The movie star ex-fiance of I’m A Celeb evictee Kelly Brooks who has appeared in a raft of Hollywood blockbusters has revealed their heartache after a painful loss
17:44, 04 Dec 2025Updated 18:12, 04 Dec 2025
Kelly and Titanic star Billy dated for four years(Image: Daily Mirror)
The mother of Hollywood actor Billy Zane, who I’m A Celeb star Kelly Brook dated between 2004 and 2008 – has died at the age of 95. Thalia Zane passed away “surrounded by her loved ones” shortly after her birthday, actor Billy, 59, said in a moving statement on Instagram on Wednesday.
He added: “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 mould to break it! She was out the door, blazing a trail with us all in tow. A dynamo with incredible humour, 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.”
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Jungle star Kelly was at one point engaged to the Hollywood actor(Image: Bruce Gifford, FilmMagicvia Getty Images)
Billy, who played Cal Hockley in the film Titanic, continued, “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. (sic)”
Thalia – who was married to William Zane Sr., who died from COVID-19 in 2020 – is survived by Billy, their daughter, fellow actress Lisa Zane, 64, and their grandchildren, Billy’s daughters Ava, 14, and Gia, 11 with his ex-fiance, model Candice Neil, who he shares with his ex-fiance, model Candice Neil.
Following the announcement of her death, Billy was inundated with messages in the post’s comments section.
His Titanic co-star Rochelle Rose, 51, penned: “So sorry for your loss Billy. What a fabulous woman! May her memory be a blessing.”
Billy’s fellow Waltzing with Brando cast member Tia Carrere, 58, wrote: “I’m so sorry for your loss Billy.” And Spy Kids: All the Time in the World star Jeremy Piven, 60, said: “May her memory be a blessing my man.”
Kelly Brook was greeted by husband Jeremy after being evicted from the jungle(Image: Tim Merry/Staff Photographer)
Billy’s fans also expressed their deepest sympathies. One 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.”
A second supporter left: “So sorry for your loss Billy. Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.” And a third follower penned: “Sincere condolences. May her soul continue to light up your hearts.”
Billy and Lisa grew up in a showbiz household, as Thalia and William were professional actors. The late couple – who were of Greek descent – also founded a school for medical technicians.
Jungle star Kelly, who was voted off the ITV reality show on Wednesday, met Billy, who is 13 years her senior, on the set of thriller Three in 2003. Although the pair didn’t start dating on set, they began a relationship the following year, became engaged, and dated from 2004 to 2008.
But it was not to be, and reflecting on the end of her romance with Billy, Kelly – who is now happily married to Italian model Jeremy Parisi, confessed in 2008 that their love was an “illness”: “I fell in love with Billy and felt like I was under a spell,” she said. “They say love is an illness, and I do believe that. I became lovesick.”
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