
Michael Caine admits he’s “had all the luck you can get” in rare public appearance at Red Sea Film Festival
Michael Caine reflected on his career, admitting he’s “had all the luck”, while accepting the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the Red Sea Film Festival.
Caine, 92, appeared in a wheelchair alongside Vin Diesel at the film festival, which is held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on December 4th.
Diesel delivered a speech before Caine was presented with his award, describing the English icon as “one of the best actors who’s ever lived” and “has more charisma in his finger than most people in Hollywood.”
Notably, the pair worked together on The Last Witch Hunter in 2015, and Caine has been coaxed out of retirement to reunite with the action star for an as-yet-untitled sequel.
Following Diesel’s kind words, Caine graced the stage to reflect on his career. He began by saying, “Thank you for the welcome. My name is Michael Caine.” Caine then acknowledged, “It’s not my real name but it’s a realistic name. It’s the one that made all the money.”
He continued, “I was born a cockney in London, which is very poor working class, and I grew up to be what I am which is, well, I am not multiple rich, but I’ve got enough money for an evening out, even an evening in.”
The Oscar-winner then explained how his family life is more important than his career, adding, “I’ve been married for 52 years. I have loads of photographs but none are of any of the movies I am in, it’s just family, because that’s my life.”
“I have a fabulous family that I adore beyond belief. I’ve had a fairly fabulous movie family, some who’ve let me down, and I love them beyond belief, including the failures,” he continued.
Caine then seemingly confirmed he will not act again, adding, “I kept going until I was 90, which is two years ago. I’m not going to do anything else, I’ve had all the luck I can get.”
The appearance marked Caine’s first visit to Saudi Arabia, which he concluded his speech by praising, stating, “And one of the luckiest things is tonight. I’m just so happy to be here. I’ve seen it on television but never won anything here, so I’m happy. I want to thank you for the surprise, because in show business you don’t get many surprises, you get a couple of shocks and that’s about it.”
Never Miss A Tale
The Far Out Michael Caine Newsletter
All the latest stories about Michael Caine from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.