‘Titanic’ Star Billy Zane Suffers Heartbreaking Loss – Our Hearts Go Out to Him

“Titanic” actor Billy Zane took to his social media account to share some personal news. The actor announced the death of his mother, Thalia Zane, who passed away shortly after celebrating her 95th birthday.

Zane, 59, announced the news on Wednesday and shared a heartfelt tribute to the woman he described as having lived “a generous life well lived.”

A Son’s Heartbreaking Tribute To His Beloved Mom

“There are words. Lots of words. And songs, and pictures, and movies of a generous life well lived. Thalia G. Zane has left us soon after her tremendous 95th birthday at The Ritz, surrounded by her loved ones in her beloved downtown Chicago. They couldn’t make the mold to break it! She was out the door, blazing a trail with us all in tow.

A dynamo with incredible humor, great taste, and enough creative and emotional support for friends and extended family, and those fortunate to just get to work with or even meet her. A good egg. A great Dame. A wonderful mother. And a loyal and loving wife of 67 years. Rest in peace, Thal. Hug Dad for me.”

Celebrities & Fans Send Heartfelt Condolences

The actor’s touching tribute drew immediate support from friends, colleagues, and fans.

Wayne’s World star Tia Carrere wrote, “I’m so sorry for your loss, Billy.” Mary McCormack added, “She sounds amazing. Lucky you.”

Brad Garrett, Matthew Modine, and Jeremy Piven also shared their condolences.

Piven wrote, “May her memory be a blessing, my man.”

One fan commented, “My condolences to you and your loved ones, Billy. Your mother sounds like an amazing woman. May God bless you all and may she rest in peace.”

Another wrote, “Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.”

A third added, “Sincere condolences. May her soul continue to light up your hearts.”

Zane’s Childhood and Family Legacy

Zane grew up in Chicago alongside his sister, actress Lisa Zane. Their parents, Thalia and William George Zane Sr., were aspiring actors who also founded a school for medical technicians. The couple, who were of Greek descent, created a home that was both creative and performance-focused, shaping both children’s careers.

Zane is a father to two daughters, Ava Catherine, born in 2011, and Gia, born in 2014, whom he shares with his former partner and ex-fiancée, model Candice Neil.

Thalia is survived by Billy, Lisa, and her granddaughters, Ava and Gia. She is preceded in death by William Zane Sr., who died in 2020 from COVID-19.

A Look Back at Billy Zane’s Career & Recent Work

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Zane is best known for his iconic role as Caledon Hockley in “Titanic.” His breakout performance in the 1989 thriller “Dead Calm” launched a long and steady career in film and television.

He went on to appear in “Back to the Future,” “Back to the Future Part II,” “Twin Peaks,” “The Phantom,” “Zoolander,” and “Demon Knight,” often embracing villainous or complex characters.

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His most recent major role was portraying Marlon Brando in “Waltzing with Brando,” which premiered at the Torino Film Festival in 2024.

In addition to acting, Zane is an accomplished painter whose work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions.

Zane’s tribute offered an honest portrait of a woman known for her humor, her kindness, and the steady support she gave to everyone around her. In his words, she was “a good egg” and “a wonderful mother,” leaving behind a legacy defined by love, creativity, and family.

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