SIR MICHAEL CAINE
The icon reveals the secrets to his 45-year marriage
He’s acted in more than 100 films, won two Oscars (for The Cider House Rules and Hannah and Her Sisters) and is still acting, but it’s his long marriage and the joys of being a grandfather that keep him on cloud nine. The revered British star – who has a new memoir, Blowing the Bloody Doors Off – lets WHO in on what he’s learned in Hollywood and how he and wife Shakira, 71 (his first wife, Patricia Haines, is the mother of his older daughter Nikki), keep the magic alive: “She’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”
How did you two first meet?
I saw her in a commercial. I got her number from the ad agency. She couldn’t get rid of me on the telephone, so she decided to come out with me and get rid of me. We fell in love at first sight. We’ve been in love at first sight for 47 years.
What makes your marriage work?
We are never apart. She is one of the most beautiful people I have ever seen, but she is also the gentlest, kindest person. I have this extraordinary beautiful Indian wife who cooks fantastic Italian food. Things can’t get better than that.
You write that Shakira helped you stop drinking. How did she come to the rescue?
I wasn’t an alcoholic, but I was drinking very heavily, and I know it would have killed me. Shakira is a Muslim and doesn’t drink alcohol. She not only changed my life, she saved it.
What’s best about being a grandfather to three grandkids?
Starting life over again. Just when you get old enough to start thinking about death, your grandchildren come and all you think about is life. It’s fabulous. I am completely besotted by my grandchildren. It’s my best role, and
I don’t need any awards for it.
Where do you keep your Oscars?
My main home is in the country [near London] – my awards are there. I was with my grandson the other day, and he said, “Do you know how many awards you got?” I said ‘no’. He said, “You’ve got 38, I just counted.”
Any thoughts about retiring?
I became an actor for the love of it, so while people are still offering me things I want to do, I’ll keep doing it.
How do you stay healthy these days?
When you have grandchildren, you want to live longer. I’ve lost 30lbs [14kg]. I eat very well and watch my diet. I gave up smoking. I only drink wine, and I only drink it in the evening with dinner.
How do you describe this time in your life?
The happiest. I don’t have any money worries, which I had earlier. I have taken care of everybody, which my mother said I should do. And I have my grandchildren. I am deliriously happy.