Had to happen: Billy Zane on why Jack had to die in 'Titanic'

Los Angeles:  Almost 20 years ago, James Cameron's "Titanic", though magnificent, broke the hearts of millions with the death of its hero Jack in the end, and now actor Billy Zane says that he "had to die".

Zane portrayed the role of female lead Kate Winslet's arrogant fiance Cal in the film, which went on to win 11 out of the 14 Oscars it was nominated for.

Fans have time and again posed the question as to why Rose (Winslet) did not make room for Leonardo DiCaprio's Jack on the door.

"Your hero had to die. I don't know what else would have done it. It had to happen," Zane told People magazine in defence of Winslet's character.

Cameron had earlier also said that Jack was always meant to die.

"The answer is very simple because it says on page 147 (of the script) that Jack dies. Very simple... Obviously it was an artistic choice, the thing was just big enough to hold her, and not big enough to hold him..." the director had said in an interview.

Cameron said it was "kind of silly" to still have this discussion but it also shows that Jack became so endearing to the audience that "it hurts them to see him die".