Apr 20, 2009, 4:00 GMT
Michael Caine's parents thought he was gay when he became an actor.
04/02/2009 - Michael Caine - The 76-year-old star admits his family were completely taken aback when he announced his ambition was to work in films, and instantly presumed he was interested in men © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos
The 76-year-old star admits his family were completely taken aback when he announced his ambition was to work in films, and instantly presumed he was interested in men.
He said: "That's what we thought actors were, all poofs. And sometimes we were right."
Michael, 76, can soon be seen in new movie 'Is Anybody There?' where he plays 85-year-old Clarence, a former magician who lives in a nursing home.
The actor had no issue with starring as someone who is nearing death, insisting it had no effect on how he feels about himself.
He said: "I didn't mind at all. I'm just happy to still be here looking at it. Did it make me feel old? I stopped ageing at 38. I still am 38. Except when they say, 'Run up those stairs.' "
Michael drew on the experiences of his close friend tailor Doug Hayward when he was making the film, which he says helped make Clarence believable.
He explained to Britain's Sunday Times newspaper: "When I was acting dying of dementia, Doug was really dying of it. It gave me a complete insight on how to do it."
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