Michael Caine has been entertaining audiences for over six decades. Born on March 14, 1933, in Rotherhithe, London, Michael grew up in poverty and began working at a young age to support his family. Despite facing many challenges, he persevered and eventually became one of the most beloved and respected actors of his generation.
Michael’s acting career began in the 1950s when he appeared in small roles on British television. He soon moved on to stage productions and landed his first film parts. However, it was his breakthrough role as Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead in the 1964 film “Zulu” that put him on the map. From there, he went on to star in a string of successful films, including “Alfie,” “The Italian Job,” “Sleuth” and “The Man Who Would Be King.” In recent years, he’s appeared in hits such as Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” trilogy and “Kingsman: The Secret Service.”
Michael’s performances are marked by his ability to portray a wide range of characters, from charming and debonair to gritty and intense. He has been nominated for six Academy Awards and won two for his roles in “Hannah and Her Sisters” and “The Cider House Rules.” He has also won numerous other awards throughout his career, including two Golden Globes, a BAFTA, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In 2000, he was knighted for his services to drama.
In his later years, Michael began to suffer from a myriad of health woes that have kept him from gracing the big screen. However, after a well-deserved break coinciding with the pandemic, Michael returned to the silver screen for the 2023 film “The Great Escaper.” His dedication was evident when he appeared at the movie’s London screening, even while sharing some poignant news.
Michael may have made acting his one true creative passion since he first broke into the business in the mid-20th century, but he found his true love the second time around after he divorced his first wife, actress Patricia Haines, in 1958. In January 1973, he married the love of his life, Guyanese model and actress Shakira Caine.
Having celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in January 2023, Michael and Shakira are enjoying their golden years together, and they are even doting grandparents. The couple shares one daughter, Natasha Caine, 50, who has three children, while Michael has another daughter from his previous marriage, Dominique Caine, 67.
Michael, who now uses a cane for mobility, still enjoys date nights with his beloved Shakira. In December 2021, the pair were spotted on a night out at Langan’s Brasserie in Mayfair, while in November 2022, the loved-up pair were seen at a bar in London. While Michael was usually seen with a cane, in February 2023, the actor had upgraded to a wheeled walking frame while out celebrating his wife’s 76th birthday.
In April 2023, Michael was spotted vacationing in the Caribbean, specifically in Barbados. In the photos obtained by The Daily Mail, Michael was seen being assisted by a female aide as he was walking with a walking frame.
Michael has conceded that he’s not as sprightly as he used to be since developing spinal stenosis, which hampers his mobility. Shakira told the Daily Mail in March 2022 that the actor underwent a back operation to treat it.
“The operation was fantastic. He’ll be up and dancing again soon,” his wife assured the outlet, adding that Michael is in recovery as a “strong man” and he’s doing “great” so far.
Michael’s health woes have kept him from his acting career, but the movie icon returned in front of the camera for the 2023 film “The Great Escaper.” In the film, based on real-life events, Michael portrays Bernard Jordan, a British World War II veteran who broke out of his nursing home in June 2014 to attend the 70th anniversary D-Day commemorations in France.
Michael made a rare appearance for a screening of the film in London on September 20, 2023, arriving alongside his wife and both his daughters as he leaned on a cane for assistance. Prior to the screening, Michael told The Telegraph why he decided to take on the role.
“I was so happy to do it. I just loved the character of Bernie. I thought he was incredible, and it’s so beautifully written. With Covid and all that, I hadn’t done a picture for three years, and I thought I was finished. And I suddenly did it – and had such a wonderful time,” he said.
As for how he was able to film his scenes as he can no longer walk unaided, he explained:
“They gave me a very good walking stick, and I was able to do scenes that needed that. I’d just do them once, and then fall over. But just one take, and that’s it. Forget it.”
The acting powerhouse also had some sad news concerning the future of his acting career, telling the outlet:
“I am bloody 90 now, and I can’t walk properly and all that. I sort of am retired now.”
While Michael’s onscreen presence will be sorely missed, the London screening provided the actor, his wife and his daughters an opportunity to give the press a last hurrah before settling into life out of the spotlight.
Will you miss seeing Michael Caine’s unforgettable performances on the big screen? Which of his memorable roles holds a special place in your heart? Let us know, then pass this along to friends and family who love watching Caine, too!
