Happy Birthday Michael Caine! His 11 Most Memorable Performances
The thespian has graced screens for seven decades and counting.
Michael Caine is one of the most beloved actors in the world.
Scandal-free and gracing screens for more than seven decades (and counting!), Caine, who turned 90 on March 14, 2023, appeared in blockbusters and critically-acclaimed fare.
Related: What Bad Advice Did John Wayne Give to Michael Caine?
He knew from a young age that he'd like to be an actor, previously telling Parade, "From about the age of 10. I was in a pantomime and I got a round of applause and loved it. Afterward, I realized it was because my fly was open! To this day, whenever I make a public appearance, my hand goes down to my fly to make sure it’s not undone."
Despite his success (he's got six Oscar nominations and two wins), he still remains down to Earth.
“I became a success very late, so my character was already formed before I became a movie star,” he told Parade of his lack of ego. “I’m actually quite down-to-earth. I’d lived the workingman’s life. Whenever I see a waiter, I think, ‘I know what you’re feeling. I’ve done your job.’”
Related: Rachel Weisz on Working With Michael Caine
As for his job now, he does it so well.
From Zulu to grumbling "humbug" and hanging out with Bruce Wayne, look back at Michael Caine's most memorable roles throughout his long and illustrious career. We can't wait to see what he does next!
Zulu was Michael Caine's first starring role. He got the role despite filming the worst screen test anyone had ever seen. But the director, Cy Enfield, said it was either Caine or the whole production crew would have to leave South Africa as there were no other options. The film depicts the Battle of Rorke's Drift between the British Army and the Zulus in January 1879, during the Anglo-Zulu War.
Caine was nominated for a Golden Globe and Academy Award for his role as womanizing Alfie in Lewis Gilbert 1966 British film.
Caine plays Charlie Croker in this comic caper movie about a plan to steal a gold shipment from the streets of Turin by creating a traffic jam.
The film adapatation of Rudyard Kipling's short story also starred Sean Connery and is about two British soldiers who resign from the army in India and set themselves up as deities in Kafiristan. The film was nominated for four Oscars.
![<p>Caine received a Golden Globe for best actor for his portrayal of as Frank Bryant, a bored university professor who meets Rita, a hairdresser, who takes his course. In 2007 Caine said that Educating Rita was "the last good picture [he] made before [he] mentally retired."</p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_2X11etnj64HGzt4PSuvSA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU5OQ--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/parade_250/97e6aeac48858f28eb49a963870d10f0)
Caine received a Golden Globe for best actor for his portrayal of as Frank Bryant, a bored university professor who meets Rita, a hairdresser, who takes his course. In 2007 Caine said that Educating Rita was "the last good picture [he] made before [he] mentally retired."
Then we jump to the late 90s to Caine's comeback as Ray Say, a Northern seaside town-dwelling talent scout in the film adaptation of the West End hit Little Voice.
Caine plays abortionist Dr Wilbur Larch, in the film adaptation of John Irving's novel. He won his second Oscar for this role.
Caine received another Oscar nomination for his role in Philip Noyce's The Quiet American, where he played an ageing journalist in 1950s Vietnam.
This film follows Harry Brown, a widowed Royal Marines veteran, who had served in Northern Ireland, living in a housing estate that is rapidly descending into youth crime.
Michael Caine delivers possibly the most beloved portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge in cinematic history, playing perfectly along with the Muppets. A Muppet Christmas Carol, largely thanks to Caine's performance, is one of the best holiday movies ever.
Disney
Next, find out who has the most Oscar wins in Hollywood history.
