Billy Zane mini-bio: Zane was born in Chicago, Illinois to William George, Sr. and Thalia Zanetakos, who ran a medical technical school. Both of his parents are of Greek descent. He has an older sister, Lisa Zane, who is also an actress. After completing a year abroad at TASIS (The American School in Switzerland), Zane graduated from the prestigious Francis W. Parker Day School (Daryl Hannah and Jennifer Beals are other famous alumni).
Zane's first screen role was in Back to the Future (1985) playing Biff Tannen's friend Match. He landed the role as a fluke by appearing nonchalant, dressed in a T-shirt. Zane later reprised the role for the 1989 sequel, Back to the Future II. He gained prominence starring in the thriller Dead Calm opposite Nicole Kidman. In 1991 he appeared as John Justice Wheeler in several episodes of David Lynch's hit TV-show Twin Peaks, and in 1993, he played the Shakespearian actor "Mr. Fabian" in Tombstone. In 1996, Zane played the eponymous classic comic book hero in the big budget action film The Phantom (based on his favorite comic).
Zane is best known for playing Caledon Hockley in the 1997 movie blockbuster Titanic. He went on to be nominated to a MTV Movie Award for "Best Villain" in Titanic. he also had a cameo as himself in Zoolander, which gave birth to the popular quote "Listen to your pal Billy Zane... he's a cool dude!"
Zane married actress Lisa Collins in 1989. The couple divorced in 1995. He was also engaged for a time to Chilean actress Leonor Varela, his costar in the 1999 television movie Cleopatra, where he played Marcus Antonius. As of 2006, Zane is engaged to marry British model turned actress Kelly Brook whom he met on the set of "Survival Island".
stella2009mposted 72 days ago
