BLOGGING THE VIEW: 7 things to know about Michael Caine on his retirement

While most of us are all caught up with Bok fever, it’s worth noting that one of Hollywood’s legendary actors, Michael Caine, has officially announced his retirement.

At the age of 90, it’s probably not surprising, but many actors don’t get the chance to step down even when roles are being offered to them.

And, while Hollywood stars never really go away as we can always revisit them in our favourite films, it’s worth taking a moment to look back at this almost six-decade career.

1. Working class beginnings
Michael Caine, whose real name is Maurice Joseph Micklewhite Jr, was born on 14 March 1933 in Rotherhithe, England to a working class family. His dad was a fish market porter, and his mother a cook and charwoman.

2. Breakout role
Caine’s breakout role is undoubtedly the1964 film Zulu, but his acting debut was actually some years before in the 1956 film Panic in the Parlour.

3. Noteworthy films
His almost six-decade career has seen him feature in over 130 films, making him one of the most prolific actors in the industry. Here’s a look at some of his most memorable roles.

• Zulu
• The Ipcress File
• Alfie
• The Italian Job
• Get Carter
• Sleuth
• The Man Who Would Be King
• A Bridge Too Far
• Hannah and Her Sisters
• Educating Rita
• Little Voice
• The Cider House Rules
• The Dark Knight Trilogy
• The Prestige
• Inception
• Children of Men

4. Happily married
Caine was married to actress Patricia Haines from 1955 to 1962, with whom he has one daughter, Dominique. But it was in 1973 that he married Shakira Baksh, with whom he also has one daughter, Natasha Haleema. The two have been happily married for 50 years.

5. Award-winning
Caine has been nominated for six Academy Awards in his career, winning on two occasions. The first was for his performance in Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) and the second for his role in The Cider House Rules (1999).

6. Knighthood
Outside of the academies, Caine was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000, becoming Sir Michael Caine. He also received the Freedom of the City of London in 2013 in recognition of his contribution to the arts and philanthropy.

7. The philanthropist
Caine is actively involved in several charitable causes, including poverty alleviation, education initiatives, and environmental sustainability.

SOURCES:
www.facts.net
www.smoothradio.com

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