Fans give Michael Caine an honorable send-off as the actor announces retirement: 'What a man'

Legendary actor Michael Caine is one of the greatest performers of his time, having many award-winning roles to his name. The two-time Academy Award winner, who has alluded to retirement in the recent past, has decided to finally retire. The 90-year-old actor proclaimed as much on Saturday following the recent release of “The Great Escaper."

"I keep saying I'm going to retire. Well, I am now,” The Dark Knight star told BBC Radio 4’s Today show. "I've figured, I've had a picture where I've played the lead and it's got incredible reviews. The only parts I’m likely to get now are old men,” the acting veteran explained. “And I thought, well I might as well leave with all this—what have I got to do to beat this?”

Caine revealed that he will spend his retirement focused on writing. In fact, he’s already “written several biographies” and one novel, which he was “quite amazed” was actually published. He won't be returning to the screens. “No. There’ll be writing. I’ll write another book sometime because I so enjoyed writing,” he said.

With three Golden Globes under his belt, the legendary actor now plans to spend even more time with his family as he is a very family-oriented person. He added that he is “very happy” with his life with his 76-year-old wife and grandchildren, whom he adores. "I'm one of the most family-oriented men you'll ever meet," Caine previously told PEOPLE.

"Just when you get old enough to start thinking about death, your grandchildren come and all you think about is life," the granddad-of-three shared. "It's fabulous. I am completely besotted by my grandchildren. It's my best role and I don't need any awards for it." He also confessed that he's never been happier, "I don't have any money worries which I had earlier. I have taken care of everybody, which my mother said I should. And I have my grandchildren. I am deliriously happy."

Caine married his current partner, Shakira Caine, over half a century ago and it was love at first sight. In fact, he was struck by Cupid's arrow in just minutes!  "I fell in love with her in about eight minutes," Michael told the Radio Times in 2018, "It took her two hours to fall in love with me."  The couple tied the knot in 1973 and welcomed their daughter that same year. 

As for his fans, they will truly miss watching the icon on screen. Producer James Wood wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "None better. On and off the screen, there is no one better than Michael Caine. I am fortunate enough to be in a circle of friends who dine at the table of the lovely Tita Cahn. Michael and Shakira are often there when in town and those evenings are indescribable. He’s one of those icons who is everything you expect and more. He came from humble beginnings and is the least pretentious star I’ve ever met. But when I say 'star,' this, my friends, is what true stardom is all about. What a man, what a talent. Thank you, sir, for everything you have given us. Enjoy!"

Fan @AyyAyy0 added, "Sad to hear this but happy for him. Thanks for giving us some of the most memorable filmography - his roles in 'The Man Who Would Be King' and as Alfred in #ChristopherNolan's #Batman Trilogy are my all-time favorites - gonna miss him in future Nolan films."