Actor Billy Zane celebrates his 55th birthday today. You probably wouldn't be able to recognize him

Actor of Greek origin

William George Zane Jr. alias Billy Zane is an American actor and director whose family roots go all the way back to the azure coasts of Greece. He was born on February 24, 1966 in Chicago, Illinois into a family of artists, amateur actors Thalia and William George Zane, Sr. The popular actor isn't the only one in the family who lives in the spotlight. You might know his older sister, singer and actress Lisa Zane, for example from several episodes of the popular series ER.

Zane was drawn to acting ever since childhood, and as a boy, he visited the Harand Camp of the Theater Arts in Wisconsin. He decided to further his education in Switzerland, where he studied at the Swiss American School. However, he eventually continued his education at the Francis W. Parker School in Chicago. After successfully completing his school years, Billy could finally answer his calling and moved to California to enter the film world. And as he once said:

"I trust my instincts."

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His first role on the movie screen was that of a criminal

He began his acting career with a blockbuster film that's still popular today. His first role on the movie screen was that of Biff Tannen from Back to the Future in 1985. Four years later, he starred in Back to the Future II (1989). He couldn't have possibly started his career in a better way - and the biggest blockbusters, in which the actor stars even today, were yet to come.

Dead Calm and Memphis Belle

He reached his well-deserved fame thanks to his role in the Australian thriller Dead Calm from 1989, in which he played alongside Nicole Kidman and Sam Neill. A year later, he got a role in a 1990 war drama that's still very popular today. We're talking about Memphis Belle, in which he appeared alongside stars such as Sean Astin or Harry Cornick.

Charming Caledon Hockley

His most famous role will probably always be the arrogant rich guy Caledon Hockley, whom he portrayed in one of the most famous films in the history of cinema, the feature film Titanic. The movie hit the cinemas in 1997 and featured actors who have since become famous Hollywood stars. In Titanic, Billy Zane appeared alongside Leonardo DiCaprio - the two of them are still very good friends - or the beautiful and very popular actress Kate Winslet.

He shoots new movies every year

Although none of the movies he appeared in has surpassed the popularity of Titanic, Billy Zane remains an active and sought-after actor. He sure changed a lot since his biggest hit Titanic, though, at least in terms of appearance.

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During his life, he played countless roles in a variety of films. His latest projects include the action-thriller Sniper: Ultimate Kill from 2017, the war drama The Great War from 2019 and the horror film Ghosts of War from 2020.

Heartbreaker

Several women crossed his path during his life. In 1989, he got married to actress Lisa Collins, whom he divorced again a few years later. Thanks to model Candice Neil, who gave birth to their daughter Ava in 2011, he became a father.

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Billy's next child saw the light of the day three years later when he and Candice welcomed his second daughter, Gia. One of his famous quotes goes as follows:

"The best evenings are at home with my lady."

And finally, a little bit of trivia. You know the actor from various big and small roles. But did you know that he also appeared in the music video Rock 'n' Roll by the world-famous singer Avril Lavigne?