Michael Caine is one of the most famous actors in Great Britain with 70 years of experience in the field of cinema. He is a two-time Oscar winner and a true professional. For many, he is a mentor and a true acting icon. Michael Caine is known for his genuine acting style, incredible talent, vast experience and a large number of awards. His life story can reveal the peculiarities of such an interesting and, at the same time, deceptive sphere as show business. Learn more at londonski.
The actor’s childhood and the first manifestation of talent
Michael Caine was born in London on March 14, 1933. His family didn’t belong to the upper class of society. His mother was a cook and his father loaded products at the fish market. Nothing indicated that the boy would become a world-famous actor. However, the Second World War brought significant changes in the lives of many Britons. Michael wasn’t an exemption either. He was evacuated 160 kilometres from the city. But it gave the boy the opportunity to perform on the school stage for the first time. He played the role of the father of the ugly sisters. Probably, that was the moment when the boy realised that he wanted to become an actor.
Still, success didn’t come to him immediately. Although he was well-educated, at the beginning of his professional career, Michael was offered only a few unremarkable vacancies, such as an assistant director or a courier for a film company. He didn’t immediately become world-famous. He achieved the desired result over the years. A special page in his life became military service, which began in 1952. A few years later, he took an active part in the Korean War. Michael mentioned that period several times in interviews and in his autobiography.
Michael Caine’s professional success
One of his first roles was a drunkard in the play Wuthering Heights. Obviously, it wasn’t a breakthrough role for him. Later, Michael noted that the first nine years of his career were quite tough. At first, with a lot of effort, he got small roles in plays or films. The actor experienced significant success in the 1960s. Then he starred in such famous films as The Ipcress File, Zulu, The Italian Job and Battle of Britain. At the same time, he formed his own style. He began to wear glasses that harmoniously combined with his elegant suits. Thus, Michael Caine became a role model in the fashion sphere for many. His style remains legendary nowadays.
Michael Caine appeared in some comedic films too. He starred in the American spy comedy Austin Powers in Goldmember, the comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, the comedy-drama film Secondhand Lions and many others. The actor received a number of awards, the most prominent of which are two Oscars. In 1983, he was awarded the BAFTA Award and the Golden Globe Award. In 2008, he was honoured at the Variety Club Awards ceremony. These are just a few notable events from his life.
The actor’s personal life, as well as professional, is also full of various vicissitudes. His first marriage with actress Patricia Haines didn’t last too long, although they had a daughter. They married in 1954, and in 1958, the couple divorced. Later, he was spotted with other British celebrities. In particular, he was credited with relationships with Natalie Wood, Edina Ronay, Candice Bergen and others. Michael Caine’s second marriage with actress Shakira Baksh turned out to be truly happy. They married in 1973, and later, had a daughter.