British Film Star Michael Caine Announces Retirement from Acting
LONDON – Michael Caine, the iconic British film star known for his roles in movies such as “The Italian Job” and “The Dark Knight,” has officially confirmed his retirement from acting. The 90-year-old two-time Oscar winner made the announcement on BBC Radio 4’s “Best of Today” podcast on Saturday.
“I keep saying I’m going to retire,” Caine shared. “Well, I am now.” He revealed that his recent film, “The Great Escaper,” released earlier this month, will be his final acting gig. Caine stated, “I’ve played the lead, and it’s received incredible reviews. The only roles I’m going to get now are those of old men – 90-year-old men or maybe 85. So, I thought, why not leave with all this? I’ve received wonderful reviews. What am I going to do to beat this?”
In “The Great Escaper,” Caine starred alongside the late Glenda Jackson as Bernard Jordan, a 90-year-old character who escapes from a care home to attend the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landings in France. Reflecting on the experience, Caine said, “We had a great time on the movie, and I thought, you know, why not leave now?”
Oliver Parker, the director of “The Great Escaper,” also praised Caine’s outstanding performance. He remarked on Caine’s ability to transform his roles, emphasizing his charisma and sheer presence.
Caine’s acting journey began on stage in the early 1950s before making his debut in the film industry in 1956. Originally known as Maurice Joseph Micklewhite Jr., he later changed his screen name to Caine, inspired by the 1954 film “The Caine Mutiny.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Caine played a variety of characters, including secret agents, playboys, adventurers, schoolteachers, and killers. He gained fame after portraying the British spy Harry Palmer in five films, starting with the 1965 drama thriller “The Ipcress File.” Another notable role came in 1966 when he played a promiscuous chauffeur in the romantic comedy “Alfie.”
Caine received his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in Woody Allen’s 1986 film “Hannah and Her Sisters.” He earned his second Oscar in the same category for the 1999 movie “The Cider House Rules.”
Additional noteworthy roles include appearing alongside Sean Connery in John Huston’s 1975 adventure film “The Man Who Would Be King,” playing a journalist in the 2002 adaptation of Graham Greene’s “The Quiet American” set in Vietnam, and portraying Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne’s loyal butler, in the 2008 blockbuster “The Dark Knight.”
Aside from acting, Caine has also written books, expressing his love for writing. He stated during the podcast that he has made 160 movies and always aspired to be a writer. While his acting career may have reached its end, Caine affirmed that there will be writing in his future.
Reflecting on the demanding nature of movie-making, Caine compared it to writing, highlighting the convenience of not having to leave his bed. “The thing about movie-making is you have to get up at 6:30 in the morning, do a long ride learning your lines in the bloody car, and then work until 10 o’clock at night,” he explained.
As an accomplished actor, Caine was honored for his contributions to the arts. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1993 and was knighted in 2000.
While fans may be saddened by the news of Michael Caine’s retirement from acting, they can take solace in knowing that his unforgettable performances will forever be etched in the history of film.