Legendary Actor Michael Caine Calls it Quits: Unveiling the Secrets Behind His Phenomenal Success

Michael Caine, aged 90, has officially announced his retirement from acting. Despite initially turning down the script multiple times, he ultimately fell in love with it and decided to take on the role in his new film, The Great Escaper. During an appearance on BBC Radio 4's "Today" program on Saturday, October 14, Caine expressed his intention to retire, stating, "I kept saying I'm gonna retire. Well, I am now."

The veteran actor confessed that he believed it was the right moment to retire after starring in a movie that has received exceptional reviews.

"I'm probably only going to be offered roles as elderly men now - perhaps 90 or maybe 85, you see?" Caine elaborated. "And I pondered, 'Well, I might as well depart on a high note. I've received outstanding reviews. How can I surpass this?'"

Caine plays the role of Bernard "Bernie" Johnson, a World War II veteran, in Oliver Parker's Great Escaper, a film based on a true story. In the movie, Bernie escapes from his nursing home to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France. William Ivory penned the screenplay for the film, which also features the late Glenda Jackson. Although The Great Escaper highlights the vulnerability of older people, Caine revealed that it contrasts with his personal experiences.

Regarding my situation, it may not be as diminishing as one would assume. Even though I am 90 years old, I have vivid memories of engaging with elderly men who were also 90 at the time, and I am somewhat similar to them now: a frail, elderly gentleman. Initially, I used to perceive myself differently, thinking, "I won't end up like them." However, things have changed. I came across an article that stated, "If you were born in 1950, you are likely to live until at least 100." Considering I was born in 1933, I have some extra time to make up for and enjoy.

Michael Caine, pictured above at a SiriusXM event, had previously alluded to his retirement in an interview with The Telegraph on October 6. He humorously stated, "I wasn't 90 then. I am bloody 90 now, and I can't walk properly and all that...I sort of am retired now."

In an interview with The Telegraph, Caine humorously commented that at 90 years old, there are not high expectations for one's physical abilities. He acknowledged that running or playing football is no longer feasible, and he is slowly becoming aware of his approaching mortality. However, he reflected on his gratitude for reaching the age of 90, considering it the best life he could have imagined with an incredible spouse and family.

Since 1973, Michael has been married to Shakira Caine, with whom he has a daughter named Natasha, 50. Additionally, Michael has another daughter named Dominique, 67, from his previous marriage to Patricia Haines. Two years prior, Michael expressed thoughts of retiring during an interview on the BBC show "Kermode and Mayo's Film Review," stating that he believed Best Sellers could possibly be his final film.

Surprisingly, it has turned out to be my final role, primarily due to my two-year absence from work and my spinal issue, which greatly impairs my ability to walk," he stated in October 2021. "Additionally, I have authored a couple of books that have been successfully published. Consequently, I am now identified as a writer rather than an actor, and it is wonderful because, unlike being an actor who must rise at 6:30 in the morning and commute to the studio, I can commence writing without even leaving my bed."

Following this, Michael later tweeted that he had not retired, though "only a select few are aware of that fact."

After his retirement, he now has ample time to savor the companionship of his beloved wife, Shakira, whom he fondly refers to as his "little old lady," and their cherished grandchildren. On Saturday, Michael expressed his immense gratification, stating, "I consider myself extremely fortunate in every aspect, both personally and in my marriage. I couldn't be happier."