Sir Michael Caine returned to his south London roots on Wednesday, as a commemorative plaque was unveiled at the Rotherhithe hospital where he was born. And the veteran actor was clearly delighted with the honour, saying it beat winning an Oscar any day. "I've won a few awards in my life, but this is by far the greatest," enthused the 70-year-old. "I could get my star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood Boulevard but that doesn't mean anything. This is something I wouldn't miss for the world. "Michael, who also won two Academy Awards - for Hannah And Her Sisters in 1986 and The Cider House Rules in 1999 - was born Maurice Micklewhite in St Olave's Hospital in 1933. The main hospital building has since been demolished, but the gatehouse is still standing and it is here that the plaque was placed.
Sir Michael, who was the son of a fish porter and a charlady, has long been admired for not disguising his working class background. "I went out and let everyone know where I came from," he said. "There was so much snobbery in the in the film business in those days. " He and wife Shakira arrived 30 minutes early for the unveiling, as Michael wanted to take a drive around his old neighbourhood.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Sir Michael was clearly delighted with the plaque identifying his south London birthplace
Photo: © Alphapress.com
The Chelsea-based actor arrived early with his wife Shakira so they could take a look around the neighbourhood
