A closer look at the lasting mark left by Michael Caine—a timeline of influence.
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.
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.
In 1983, Michael Caine used his "not a lot of people know that" catchphrase as a joke in the film Educating Rita.
In 2000, Michael Caine received a BAFTA Fellowship and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, recognizing his outstanding contributions to film.
In 2002, Michael Caine's line from The Italian Job, "You're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!", was voted the second-funniest line in film.
In 2003, Michael Caine's line from The Italian Job, "You're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!", was voted favorite one-liner in a poll of 1,000 film fans.
In 2007, Michael Caine commented on the impersonations of his voice during an interview with Michael Parkinson.
In 2008, Michael Caine was awarded the prize for Outstanding Contribution to Showbusiness at the Variety Club Awards.
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.
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.
In a 2010 interview with The Telegraph, Michael Caine spoke of the impersonations of him and how everyone he meets quotes lines at him.
In 2011, Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian reviewed "Hannah and Her Sisters", praising Caine's performance.
In 2015, The Times called Michael Caine "the epitome of Sixties cool" due to his role as Harry Palmer.