Michael Caine

Lore & Background

Michael Caine was born Maurice Joseph Micklewhite at St Olave's Hospital in Rotherhithe, London, on 14 March 1933. He grew up in Southwark and was evacuated to Norfolk during the Second World War. After national service in the British Army, including active duty in the Korean War, he began his acting career in repertory theatre. He adopted the stage name Michael Caine after seeing The Caine Mutiny at a cinema. His breakthrough came in the 1960s with films such as Zulu (1964), The Ipcress File (1965), The Italian Job (1969), and Battle of Britain (1969). He established a visual style of horn-rimmed glasses and sharp suits, becoming a style icon of the 1960s.

Reader's Guide

Michael Caine's significance lies in his long and versatile career, spanning eight decades and over 130 films. He received two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor, for Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) and The Cider House Rules (1999), and was nominated for Best Actor for Alfie (1966), Sleuth (1972), Educating Rita (1983), and The Quiet American (2002). He is one of only five male actors nominated for an Academy Award in five different decades. His films grossed over $7.8 billion worldwide as of 2017. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000 and received a BAFTA Fellowship the same year. His legacy includes iconic roles in British cinema, the Batman trilogy, and collaborations with Christopher Nolan. He announced his retirement in 2023 with his final film The Great Escaper.

Did You Know?

• Caine was born Maurice Joseph Micklewhite and adopted his stage name after seeing The Caine Mutiny at a cinema.
• He served in the British Army during the Korean War and contracted malaria.
• He is one of only five male actors nominated for an Academy Award for acting in five different decades.
• Caine was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000.

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Syndicated article from the Associated Press." — Michael Caine "I was named after my father and I was knighted in his name because I love my father. I always kept my real name - I'm a very private and family-orientated person." — Michael Caine "My name is Sir Maurice" or "My name is Sir Michael"?" — Michael Caine "I'm both, but I will use Sir Michael Caine." — Michael Caine