Michael Caine’s early embarrassing audition experience as a young actor highlights the unexpected hurdles that can shape a career in Hollywood. At just 19 years old in 1952, Caine—then going by the stage name Michael White—was dismissed without a word at his audition for “The Red Beret” in England, all due to his height.
A Humbling Setback at the Start of a Storied Career
Before Michael Caine became a legend of British cinema, he took his first steps into the industry with little experience and a new identity. Born Maurice Micklewhite, he had only a single walk-on part as a teaboy in the film “Morning Departure” when he learned about an opportunity to audition for a major Hollywood production. The film, “The Red Beret,” was casting roles in England, and for Caine, the chance appeared to be the breakthrough he needed.
On the day of the audition, Caine found himself waiting nervously in a crowded room among numerous other young hopefuls. With anticipation mounting as the casting director’s arrival was repeatedly delayed, an announcement finally came: the actors would be seen in alphabetical order. This seemingly minor detail would set the scene for Caine’s brief, startling experience.
Audition That Ended Before It Began
Thanks to his early-stage surname, Caine was one of the first called into the audition room. The memory stayed with him, as recalled in his memoir:
“Being called Caine, I was asked in first,”
—Michael Caine, memoirist and actor
He also shared a piece of career advice born from this moment:
“By the way, if you’re going to be an actor, choose a surname starting with a letter as near to the front of the alphabet as possible. That way, if you are ever in an all-star cast, with billing in alphabetical order, your name will be at the top of the list.”
—Michael Caine, memoirist and actor
Bolstered by optimism, Caine opened the office door and stepped inside, preparing to impress the director. Yet, before he could utter a single line, the casting director abruptly shouted, “Next!” and Caine was swiftly shown the door by an assistant. Confused and upset, Caine turned to the secretary outside to ask what he had done wrong. The answer was as unexpected as it was crushing.
The Real Reason: A Strict Height Requirement
The secretary explained that Caine hadn’t even been judged on his acting. Instead, a mark had been set on the office doorframe, corresponding to the height of the movie’s leading man, Alan Ladd—who was 5 feet 6 inches tall. Any auditionee taller than Ladd was dismissed immediately, as the director sought only actors who would not overshadow the star in physical stature. Caine’s height, at 6 feet 2 inches, disqualified him instantly.
“Anyone who was over the mark was out,”
—Michael Caine, memoirist and actor
He added with dry humor,
“It was my shortest audition. You had to be shorter than Alan Ladd.”
—Michael Caine, memoirist and actor
Alan Ladd’s Efforts to Conceal His Height on Screen
Alan Ladd, acclaimed for roles in Hollywood westerns and noirs such as “Shane,” went to great lengths during his career to hide his stature. For example, while filming the beach scenes in “Boy on a Dolphin” opposite the tall Sophia Loren, the crew dug a trench in the sand so that the two actors would appear to be of equal height while walking side by side.
This Hollywood illusion left a longstanding impression on Michael Caine. Even decades after the audition, he discussed the role height played in Ladd’s personal and professional life:
“No wonder the guy was a drunk,”
—Michael Caine, to Roger Ebert in 1998
“I mean, the humiliation of all that. He was about 4-feet-11 or something.”
—Michael Caine, to Roger Ebert in 1998
Caine didn’t hold back his thoughts on how these insecurities impacted casting decisions either, saying:
“You wonder how a guy like that becomes a star, you know, because he wasn’t a stage actor with a great reputation”
—Michael Caine, memoirist and actor
How Rejection Helped Shape Michael Caine’s Resilience
This early encounter with arbitrary Hollywood standards could have deterred a less steadfast actor, especially one as inexperienced as Michael Caine was at the time. However, the experience only strengthened his drive, setting him on a path to become one of cinema’s most celebrated actors. His height, once a barrier, would later help define his on-screen presence and charisma.
The memory of that swift and disheartening audition—facilitated by a casting director intent on upholding the physical image of Alan Ladd—remains a testament to the unpredictable obstacles aspiring actors face. For Michael Caine, the setback became an anecdote shared with wry humor and wisdom, illuminating both the harsh realities and the resilience necessary to survive—and thrive—in the entertainment industry.
