Michael Caine’s Real-Life Love Story Started with a Coffee Commercial in 1971

In 1971, Michael Caine wasn't yet the global film icon we know today. He was a rising star, still building his legacy—when a completely unexpected moment changed his life forever.

He was at home watching television with a friend. A Maxwell House coffee commercial came on—just another ad, or so it seemed. His friend moved to change the channel, but Caine suddenly stopped him.

There, in the background of the ad, was a woman. Not the star of the commercial—just a face in the scene—but something about her stopped him cold.

He dropped to his knees in front of the screen, staring.

"That's the woman I'm going to marry,” he said.

The Search Begins

He didn't know her name or anything about her, but he couldn't let it go. Caine started calling the Maxwell House offices, hoping someone could tell him who she was.

For some reason, he was convinced she lived in Brazil—and he nearly booked a flight there to track her down. It turned out she was much closer than that.

A friend eventually found the answer: her name was Shakira Baksh, a former Miss Guyana fashion model and aspiring actress. She'd also appeared in small British films and TV spots.

And most incredibly—she lived in London, just like him.

A First Meeting—and a Future

Once he had her number, Caine called repeatedly until she finally agreed to meet. When they did, the connection was instant.

They began dating shortly after, and in 1973—two years after that fateful commercial—they were married.

According to Caine, he knew immediately she was the one. In interviews, he's often credited Shakira with changing his life personally and helping stabilize him at a time when the pressures of fame could've easily led him astray.

A Lasting Marriage in the Spotlight

In their 51st year of marriage, Michael Caine and Shakira Baksh have managed something scarce in the entertainment world: a private, enduring, and scandal-free relationship.

They live a relatively quiet life in Surrey, England, in a historic country house that Caine bought in the 1990s. While Caine is known for his work ethic—appearing in over 130 films—he's said that settling down with Shakira helped him leave behind the fast, celebrity lifestyle that once surrounded him.

He also gave up drinking in the early 1980s to protect his health and support a long, healthy life with her.

"I wasn't going to die of alcoholism. I wasn't going to leave Shakira,” he once shared.

Together, they have a daughter, Natasha, born in 1973. Shakira also became a loving stepmother to Dominique, Caine's daughter from a previous relationship.

Retirement & Reflecting on a Lifetime of Love

In 2023, Caine officially announced his retirement from acting, saying he was ready to step away and enjoy the rest of his life in peace—much of it, naturally, alongside Shakira.

Despite his worldwide fame, Caine has always said his proudest achievement is his marriage.

"You're not a real man until you've found someone who makes you a better one,” he once said.

A Love Story That Feels Like a Movie

This one stands out in a world full of short-lived celebrity romances—not because it's flashy, but because it's real. A moment on TV led to a lifelong partnership built on instinct, connection, and commitment.

Sometimes, it only takes a moment.