 2024.

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.

Don't Look Back, You'll Trip Over: My Guide to Life
Don't Look Back, You'll Trip Over: My Guide to Life