Hollywood legend Sir Michael Caine, 90, retires from acting after seven decades

Sir Michael Caine has revealed what forced him to call time on his acting career after seven decades in showbiz.

Sir Michael Caine has retired from acting aged 90.

The Oscar, Golden Globe and Bafta-winning actor starred in films ranging from classics Alfie, Zulu and The Italian Job to more recent blockbusters such as Interstellar and The Dark Knight franchise more recently.

Sir Michael told the BBC: “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?”

British actor Michael Caine has revealed he has finally retired. Picture: AFP

The screen legend stars in what he says is his last film, The Great Escaper opposite Glenda Jackson, who completed the film months before her death in June.

Sir Michael has previously suggested his retirement was imminent but says he had always been tempted with another role.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today program: “I keep saying I’m going to retire. Well I am now.”

Michael Caine and Jane Fonda in the 1967 film Hurry Sundown. Picture: Supplied

Sir Michael has appeared in more than 160 films over a career that has spanned seven decades.

He won two Best Supporting Actor Oscars, one for Hannah and Her Sisters in 1986 and the other for The Cider House Rules in 1999.

In The Great Escaper he plays real-life World War Two veteran Bernie Jordan who escaped from a care home to attend D-Day celebrations in France.

“The only parts I’m liable to get now are 90-year-old men. Or maybe 85,” he told BBC Radio 4.

“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.”

Michael Caine in The Eagle Has Landed. Picture: Supplied

His announcement comes a month before his novel Deadly Game is scheduled for release.

The novel follows the adventures of DCI Harry Taylor, a detective with no respect for red tape or political reputations.

Sir Michael said in June: “It’s been my ambition for years to write a thriller.

“It’s the genre I most love to read and I’ve really got a buzz out of working on Deadly Game and teaming up with [publisher] Hodder once again to publish it.

“I hope readers enjoy getting to know Harry Taylor as much as I did.”