Sir Michael Caine, one of the most prolific film actors, announced his retirement from acting. The decision comes at the age of 90 for the actor.
After appearing on BBC Radio 4’s Today, discussing his newest film, The Great Escaper, the actor elaborated on his retirement plans. His announcement follows a slew of positive reviews for his performance in Great Escaper, which follows a World War II veteran in 2014 sneaking out of his nursing home to attend the 70th anniversary of D-Day.
“Funny enough, I’d retired when I was sent the script, and I turned it down three times, but I kept falling in love with him every time I read it, and so I did it,” he said, according to Hollywood Reporter.
“I kept saying I’m gonna retire. Well, I am now because I figured I’ve had a picture where I’ve played the lead, and it’s got incredible reviews,” he continued. “The only parts I’m likely to get now are old men, 90-year-old men — well, maybe 85, you know? And I thought, ‘Well, I might as well leave with all this. I’ve got wonderful reviews. What am I gonna do to beat this?’”
Before the script came his way, Caine had already settled into the idea of retirement. After an interview with The Telegraph, Caine said he thought he was done with acting, as he hadn’t gotten a project in three years due to the COVID pandemic. However, when this movie crossed his path, he eagerly accepted the role. Caine also wrote a thriller called Deadly Game, slated for a December release, and will continue to nurture other writing projects.
Sir Michael Caine has also starred in The Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, and Cider House Rules, among countless other projects.