London, April 21: Sir Michael Caine left his family stunned after confessing his acting ambitions because his relatives thought he was gay.

The elite ‘Miss Congeniality’ actor revealed he had expected a family backlash but never thought his sexuality would be questioned.

"That''s what we thought actors were - all poofs (gay). And sometimes we were right," the Daily Star quoted him as saying.

The 76-year-old was knighted in 2000 by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his contribution to cinema.

He is also noted for retaining his strong cockney accent. (ANI)