The actor Michael Caine called the best in the world: “Stage, screen, everything”
Michael Caine is described by many as a living legend of the film industry, becoming known for his classic British charm and smooth humour that he masterfully incorporated into each of his performances. Whether it be his eternal sense of curiosity in roles such as The Icpress File, his flirtatious tendencies in The Italian Job or perfectly-timed comedy in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, the actor is considered as acting royalty and revered by audiences whenever he appears on screen, no matter the size of the role.
Despite being a source of inspiration for many British actors, especially as someone who came from a working-class background at a time when the industry was particularly elitist, Caine has his own heroes who have influenced his work, describing one performer as simply the best.
Caine rose quickly to fame at the beginning of his career, with a breakthrough role in Zulu in 1964 that sparked an impressive streak of early roles, subsequently starring in Alfie, Battle of Britain and The Icpress File, receiving an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of the morally questionable womaniser. However, despite garnering critical acclaim and fame for these performances, an opportunity arose that intimidated the actor as a result of the esteemed reputation of his soon-to-be co-star.
Sleuth, directed by Joseph L Mankiewicz in 1972, follows a mystery novelist who creates an insurance scam with his wife’s lover, leading to a battle of wits between the two. Given that the screenplay was based on a play, it only made sense for the king of theatre himself, Laurence Olivier, to be cast in the lead role. Caine was cast alongside him, with the young actor finding himself as a younger man working alongside one of the greats. Initially, Olivier even encouraged him to call him ‘Lord Olivier’, something that only exaggerated the mystery around him and his sense of imposter syndrome.
However, the pair created an electric sense of chemistry on screen, with the film lavished with praise by critics and leading to Academy Award nominations for both actors. But Caine remembered the production not for the critical success but for the chance to work with Olivier, describing his experience by saying, “He was the greatest actor in the world—stage, screen, everything. You know, he was incredible.”
While Olivier was undoubtedly an intimidating presence, the actor earned the right to do so, being part of a group of actors that redefined the theatre through landmark performances in productions such as Richard III, Private Lives and Oedipus, becoming the co-director of the Old Vic and eventually starting the Olivier theatre. His stage career then launched him onto the silver screen, with historic performances in Rebecca, Wuthering Heights and Marathon Man. The actor later received a knighthood and the Order of Merit for his work in the arts, with his legacy remaining after his death, as his performances are cited by many working actors today.
Despite the initial professionalism and coldness between the pair, Caine and Olivier later became friends, and the obligation to call him ‘Lord Olivier’ was lifted, with Caine remembering him for his monumental contribution to the performing arts and timeless wisdom.
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