In 2010 I became obsessed with Michael Caine. Just out of the blue he hit me, and there was no quelling my desire to know him more. I filled my Netflix queue with every available film he graced viewing dozens of his movies within a few months. Sir Michael could be a young thug, a washed-up con-man, an elegant butler who knew a hell of a lot about the construction of bullet proof rubber armor, his role made no difference to me, those steel blue eyes and irresistible smile drew me into each world he inhabited. Along the way I devoured both his autobiographies, became a fan of his Facebook page, and read countless internet tidbits on his accomplishments. His innate thirst translated to my own and I found myself living larger by following Caine’s career. This obsession over such a talented actor and remarkable person brought me endless joy. Today, he is 91.

I found myself planning my weekends around watching his iconic films, like Alfie and The Cider House Rules, which show an extraordinary range of his craft, but throw in The Muppet Christmas Carol, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels , Miss Congeniality and Austin Powers in Goldmember  and wow, he is ruthless and hysterical, a heart-throb and a master-mind. Of course I can’t pretend to know the man, despite my years of obsession, but I admire how he has lived his life, and what he stands for. In his 2010 autobiography The Elephant to Hollywood, he wrote that “The rest of my life I have lived every bloody moment from the moment I wake up until the time I go to sleep.” Sounds like sound advice for all of us to consider.

Caine has been led by his working class sensibility from the start, and quite possibly that is what I see when his eyes peer from the silver screen. It might be the era, filled with a swagger and charm that reminds me of my uncles and the whole lot of ‘the silent generation.’ As they fade from this world, I find I miss them all, and seek them in many of these old films. Before you think I am just some stalker of actors, I will simply say, no, this man is something different. Or rather my obsession is different. I admire the way he has navigated the highs and the lows along his 91 years, starting from his walk-on role in 1950 right up to his 2022 film The Great Escaper.

Of course I love that he has been married to Shikira since 1973. Caine knew from the first moment he saw her (on a Maxwell House coffee commercial) so captivated by her beauty that he had to meet her. Being led by one’s heart is yet another trait I admire in a person, and this guy has that gift in spades. Children, grandchildren, a family man too.

I wish I could say that I actually met him, or saw him perform live, but alas, this was not meant to be for he is not a stage actor. Be that as it may, watch any of his more than 160 films, and you will feel as if you know him. Great actors reveal bits of themselves, showcasing an accessible vulnerability that draws one right into their joy and pain. This is not what we are granted in all films, but there are actors who bring it regardless. Sir Michael Caine being one of the legends for just this reason. I chose well, way back when I decided to make Michael Caine one of my obsessions, for he never disappoints.

Happy birthday dear Legend! May you enjoy all the wondrous life that you have earned, xxoo