From his role as the villainous Cal Hockley in Titanic to a memorable cameo in Zoolander, Billy Zane has cemented his status as a Hollywood cult figure. This weekend, he brought his star power to Perth for Supanova, an annual celebration of pop culture.
Zane, one of the event’s headliners, expressed to The West Australian that sharing his diverse array of characters with fans in Western Australia felt like “a strange dream that has a Rip Van Winkle quality to it.” He reflected on his career, stating, “When you think of the Back to the Futures, Memphis Belle, Titanic, and The Phantom, you just go, ‘Wow’, although, mind you, there’s 100 turkeys that really are the shoulders that those movies stand upon,” he laughed.
Impeccably dressed, the 59-year-old actor elaborated on his varied interests, which span a decades-long career as an abstract expressionist artist, a passion for science, and, of course, the film industry. Despite the villainous actions of his character Cal in Titanic—from attempted murder to deceit—Zane noted how the narrative around Cal has evolved. Some now question whether Rose made the right choice in choosing Jack over Cal.
“From my point of view, I always try to find dimension for my most questionable of characters, to bring them beyond just being an entertaining obstacle for our protagonists to overcome,” Zane said.
From Villain to Cult Hero
Arguably, none of Zane’s roles are more memorably questionable than his portrayal of the psychopathic Hughie in the 1989 Phillip Noyce classic, Dead Calm. Reflecting on this pivotal role, Zane shared, “I owe my entire career [to that production]… it was so significant for me as a 21-year-old actor.”
He reminisced about working alongside Nicole Kidman, who was two years his junior. “Nicole had a formidable capacity and grasp on her sense of self as a young woman and actress, and we were both punching above our weight and together really helped reinforce and support each other,” he admitted.
The Zoolander Effect
Support was also what Zane offered Derek Zoolander in a “walk-off” against Owen Wilson’s Hansel, when he played himself in Ben Stiller’s iconic 2001 comedy. Those few minutes of screen time launched a thousand Zane memes, which the actor certainly didn’t see coming.
“Never in a million years,” Zane said.
The actor’s ability to embrace both serious and comedic roles has contributed to his enduring appeal. His participation in Supanova highlights the lasting impact of his work on pop culture, as well as his willingness to engage with fans who have supported his career over the years.
Looking Forward
As Supanova continues today and tomorrow at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, attendees have the unique opportunity to interact with Zane and other pop culture icons. The event not only celebrates past achievements but also looks towards the future of the industry.
Zane’s reflections on his career and characters offer a glimpse into the complexities of playing the “bad guy” and the unexpected paths an acting career can take. As he continues to explore new roles and artistic endeavors, his influence on both film and pop culture remains significant.
