Veteran British actor Michael Caine, known for his amiable Cockney persona and deadpan acting style, has announced his retirement from acting at the age of 90. Caine, who has appeared in more than 160 films during his seven-decade career, bows out following his widely-praised performance in his final film, The Great Escaper. In the film, he portrays real-life World War II British veteran Bernie Jordan, who escaped from an elderly residential care home to attend the 2014 D-Day celebrations in France. Caine explained that at his age, he is only likely to get roles as 90 or 85-year-old men, and he believes it’s time to leave the spotlight to the young, handsome actors and actresses.

Throughout his career, Caine has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs. He has also earned iconic status in Britain and became a defining face of the Swinging Sixties. Caine’s retirement announcement comes just before the release of his first novel, Deadly Game, fulfilling a long-held ambition to write a thriller.

Born Maurice Joseph Micklewhite, Caine chose his stage name in tribute to his favorite movie, The Caine Mutiny. He began his acting career after serving in the Korean War and held early starring roles in films such as The Ipcress File and Alfie. Caine cemented his status as a household name in Britain with his portrayal of gangster Jack Carter in Get Carter.

Despite some roles that failed to impress, Caine remained unrepentant, once saying of Jaws: The Revenge, “I have never seen it but by all accounts it is terrible. However, I have seen the house that it built, and it is terrific.”

With his retirement from acting, Caine looks forward to focusing on his writing career. His retirement marks the end of an era in Hollywood and a farewell to one of Britain’s most beloved actors.