Zane’s interest in the performing arts was evident from an early age. In 1982, he attended the American School in Switzerland before transferring to the Francis W. Parker School in Chicago the following year. He later graduated from the Harand Camp of the Theater Arts in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, where his passion for acting was further developed. After high school, he moved to California to pursue a professional acting career and landed his first film role shortly thereafter.

Film Career and Major Roles

Billy Zane made his film debut in 1985 as the character Match in the blockbuster movie Back to the Future. This early exposure set the stage for a prolific film career. He gained wider recognition for his role as Hughie Warriner in the 1989 Australian thriller Dead Calm.

Zane’s most iconic role came in 1997 when he portrayed the antagonist Caledon Hockley in James Cameron’s epic film Titanic. His performance earned him international acclaim and helped solidify his place in Hollywood.

Over the years, Zane has appeared in a diverse range of films. His credits include: Critters (1986) as Steve Elliot, Back to the Future Part II (1989) as Match, Orlando (1992) as Shelmerdine, Tombstone (1993) as Mr. Fabian, The Silence of the Hams (1994) as Jo Dee Fostar, Only You (1994) as Harry, Tales from the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight (1995) as The Collector, The Phantom (1996) where he played the title role, Susan’s Plan (1998) as Sam Myers, The Believer (2001) as Curtis Zampf, Silent Warnings (2003) as Sheriff Bill Willingham, Imaginary Grace (2003) as Nero, The Last Drop (2005) as Robert Oates, Memory (2006) as Taylor Briggs, Perfect Hideout (2008) as Victor, The Roommate (2011) as Professor Roberts, The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption (2012) as King Talus, and Sniper: Ghost Shooter (2016) as Richard Miller.