Guide Note:
Michael Caine is a British actor who has appeared in nearly 100 films. His early career was marked by the portrayal of sly, tough characters in films that have since been remade, including Alfie, Get Carter and Sleuth. As an older actor, he has portrayed Alfred Pennyworth in Batman Begins and The Dark Knight.
Fast Facts
- Real Name: Maurice Joseph Micklewhite
- Born: March 14, 1933
- Height: 6'2
- Awarded a knighthood for his contribution to the performing arts
- Academy Awards: 2
- British pop group Madness had a hit single called "Michael Caine" in 1984
Life and Career
Michael Caine was born Maurice Joseph Micklewhite, which is his legal name and the name under which he was knighted. He is the son of a charlady and a fish market porter, but he found a passion for acting that lead him to the stage.
After receiving a number of minor roles in theater productions, he got his big break in the 1964 film Zulu. The performance was recognized in both Britain and the U.S. and led to a strong career for the next two and a half decades.
Things slowed down for Caine in the early 90s, and many cite his non-discriminate choice of roles for this fact. Caine had been known to take on roles in bad films simply for the paycheck. However, his performances in 1998's Little Voice and then The Cider House Rules in 1999 created a new surge in his career and brought him back to a level of prominence within the film business.
He starred alongside Jude Law in Sleuth (2007), and alongside Christian Bale in both Batman Begins and The Dark Knight.
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