Sir Michael Caine has insisted he's retired from acting and considers himself a writer now.

Sir Michael Caine

Sir Michael Caine

The 88-year-old screen legend has claimed his role as cranky retired writer Harris Shaw in the comedy-drama flick 'Best Sellers' is "likely" his curtain call, as he struggles to walk due to a "spine problem", and he doubts there are many parts as "a leading man who's 88".

And the author - whose most recent tome was his 2018 memoir, 'Blowing the Bloody Doors Off: And Other Lessons in Life' - declared himself "a writer" now.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's 'Kermode and Mayo's Film Review', Michael said: "Funnily enough, it has turned out to be what is my last part, really.

"Because I haven't worked for two years, and I have a spine problem, which affects my legs. So, I can't walk very well.

"And I also wrote a book, a couple of books, which were published and were successful. So, I'm now not an actor, I'm a writer, which is lovely because as an actor, you have to get up at half-past six in the morning and go to the studio. As a writer, you can start writing without leaving the bed."

The 'Dark Knight' star added: "I think it would be [my last role].

"There haven't been any offers, obviously, for two years, because nobody's been making any movies I want to do. But also, I'm 88. There aren't exactly scripts pouring out with a leading man who's 88."

The 'King of Thieves' star previously performed a U-turn on his plans to retire because he loves acting too much.

Michael wanted to retire at the age of 45 but didn't end up walking away from the movie business as he was still passionate about his work.

He shared in 2018: "What happened is I enjoy it so much that I just can't stop. Things go up and down and you do what comes along. You have to make a living.

"What I noticed looking back was there'd always be three or four flops and then just as it was all going in the toilet, there'd be a hit, a massive hit. So I feel very lucky."


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