CNN: Michael Caine Retires from Acting After Eight Decades in the Industry
Legendary British actor, Michael Caine, has officially announced his retirement from acting after a career that spanned eight decades. The 90-year-old two-time Oscar winner confirmed the news during an interview on BBC Radio 4’s “Best of Today” podcast on Saturday.
Caine stated, “I keep saying I’m going to retire… Well, I am now.” He revealed that his latest film, “The Great Escaper,” which was released earlier this month, will be his last acting project. Caine expressed satisfaction with his performance in the film, saying, “I’ve got wonderful reviews. What am I going to do to beat this?”
In the movie, Caine starred alongside the late Glenda Jackson, playing the role of Bernard Jordan, a 90-year-old who escapes from a care home to attend the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings in France. Reflecting on his time working on the film, Caine said, “We had a great time on the movie and I thought, you know, why not leave now?”
Director Oliver Parker also spoke on the podcast, praising Caine’s talent and presence on set. He said, “Michael has this ability to turn his performance into something else… He has charisma and sheer presence.”
Caine began his acting career on stage in the early 1950s before making his mark in the film industry in 1956. Originally known as Maurice Joseph Micklewhite, Jr., he adopted the screen name “Caine” after the 1954 film “The Caine Mutiny,” eventually making it his legal name.
Throughout his career, Caine portrayed a wide range of characters, including secret agents, playboys, adventurers, schoolteachers, and killers. He gained prominence for his role as British spy Harry Palmer in five films, starting with the 1965 drama thriller “The Ipcress File.” A year later, he achieved international fame as a promiscuous chauffeur in the 1966 romantic comedy “Alfie.”
Caine received his first Academy Award for his supporting role in the 1986 Woody Allen film “Hannah and Her Sisters.” He won his second Oscar for another supporting role in the 1999 film “The Cider House Rules.” Throughout his career, he starred in notable films such as “The Man Who Would Be King,” alongside Sean Connery, “The Quiet American,” and “The Dark Knight,” where he portrayed the beloved character Alfred Pennyworth.
In addition to his acting achievements, Caine was honored with the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1993 and was knighted in 2000.
While Caine bids farewell to acting, he revealed that he plans to focus on writing. Having made 160 movies, Caine stated, “I always wanted to be a writer… there will be no more acting, but there will be writing.” He expressed his enjoyment for writing, noting that it eliminates the early morning wake-up calls and long working hours associated with filmmaking.
Michael Caine leaves behind an incredible legacy in the entertainment industry, and his contributions to film will continue to be celebrated for years to come.