Zane Holtz has built a solid career in Hollywood, steadily working across film and television for over two decades. You might recognise him as Richie Gecko from “From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series” or K.O. Kelly from “Riverdale.” The Canadian actor’s journey from child model to established character actor is worth exploring, especially given his recent work and family life in Austin, Texas.
Biography
Zane-Ray Brodie Holtz was born on January 18, 1987, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. At 38, he’s the eldest of four brothers, raised by his mother, Laura Mary Clarke, an actress and producer known for her work on “The Predator.” His father’s identity hasn’t been made public, and Zane’s kept that detail private throughout his career.
Growing up with three younger brothers, Beau, Harrison, and Mackenzie Holtz, meant a lively household. All four siblings have pursued entertainment careers to varying degrees, with each maintaining their own IMDb profiles. When Zane was about 12, his mother relocated the family to California in 1999.
His entertainment career actually started at age five when he began modelling. By the time he turned 10, he’d transitioned to shooting commercials. That early exposure gave him comfort in front of cameras. He eventually attended the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in Los Angeles, where he honed the craft that would carry him through dozens of roles.
Zane stands 6’1″ (185 cm) tall and weighs approximately 180 pounds (81.6 kg). He has brown hair and hazel-brown eyes, maintaining the athletic build that’s served him well in action-oriented roles.
Career
Zane’s acting debut came in 2001 with a guest spot on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” followed by an appearance on “Judging Amy” in 2002. But his breakout role arrived in 2003 when he played Barfbag in the Disney film “Holes,” alongside Shia LaBeouf.
Throughout the 2000s, he steadily built his resume with appearances in “Cold Case,” “Crash,” and “CSI: Miami.” His film work included “Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” (2010) and the comedy “Vampires Suck” (2010). He also voiced George Murphy in the critically acclaimed video game “L.A. Noire” in 2011, showcasing his versatility beyond on-screen performances.
His television presence grew with an 18-episode arc as Austin Tucker on ABC Family’s “Make It or Break It” from 2010 to 2012. That same year, he appeared in the film adaptation of “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” which brought him increased recognition. The indie drama became a cultural touchstone, and Zane’s role as Chris contributed to its authentic portrayal of high school dynamics.
The turning point in his career came in 2014 when he landed the role of Richie Gecko in “From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series.” He played the complex, vampire-hunting character for 30 episodes across three seasons, filming much of it in Austin, Texas. That experience not only gave him substantial material to work with but also introduced him to a city he’d eventually call home.
Since then, Zane’s maintained consistent work across various genres. He appeared as K.O. Kelly in “Katy Keene” (2020) and later reprised the character in “Riverdale” (2021-2022). His film roles included the submarine thriller “Hunter Killer” (2018) and Ben Affleck’s “Hypnotic” (2023), in which he played Trout.
Most notably, he’s become a recurring presence on CBS’s “NCIS” as Special Agent Dale Sawyer. He’s appeared across Seasons 18, 19, 20, 22, and 23, with his most recent episode airing on October 28, 2025. The character serves as a “frenemy” to Nick Torres, played by Wilmer Valderrama, and the dynamic works partly because the two actors are genuine friends off-screen.
Looking ahead to December 2025, Zane stars in “Frontier Crucible,” a Western thriller produced by Dallas Sonnier of “Bone Tomahawk” fame. The film features Armie Hammer, William H. Macy, and Thomas Jane, and was shot in Monument Valley and Prescott, Arizona, in November 2024. It’s based on Harry Whittington’s 1961 novel “Desert Stake-Out” and releases theatrically on December 5, 2025.
His 2024 work also included “Love Bomb,” a psychological thriller, and a guest appearance on “Accused.” Between film projects and television gigs, Zane’s kept himself steadily employed without chasing blockbuster fame.
Personal Life
Zane married Chelsea Thea Pagnini on June 1, 2014. They’ve been together for over a decade. The couple actually met as high school sweethearts at Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, California.
Chelsea’s a Canadian-born makeup artist who also runs “Sea By Chelsea,” a handmade jewellery business. She’s kept her career going while raising their four children.
Speaking of family, Zane and Chelsea have two sons and two daughters. Their eldest son, Ryder James, was born around 2006. Their daughter, London-Yves, was born on September 14, 2007, and recently turned 18 in 2025. Their son, Rocky, arrived on February 9, 2015, and their youngest daughter, Daisy, was born around 2019 or 2020. It’s a whole house, and Zane often shares glimpses of family life on social media.
The family relocated to Austin, Texas, around 2018, a move influenced by Zane’s positive experiences filming “From Dusk Till Dawn” there starting in 2013. He’s described Austin as vibrant and family-friendly, precisely what they wanted for raising their children.
Outside of acting, Zane’s passionate about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He earned his black belt in March 2019 after over 15 years of training. He also enjoys surfing and hiking, staying active when he’s not on set.
Net Worth
Zane Holtz’s estimated net worth sits around $1.5 million as of 2025.
His wealth comes primarily from his steady television work, which has been his most consistent source of income throughout his career. Film roles, early modelling work, and commercial appearances have also contributed. While specific per-project salary information isn’t publicly available, television actors with his experience typically earn solid day rates, especially on network shows like “NCIS.”
There’s no verified information about expensive car collections or luxury purchases. He seems to prioritise family life in Austin over flashy displays.