Screen legend Sir Michael Caine has once again hinted at the end of his illustrious acting career, marking what would be the fourth time he has announced his retirement. The 92-year-old made the comments while accepting a lifetime achievement award at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
A Lifetime of Luck and a Final Bow
Taking to the stage, introduced and escorted by his co-star Vin Diesel, Caine reflected on his nine-decade journey. "I kept going until I was 90, which was two years ago," he told the audience. "And I thought to myself I'm not going to do anything else because I've had all the luck you can get."
The actor, born Maurice Micklewhite in London, humorously addressed his stage name. "My name is Michael Caine," he said. "It's not my real name but it's a realistic name. It's the one that made all the money." He spoke fondly of his roots, noting he was "born a cockney in London, which is very poor working class."
A History of Retirements and Returns
This is not the first time Caine has suggested stepping away from the camera. His initial retirement announcement came in 2009 after the film Harry Brown. He then retired again in 2021, following his role in Best Sellers, having made 24 films in the interim.
However, the pull of performance proved strong. He returned for the 2022 Czech historical drama Medieval and, in 2023, starred in The Great Escaper. While promoting that film, he gave mixed signals, telling BBC Radio 4's Today programme he saw it as a potential high note to end on, yet also revealing plans to play Charles Darwin in a new project. That role has since been taken by Sir Anthony Hopkins.
Family, Film, and Future Plans
The award ceremony was a family affair. Caine was joined on stage by his three grandchildren, Taylor, Miles, and Allegra, while his wife of 52 years, Shakira, and his daughters, Dominique and Natasha, watched from the audience. "I have a fabulous family that I adore beyond belief," he said, adding that his home is filled with family photos, not movie memorabilia.
Despite the retirement talk, Caine remains creatively active outside of acting. He published his first novel, the thriller Deadly Game, in 2023 and is believed to be working on a sequel. His latest memoir, Don't Look Back, You'll Trip Over: My Guide to Life, was released in 2024.
The actor's partnership with Vin Diesel, which began with 2015's The Last Witch Hunter, is also set to continue. It was announced in September that the pair will reunite for a sequel to that film.
With two Academy Awards to his name—for Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) and The Cider House Rules (1999)—and a career spanning over 160 films, Caine's potential final bow marks the end of an era in British cinema. Whether this retirement sticks, as his fans have learned, only time will tell.
