How a Teen Star Didn’t Recognize Michael Caine on Set
A teenage actress on the set of Blame It On Rio in the 1980s had no idea she was working with Michael Caine, leading to an awkward moment that exposed Hollywood’s troubling attitudes toward age and exploitation.
By the time the 1980s rolled around, Michael Caine was a household name in the film industry. With breakout roles in classics like Zulu and Alfie, he’d become a fixture in British cinema, known for his signature glasses and unmistakable accent. His move to Hollywood only boosted his profile, especially after his Oscar-nominated turn in Alfie, and he soon found himself starring in everything from Dressed to Kill to Hannah and Her Sisters.
Despite his fame and long list of accolades, not everyone on set recognized the legendary actor. When Caine took on a leading role in the romantic comedy Blame It On Rio, his young co-star, Michelle Johnson, had no clue who he was. At just 17 years old, Johnson was cast as Caine’s love interest—a decision that highlighted the industry’s ongoing issues with age and exploitation. Hollywood’s tendency to cast actual teenagers in adult roles was nothing new, but the circumstances around this film were especially troubling.
Controversial Casting and Hollywood’s Age Problem
Blame It On Rio, directed by Stanley Donen—best known for Singin’ in the Rain—was far from a typical romantic comedy. The story centered on a middle-aged man’s affair with his friend’s teenage daughter, a plotline that raised eyebrows even at the time. Instead of hiring an adult to play the teenage role, the filmmakers chose Johnson, who was still a minor. The part required her to appear in revealing scenes, and she needed both legal and parental consent to participate. Unfortunately, those responsible for her well-being did little to shield her from the film’s exploitative demands, a reflection of the era’s disturbing norms.
Johnson’s role was highly sexualized, and the film marked her first experience in front of the camera. Donen reportedly discovered her after seeing a photo in a magazine, launching her acting career under questionable circumstances. The fact that she was so young and inexperienced only adds to the discomfort surrounding the production.
Embarrassing Mix-Up and On-Set Nerves
Given her age and lack of experience, it’s not surprising that Johnson didn’t recognize her famous co-star. She later explained,
“I didn’t even know who Michael Caine was. This was so embarrassing. So I called a friend who’s older than me. She goes to movies a lot. And she said, ‘Oh, that’s that Kung Fu guy.’ She was getting him mixed up with David Carradine.”
Realizing her mistake, Johnson quickly set out to learn more about Caine’s work.
“I immediately went out and saw Alfie and The Man Who Would be King and Sleuth. I was very nervous at the audition, especially after seeing those movies.”
Despite her nerves, Johnson impressed during her audition and managed to hold her own alongside Caine, even though she was fresh out of high school and had never acted before.
Aftermath and Lingering Controversy
It’s unsettling to think how normalized these casting choices were, even as late as the 1980s. The film’s release sparked significant controversy, and Johnson’s performance earned her a nomination for ‘Worst New Star’ at the Golden Raspberry Awards. For both Caine and Donen, Blame It On Rio became a regrettable chapter in their careers, and for Johnson, it was a rocky start in Hollywood.