Sir Michael Caine has confirmed he has retired from acting, following the release of his latest film, The Great Escaper. The 90-year-old screen legend stars opposite Glenda Jackson, who completed the film months before her death in June.
Sir Michael has previously indicated his intention to retire but has often been tempted back. However, he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I keep saying I'm going to retire. Well I am now." He added: "I've figured, I've had a picture where I've played the lead and had incredible reviews... What am I going to do that will beat this?"
The Great Escaper sees Sir Michael portray Bernie Jordan, a real-life World War Two veteran who made headlines in 2014 when he escaped from his care home to attend D-Day anniversary celebrations in France. The Guardian's review said Sir Michael delivers "a gruffly heart-breaking performance", while the Radio Times added he "plays his role with complete dignity".
Sir Michael said the likelihood of fewer parts being offered to him in old age has ultimately prompted his decision to retire. "The only parts I'm liable to get now are 90-year-old men. Or maybe 85," he joked. "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."
The star acknowledged he turned down his last film three times before finally saying yes, because he already considered himself retired. He recalled being sent a script after The Great Escaper and counting only 15 pages of dialogue in a 99-page script. "I thought, I think that counts as a small part, I'm not doing it. So I retired."
Sir Michael and Jackson, who was also a Labour MP, previously worked together on the 1975 film The Romantic Englishwoman. He explained they did not socialise due to different political persuasions, noting he voted for Tony Blair. The actor is also due to publish a novel next month, a thriller titled Deadly Game.
