We all know Marlon Brando as “The Godfather,” but now Billy Zane is showing another side of the iconic actor in the unconventional biopic, “Waltzing with Brando.”
Zane stopped by to chat with our entertainment reporter, Courtney Tezeno, where he talked about portraying Brando as “the Godfather of the environmentalist movement.” He highlights the Hollywood legend’s work in building an off-the-grid resort in Tahiti. He admits it was an offer he couldn’t refuse.
“The little-known fact that he spearheaded sustainable design on his tiny atoll in Tahiti is mind-blowing,” the “Titanic” star shared when asked why he took on the role. “As well as being the most celebrated actor of our century and time.”
When the trailer was released, fans were quick to point out the uncanny resemblance Zane has to Brando. The 59-year-old actor tells us he’s heard the look-alike claims throughout his 40-year career, starting around 1989 when he played Hughie Warriner in “Dead Calm.”
“I have heard it since some of the earlier offerings, since ‘Dead Calm.’ I think reviewers, everyone loves a reference, so that was a very pleasant reference,” he laughed. “I was very grateful to have been referred to or compared. And I certainly felt that there might be a time I would play him.”
Zane recalls swimming naked with sharks in the film and even compares the Tahitian sharks to “a pack of dogs.”
“They were just kind of chilling and curious and well fed. There’s lots to eat out there,” the actor shared. “On days off, we’d go swim with them in this one little section [of the ocean].”
Brando was the father of 11 kids, both adopted and biological children. For the film, Zane shares the big screen with his two daughters, Ava, who made her feature film debut, and 11-year-old Gia, who makes a small cameo.
“I’m really proud,” he started. “It was Bill Fishman’s idea to have her read for it, which I thought was really charming, and she was great. Her instincts are natural. We enjoyed our scene together, and she needed no prompting from me.”
Zane says being in showbiz is in her blood, calling it a “natural progression” for Ava to take on acting after her mom, Candice Neil, put her in modeling as a child.
“Her mother, Candice, had modeled for years and also as an actress, so that she was no stranger to set or working with adults and understanding how to work with a camera and to be natural.”
“Waltzing with Brando” is in theaters nationwide now.