London, U.K | AFP | Veteran British actor Michael Caine, renowned for his illustrious career in Hollywood spanning decades and adorned with awards and accolades, announced his retirement from acting at the age of 90. This decision comes after his celebrated role in “The Great Escaper,” his final film, released on October 6, in which he portrayed the real-life World War II British veteran Bernie Jordan. Bernie escaped from an elderly residential care home to attend the 2014 D-Day celebrations in France.
In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Caine stated, “I keep saying I’m going to retire. Well, I am now. The only parts I’m liable to get now are 90-year-old men. Or maybe 85. They’re not going to be the lead. You don’t have leading men at 90; you’re going to have young handsome boys and girls. So, I thought I might as well leave with all this.”
Caine, known for his amiable Cockney persona and deadpan acting style, has graced over 160 films during his remarkable seven-decade career. His iconic status extends to his unmistakable and oft-imitated voice. In the UK, he became a defining figure of the “Swinging Sixties.”
His filmography ranges from classics like “Zulu” and “The Italian Job” to more recent appearances in “Interstellar” and “The Dark Knight” franchise alongside Christian Bale.
A six-time Oscar nominee and a two-time Academy Award winner (in 1986 for “Hannah and Her Sisters” and in 2000 for “The Cider House Rules”), Caine has also been honored with Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and numerous other prestigious awards. He received knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2000.
Caine’s decision to retire from acting precedes the release of his first novel, “Deadly Game,” scheduled for next month. He expressed in June that writing a thriller had been a long-cherished ambition, citing it as his preferred genre for reading.
