Sir Michael Caine is 85 years old and he wears it well. Born Maurice Mickelwhite, the son of a fish-market porter from an Irish background in North London, Caine remains connected to his roots.

“My dad was Catholic, my mum was a Protestant, I was educated by Jews and I am married to a Muslim. So I never say anything about any religion,” he says.

Caine never intended on being an actor. He joined an acting group as a teenager to meet girls. Caine enjoyed the work and the daughter of a professional singer handed him a copy of the Stage newspaper where Caine found jobs in the theatre. His career had begun.

Caine had an uncredited role in Panic in the Parlor in 1956 and was on various TV shows. His big break was in 1964 when he starred in the movie Zulu, but the World didn’t really know him until two years later, as Alfie in the 1966 hit, of the same name.

Alfie made Caine a star, or at least recognizable a name in the United States. Still young and new to the business, he was given advice by a well-known actor, who told him to keep his head down and not to say very much if he wanted to be a star and last in the business. The star was John Wayne. Caine tried to follow Wayne’s advice, but it wasn’t the Caine Way.

As of 2015, Caine’s movies have grossed over 7.4 billion worldwide, which ranks him as the ninth highest grossing actor of all-time. For five consecutive decades, Caine has been nominated for an Oscar. Only two other actors can claim this honor. Nominated for six Academy Awards, he won twice, once for Hannah and Her Sisters and for Cider House Rules. Caine has had his shares of misfires too, as he feels like he constantly needs to be working. At times it does feel like Caine can be seen in every movie. If you read the book, Caine will list the worst movies of his career.

Caine is interesting outside his movie career. He worked many hard labor jobs and he was in the Korean War, where he was certain he was going to die. Caine is very political and conservative in his views but he believes in taking care of his fellow person.

“I don't mind paying tax. What am I going to do? Not pay tax and drive around in a Rolls-Royce, with cripples begging on the street like you see in some countries?”

Caine has been married for over forty-five years to his wife, Shakira, and he talks about their remarkable life together. It seems Caine has stories about every actor and director you can think of and they are all entertaining. Blowing the Bloody Door off is highly recommended. I salute you, Sir Michael Caine.