Zane Holtz

BELLO YOUNG HOLLYWOOD be featured in February 2020 issue.

Zane Holtz: Living His Childhood Dream
By Michael Jacobo

The actor Zane Holtz is kind, generous, and talented. Having grown up in Canada, Holtz was a huge Archie fan from a very young age. Starring in the Riverdale spinoff “Katy Keene,” he is very excited to put his comic book knowledge to use! Family man and working man, he finds a way to balance the different aspects of his life. Here at BELLO, we had the chance to catch up with Holtz as he opened up about his inspirations and experiences as an actor.

“Katy Keene” is based on the Archie comics. Growing up, were you a fan of this comic?

I was a massive Archie fan! I grew up in Canada and according to Jon Goldwater Jr.  the CEO of Archie comics, Canada is a huge consumer of the Archie world. I have at least 400 comics stored at my dads place in Vancouver.

Share with us what attracted you to this script/world. How did you cross paths with this opportunity? 

I was aware of Riverdale and had watched the first season.  I thought Roberto had done a fantastic job of re imagining the Archie universe for a modern audience.  Riverdale reminded me of Twin Peaks which is one of my favorite shows of all time. I had done a pilot for the CW, Warner Brothers and Berlanti Productuons previously and they gave me another opportunity with Katy Keene.

What can viewers expect to see and feel while watching “Katy Keene” ? 

If Riverdale is a murder mystery then Katy Keene is its bright and cheery romantic comedy cousin. It is an uplifting, aspirational show and hopefully viewers will walk away feeling better about the state of the world.

Katy Keene is about young adults achieving their dreams in the big city. What are some aspects of the show you feel you can relate to when you started your own career? 

Katy Keene is definitely a show about big dreams in a big city. I think every actor or entertainer can relate to having a goal or dream that seems unattainable.  it takes a certain type of person to defy the odds and go for their goals regardless of the adversity that comes with their dreams.

What are characteristics of a role which attract you to it the most?

I always look for what my role contributes to the story. Does the character have an arch?  Do they have an important impact on the story? I am equally interested in playing heroes and villains as long as they have something important to say or do.

Share with us your first time in front of the camera. What do you remember the most from that experience?

I started working when I was pretty young. Those early experiences kind of blur together. I do know that I was always in awe of how many people need to come together to make a set work. I still bring that admiration and respect to all members of the crew and remember that I am part of a group of people that are all necessary to bring a story from script to screen.

As an actor, what do you look most forward to when joining a new set/cast?

It’s always like the first day of school!  it’s fun to come together with a group of talented actors and artists. The situation always seems new and fresh but familiar simultaneously. I have made some of my best friends through cast mates and crew members.

You’ve worked with talented directors and producers before. What are the most important lessons you have learned from them? 

I have had the privilege to work with a lot of accomplished and talented individuals. I think the qualities that I am most aware of and attracted to are pretty basic.  There are a lot of things in life and work that you cant control. You can choose to work hard and treat those around you with respect.  The people I know who are successful feel the same.

What are your favorite things to do when you’re not working?

I love spending time with my family and living a happy, healthy lifestyle. I love Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and have been training since I was 17.

Do you have any unique pre-show rituals you like to do ?

I wouldn’t call it a ritual. I have a pre-show curse. No matter how long I have been acting I always get day one anxiety. I typically cant’ sleep the night before my first day on a new job.

If you were a superhero, what would be your power?

I would definitely choose flight.  I think I would save a lot of time waiting in line at the airport and my travel schedule would be more climate conscious if I didn’t have to fly in planes.

What’s your best accent or character impression?

I don’t know if it’s my BEST impression but my favorite is definitely Arnold Schwarzenegger.  I may or may not occasionally converse with Uber drivers only as Arnold.

TEAM CREDITS

Talent ZANE HOLTZ @zaneholtz
Photographer YASMINE KATEB @yasminekateb
Creative Direction ALEKSANDAR TOMOVIC @alekandsteph
Stylist MICHAEL FUSCO @mikeystyles
Grooming DANNI KATZ @dannidoesit using House 99 / TraceyMattingly.com
Production @BELLOMediaGroup x @MaisonPriveePR_LA x @bonnetalex18