Michael Caine

NAME Michael Caine

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Michael Caine is famous for being an iconic British actor known for his distinctive voice and versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles. He has appeared in over 130 films, becoming one of the most respected and beloved actors of his generation.

BIRTH Michael Caine was born Maurice Joseph Micklewhite Jr. on March 14, 1933, in Rotherhithe, London, England.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Michael Caine's father, Maurice Joseph Micklewhite Sr., was a fish market porter, and his mother, Ellen Frances Marie (née Burchell), was a cook and charwoman. He grew up in a working-class family during the tough times of the Great Depression and World War II. He had a younger brother, Stanley (also an actor), and an older half-brother, David Burchell.

CHILDHOOD Caine's childhood was marked by poverty and the turmoil of wartime London. Young Maurice wore surgical boots as a toddler due to rickets caused by a poverty-stricken diet. During World War II, he was evacuated to the countryside, where he lived with a family who starved him and locked him in a cupboard.

Despite the hardships, he developed a love for cinema early on, often escaping into the local movie theaters.

EDUCATION Caine attended Hackney Downs School but left at the age of 16 to take on a series of low-paying jobs. He later pursued acting by joining a repertory company and studying drama.

CAREER RECORD Caine's career began in the 1950s with minor roles in theater and television. Here's his resume.

Began acting on stage in 1953.

Film debut in 1956.

Acted in over 160 films across various genres, including war films, spy thrillers, comedies, and dramas.

Notable films include: Alfie (1966), The Ipcress File (1965), Get Carter (1971), The Italian Job (1969), Educating Rita (1983), The Cider House Rules (1999), Batman Begins (2005), and many more.

Won two Academy Awards (Best Supporting Actor), a BAFTA Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

APPEARANCE Michael Caine is known for his tall stature, standing at 6 feet 2 inches. He has a distinctive cockney accent, sharp features, and often wears glasses. He is often described as having a debonair charm.

Michael Caine in 2012. By Manfred Werner / Tsui - Own work, Wikipedia 

FASHION Caine's fashion style is quintessentially British, often seen in well-tailored suits. In his younger days, he was known for his mod fashion, characterized by slim-fitting clothes and stylish glasses.

CHARACTER Michael Caine is widely regarded as charming, down-to-earth, and professional. He is known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his craft.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Caine possesses a sharp and dry sense of humor. His wit and ability to laugh at himself have endeared him to fans and colleagues alike.

RELATIONSHIPS Michael Caine has been married twice. His first marriage was to actress Patricia Haines in 1954, which ended in divorce four years later. They had a daughter, Dominique (who was named after the heroine of Ayn Rand's novel, The Fountainhead).

Flicking through the channels in 1971, Caine came across a commercial for Maxwell House coffee in which actress and model Shakira Baksh was dancing in the background. Smitten in an instant, Michael enlisted a friend in the advertising world to track down this mysterious beauty, and they were introduced soon after. They married on January 8, 1973 at the Algiers Hotel in Las Vegas, and they have been together ever since. They have one daughter, Natasha.

Caine and Shakira in Venice, Italy, in 2014. By ShakiraCaine.com

MONEY AND FAME Caine's long and successful career has made him one of the wealthiest and most recognizable actors in the world. He has maintained his humility despite his fame and fortune.

FOOD AND DRINK Michael Caine enjoys traditional British cuisine and has a fondness for fine wines. He is known to enjoy a good steak and classic comfort foods.

MUSIC AND ARTS Caine has a deep appreciation for music and the arts. He has often spoken about his love for jazz and classical music.

Michael Caine, the man with the voice smoother than a vintage Bentley and as quintessentially British as a lukewarm cup of tea, has been gracing our screens for a staggering eight decades.  With over 160 films under his belt, he's a true icon of British cinema.

The 1960s were Caine's coming-out party. He swaggered onto the scene in flicks like Zulu (fighting off hordes of angry Zulus with, presumably, impeccable manners), The Ipcress File (playing a spy so cool, James Bond might have taken notes), and The Italian Job (performing a daring heist, though perhaps without a valid driver's license – bit of a sticky situation that).

