Michael Caine’s favourite actor of all time
Known for his Cockney accent and tough-guy characters, Michael Caine defined the British swinging sixties era with roles in movies such as Zulu, The Ipcress File, Alfie, and The Italian Job.
Reflecting on his career, the actor once told CNN, “I kept my cockney accent in order to let other working-class boys know that if I made it, they could do it too.” Indeed, Caine has gone on to be incredibly successful, consistently scoring roles in popular movies such as Dressed to Kill, Educating Rita, Inception, The Dark Knight and Interstellar.
Yet, before he landed significant roles and became a household name, Caine was known as Maurice Joseph Micklewhite or simply Michael White, struggling to make it as a star. However, as his career began to move forward, his agent suggested he pick a new name, and, inspired by an advertisement for The Caine Mutiny, directed by Edward Dmytryk, found his new surname.
The film starred Humphrey Bogart in the main role of LCDR Philip Francis Queeg, leading to an Academy Award nomination. Caine was obsessed with the Hollywood star, known for performances in films such as High Sierra, The Maltese Falcon, The Big Shot, Casablanca, and The Big Sleep.
Caine once labelled Bogart his “favourite actor”. He told the New York Times about his time working on The Man Who Would Be King, released in 1975. The movie had been in the works for decades, with director John Huston hoping Bogart could star as Peachy. However, before he was able to make the film, the legendary actor passed away. Subsequently, Caine played the role, much to his delight.
He explained: “I had never met John Huston. But he was my favourite director. I got a call in a hotel one night […], and it was John Huston. And he said, ‘I’m doing a Rudyard Kipling movie, would you like to come and see me?’ and I said, ‘Yes, I’d love to come and see you, when shall we meet?’ and he said, ‘I’m in the bar next door.’”
Caine discussed finding out that he would play a character intended for his idol. He continued: “Bogart was my favourite actor. I was going play a part that Bogart was going to play and I was going to be directed by John Huston!”
The movie was well-received, earning four Academy Award nominations, including ‘Best Screenplay Adapted from Other Material’ and ‘Best Film Editing’. Alongside Caine, it also features performances from Sean Connery, Christopher Plummer and Caine’s wife, Shakira.
Watch the trailer for The Man Who Would Be King below.
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.