Where Is Billy Zane Now?

A Journey Through the Career of Billy Zane

Billy Zane, a 59-year-old actor known for his memorable roles in film and television, is set to make an appearance at The Hollywood Show on January 9 and 10. This event offers fans a chance to see one of their favorite actors up close, making it the perfect opportunity to revisit his career and explore where he has been since his early days as "Cal" in Titanic.

Early Beginnings and Breakthroughs

Born William George Zane Jr. on February 24, 1966, in Chicago, Billy Zane grew up in a family with Greek heritage. He had an older sister, Lisa Zane, who also pursued a career in acting. Zane attended The American School in Switzerland, graduated from Francis W. Parker School in Chicago, and studied at Harand Camp of the Theater Arts in Wisconsin.

His first two screen roles were in Back to the Future (1985) and Critters (1986). During this time, he also appeared in music videos for Sheena Easton, including “Do It for Love” and “Magic of Love.”

By the late ’80s, Zane began appearing on popular TV series such as Murder, She Wrote and Matlock. He reprised his role in Back to the Future Part II in 1989. That same year, he landed a breakthrough role as Hughie Warriner in the Australian thriller Dead Calm, alongside Nicole Kidman and Sam Neill. His performance earned him a Chicago Film Critics Association nomination for Most Promising Actor.

Expanding His Presence in the 1990s

The early ’90s saw Zane take on more diverse roles. He co-starred in Memphis Belle (1990) and appeared as John Justice Wheeler in season two of Twin Peaks in 1991. In 1992, he appeared in Orlando alongside Tilda Swinton, and in 1993, he took on roles in Tombstone and the action thriller Sniper, where he played Richard Miller. He later reprised this role in multiple entries in the Sniper film series.

Zane’s most iconic role came in 1997 when he portrayed Caledon Hockley in Titanic. This part brought him an MTV Movie Award nomination for Best Villain, a Blockbuster Entertainment Award, and a Screen Actors Guild nomination as part of the ensemble cast.

Career in the 2000s and Beyond

In the 2000s, Zane continued to expand his range. He appeared in The Believer as Curtis Zampf and made a cameo as himself in Zoolander. He also performed on Broadway in Chicago as lawyer Billy Flynn. On television, he had a recurring role on Charmed as Drake, the poetry-loving ex-demon, and joined the cast of Samantha Who? as Winston Funk.

Zane also ventured into voice work, notably as Ansem in Kingdom Hearts in 2002.

Current Projects and Personal Life

In recent years, Zane has leaned into playing versions of himself and engaging with current fandom spaces. He appeared in The Boys as a fictionalized version of himself in the in-universe film Not Without My Dolphin. He also has voice work credits, including Krapopolis.

In 2024, he portrayed Larry Ray in the Lifetime film Devil on Campus: The Larry Ray Story, part of the network’s “Ripped from the Headlines” slate. He also transformed into Marlon Brando for the film Waltzing with Brando. Zane has remained active behind the scenes and has been involved in film and television production through RadioactiveGiant.

On the personal front, Zane was married to actress Lisa Collins from 1989 to 1995. He was engaged at different points, including to Leonor Varela after Cleopatra and later to Kelly Brook, whom he met while filming Survival Island. He has two daughters with model Candice Neill: Ava Catherine (born in 2011) and Gia (born in 2014). Zane has mentioned that the relationship ended prior to 2022.

New Trailer for Waltzing With Brando

Fans can now check out the new trailer and photos for Waltzing With Brando, which showcases Zane’s uncanny resemblance to Marlon Brando. The film promises to be a compelling look at the legendary actor’s life and legacy.