Hollywood actor Billy Zane has shared the sad news that his mother, Thalia Zane, has passed away at the age of 95. The announcement comes as his former fiancée, television personality Kelly Brook, was recently voted off ITV's I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!
A Life Well-Lived: Remembering Thalia Zane
Billy Zane, best known for his role as Cal Hockley in the blockbuster film Titanic, shared a moving tribute to his mother on Instagram this Wednesday. He revealed that Thalia Zane died "surrounded by her loved ones" in her beloved downtown Chicago, shortly after celebrating her 95th birthday at The Ritz.
In his emotional post, the 59-year-old actor described his mother as a "dynamo" with incredible humour and great taste. "They couldn’t make the mould to break it!" he wrote. "She was out the door, blazing a trail with us all in tow." He praised her generous spirit, noting she offered "enough creative and emotional support for friends and extended family."
Thalia was married to William Zane Sr. for 67 years until his death from COVID-19 in 2020. The couple, both of Greek descent and professional actors themselves, also founded a school for medical technicians. Thalia is survived by her son Billy, her daughter actress Lisa Zane, 64, and her grandchildren, including Billy's daughters Ava, 14, and Gia, 11.
Condolences from Co-Stars and Fans
Following the announcement, Billy's social media was flooded with messages of support from friends, colleagues, and fans. His Titanic co-star Rochelle Rose offered her condolences, writing: "So sorry for your loss Billy. What a fabulous woman! May her memory be a blessing."
Fellow actor Tia Carrere, who starred with Zane in Waltzing with Brando, and Jeremy Piven also shared their sympathies. Fans echoed the sentiments, with one commenting on the "trail of beautiful memories" left by a beautiful soul, and others sending blessings to the Zane family.
Kelly Brook's Past Romance with Billy Zane
The news brings a poignant footnote to the past high-profile relationship between Billy Zane and Kelly Brook. The model and TV star, who just left the I'm A Celebrity jungle, met Zane on the set of the thriller Three in 2003. They began dating the following year, became engaged, and were together from 2004 to 2008.
Reflecting on their split, Brook, who is now married to Italian model Jeremy Parisi, once described her love for Zane as an "illness." In 2008, she confessed, "I fell in love with Billy and felt like I was under a spell. They say love is an illness, and I do believe that. I became lovesick." Zane is 13 years her senior.
While their romantic chapter closed years ago, the shared history adds a layer of context to the personal loss now being experienced by the Hollywood actor, as Brook herself re-emerges into the public eye following her jungle stint.
