Billy Zane earned popularity through the quirkiest TV shows of the 90s. However, he played the least-loved characters in the highest-grossing movies of the time. He started in one of the most loved sci-fi movies of the 80s.
Moreover, his credit list includes many popular films of the time. However, things didn’t click well when the handsome actor tried transitioning into leading roles.
How did Billy Zane Begin The Journey in The Industry?
The handsome actor first appeared in Robert Zemeckis’ sci-fi comedy, Back to the Future. He had a bit part in the film where he played Match. His role was to play one of the bully Biff Tannen’s goons.
According to the actor, he auditioned for the role of Biff, which was ultimately given to Thomas F. Wilson. Biff’s goon squad were cast from the list of actors who auditioned for Biff. Although they didn’t get the role of Biff, some of them landed in the role of the goons.
This movie was a critical and commercial hit. Moreover, it was a very lucky break for a film debut. Furthermore, it was successful enough to spawn two sequels.
The actor then appeared in a less beloved science fiction film, Critters. It was a Gremlins rip-off. Some aliens were much furrier. They had more teeth than the Gremlins invaded a rural Kansas town.
A young boy, along with his family, has to brave the alien invasion. The actor played the family’s elder daughter’s boyfriend. He sneaks off for some barnyard hanky-panky, which later seems to not have been a good idea.
Mixed reviews, with many critics giving points to the movie for having a sense of humour. It became a modest hit at the box office, leading to three sequels that followed it.
How did Billy Disappear From The Screen?
The actor scored a series of hits with supporting appearances in projects like Titanic, Dead Calm, and Charmed. But on the handful of occasions where he was the leading actor in a big-budget Hollywood movie, they tended to strike out—most notably The Phantom.
This flashy superhero movie of 1996 was based on a relatively far 1930s comic strip. However, this franchise never materialized, and he never had any future opportunities to be the leading man in a major film.
However, the actor has not stopped himself fully after receiving setbacks. He is currently busy selling chicken. Moreover, nothing can be more attractive for fast-food customers than a change in the beloved mascot of a popular chain.
After remaining mainly as a kindly cartoon emblazoned on grease-lined buckets for decades, Colonel Sanders started appearing in KFC’s commercials again.
Zane joined the Colonel Sanders lineup in early 2017. Moreover, he agreed to slather himself in gold paint to help roll out the restaurant’s line of “Georgia Gold Chicken.”
Kevin Hochman, KFC CMO, explained that the idea appeared through the actor’s past roles of villainous rich dudes on the big screen. The character was supposed to underscore that anyone can dig into a bag of drive-through poultry.
Is He Involved in Productions?
The actor is also fond of making movies. However, these are not essential for Hollywood. He is a principal partner in a production company and content distributor called RadioactiveGiant.
The company has produced a few modest movies, such as Killing Winston Jones, By the Rivers of Babylon and the acclaimed documentary Searching for Eddie Running Wolf. However, even in some of the new OTT movies, the actor is trying his hands. This can be his way to get back to the screen.
Conclusion
Billy Zane has earned popularity through the quirkiest TV shows of the 90s. He started in one of the most loved sci-fi movies of the 80s. The initial reviews of the critics gained him popularity for his supporting roles. However, he could not make quite a mark through his leading roles.
On the handful of occasions he was the leading actor in a big-budget Hollywood movie, they tended to strike out—most notably The Phantom. However, this franchise never materialized, and he never had any future opportunities to be the leading man in a major film.
Also read: Billy Zane Net Worth 2023