Believe it or not, the iconic role of Alfie was actually rejected by two other actors before landing in Caine's lap. Imagine a world where Michael Caine wasn't the world's most charming Lothario! A terrifying alternate reality.

His foray into American accents was...interesting.  For his role in Hurry Sundown, Vivien Leigh, in a moment of eccentric genius, instructed him to repeat "four door Ford" all day for weeks on end. One can only hope passersby weren't too alarmed by this constant muttering.

When filming Mona Lisa, the production offices were set up in the very same hospital where Caine himself was born.  Just goes to show, you can never escape your roots, even if those roots involve a stint in a disused hospital.

Caine's trophy cabinet positively rattles with awards.  He's been nominated for an Oscar an astonishing number of times, somehow managing to snag one in each decade from the 60s to the 00s.  Though there was a hilarious snafu when he won Best Supporting Actor for Hannah and Her Sisters but was busy filming, ahem, Jaws: The Revenge (let's not dwell on that one). 

His most heartwarming reason for taking a role? Why, his daughter of course!  Since she was too young for his usual gritty fare, he signed on for The Muppet Christmas Carol.  Because what says quality family entertainment more than a singing, dancing Scrooge opposite Kermit the Frog?

Finally, in 2000, the Queen herself bestowed upon him a knighthood, solidifying his status as a national treasure.  And his favorite film of his own? The heartwarming Educating Rita. A fitting choice for a man who's brought so much charm and wit to the silver screen.

LITERATURE Michael Caine is an avid reader and has written several autobiographies, including What's It All About? (1992) and The Elephant To Hollywood (2010). He also wrote the acting guide Acting in Film: An Actor's Take on Moviemaking (1990) and two collections of trivia Not Many People Know That!: Michael Caine's Almanac of Amazing Information (1984), and And Not Many People Know This Either! (1985). Proceeds from the trivia books went to the National Playing Fields Association (now Fields in Trust) of which Caine is a prominent supporter.

NATURE Caine enjoys spending time in nature, particularly in his garden. He finds solace and relaxation in the outdoors.

PETS Caine has had pets throughout his life, including dogs, which he is particularly fond of.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Caine enjoys gardening, watching football, and playing golf. He is also a fan of cricket.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Caine has shown an interest in technology and innovation, especially as it relates to filmmaking.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Caine is not overtly religious but has expressed a belief in fate and the importance of personal integrity and kindness. Shakira Baksh is a Muslim, while Caine is a Christian. 

POLITICS Michael Caine has voiced his political opinions on various issues, often advocating for moderate and pragmatic approaches. He has expressed support for Brexit, citing his belief in self-governance for the UK.

SCANDAL Caine's career has been relatively free of scandal. He has maintained a reputation for professionalism and respectability.

Booze and cigarettes were his companions through the 60s, a two-bottle-a-day vodka habit fueled by endless cigarettes.  Thankfully, Tony Curtis gave him a talking-to in 1971, and Caine finally kicked the smoking habit in his 70s.

MILITARY RECORD Caine was called up for national service in the British Army in 1951 at 18 and was deployed to South Korea. He served with the Royal Fusiliers and had a near-death experience that "formed his character." He learned to live every moment as if it were his last.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Caine has faced health challenges over the years, including hip replacements. Despite these, he has remained active and continues to work in film.

HOMES Caine lodged with composer John Barry in the early 1960s for a few months, and also shared a London flat with actor Terence Stamp early in his career.

Caine has owned several homes, including properties in London and Surrey. He also has a home in Miami, Florida.

TRAVEL Michael Caine enjoys traveling, both for work and leisure. He has traveled extensively around the world for film shoots and personal vacations.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Caine has made numerous appearances on television talk shows, award ceremonies, and in documentaries. He is a beloved guest known for his engaging stories and humor.

"Michael Caine," a Top 10 song in Britain by Madness, sampled his quote "My Name Is Michael Caine."

ACHIEVEMENTS Michael Caine's career spans over eight decades with numerous iconic film roles. He has won numerous awards, including two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his roles in Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) and The Cider House Rules (1999). He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000 for his contributions to cinema.