David Burchell is famous as the brother of retired actor Maurice Joseph Micklewhite popularly known as Michael Caine. David’s brother Michael is known for his distinctive Cockney accent. He appeared in over 160 films over a career spanning eight decades and has received several awards. He is considered a British film icon. He announced his retirement from acting in 2023.

David Burchell: Bio Summary

Who Is David Burchell, Brother Of Michael Caine?

David Burchell was the half-brother of actor Michael Caine. David and Michael have the same mother but different fathers. They are the sons of Ellen Frances Marie (née Burchell; 1901–1989). Ellen was a cook and charwoman. David was born before his half-brother Michael whose real name is Maurice Joseph Micklewhite was born on 14 March 1933.

David Burchell is the son of Ellen Frances Marie and an unidentified man. The name and details of David’s biological father are unknown. According to Wikitree, David was born before September 1925, in Hackney, London, England, United Kingdom. His actual date of birth is uncertain. He has another younger half-brother in addition to actor Michael Caine.

David’s other half-brother is actor Stanley Victor Micklewhite also known as Stanley Caine (October 1935– 13 January 2013). Stanley who was diagnosed with leukaemia, died in his sleep in Ruislip, West London, at age 77. Michael Caine and Stanley are the sons of David’s mother Ellen and fish market porter Maurice Joseph Micklewhite (1899–1957).

David Burchell didn’t grow up with his half-brothers. His half-brothers Michael and Stanley didn’t even know he was their half-sibling until their mother passed away in 1989. Unfortunately, David suffered from severe epilepsy and spent years in Cane Hill Mental Hospital. For over forty years, his mother Ellen Frances Marie visited him periodically in the mental hospital.

ALSO, READ: Ellen Frances Marie: What happened to Michael Caine’s mother?

Initially, David is said to have been placed in foster care, but when he had epilepsy he was placed in a series of institutions. He didn’t know how to read or write because he never learned to. He also suffered from a hip injury which confined him to a wheelchair for much of the time. He was 17 when he was placed in the Cane Hill mental hospital, where he lived for years.

When David’s mother passed away, his brothers Michael and Stanley found out that he was their half-brother. His brother Michael revealed that he was surprised his mother was able to visit his half-brother David for years without anybody’s knowledge. He said: “What’s really amazed me is that she managed to visit him all those years without anybody knowing.”

“I remember my mother telling me when I was a teenager that she was going to visit a cousin there (Cane Hill Mental Hospital),” Michael Caine recalled. “But even then she did a really good coverup. She told me it was a woman cousin who was mentally ill and that she had to go and see. That must have been my brother.”

Michael Caine reportedly found out about his brother from a reporter with London People. Per reports, David was aware Michael was his half-brother. He allegedly told fellow patients and staff about Michael. “I suppose none of the people looking after David told me because my mother insisted that they keep it a secret,” Michael said.

After Michael Caine found out about his epileptic brother David Burchell, he decided to take care of him. “I am going to do whatever I can for him. I have the money to take care of him.”

What Happened To Michael Caine’s Brother?

Michael Caine’s brother David Burchell died in 1992. According to sources, he was cremated and his ashes were buried with his mother’s. There isn’t much information regarding his death. His brother Michael retired from acting in 2023. Confirming his retirement, he said:

ALSO, READ: Maurice Joseph Micklewhite: Who was Michael Caine’s father?

“I keep saying I’m going to retire, well I am now, because I figured, I’ve had a picture which is, I played the lead and it’s got incredible reviews. The only parts I’m liable to get now are old men, 90-year-old men, and I thought well I might as well leave with all this. I’ve got wonderful reviews. What am I going to do to beat this?”

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