Michael Zand, a multifaceted individual with a diverse range of talents, is perhaps most notably recognized for his portrayal of a suicide terrorist in the early minutes of the 1985 film To Live and Die in L.A., a role that bears a striking resemblance to that of Grant Heslov. Additionally, Zand appeared in similar villainous roles in films such as Protocol (1984) and Into the Night (1985),a common trend in Hollywood during that period where Middle Eastern descendants were often typecast as antagonists, given Zand's Iranian heritage.
Zand's early career also saw him take on a detective role in Sidney Lumet's The Morning After (1986),marking a departure from his typical villainous characters. In the 1980s, Zand's work extended beyond feature films, with numerous television appearances in projects such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Cagney & Lacey, Hill Street Blues, and Falcon Crest.
In the 1990s, Zand shifted his focus towards developing new talents, beginning with his first screenplay, the comedy Dangerous Curves (1988). Four years later, he co-wrote and acted in Play Nice (1992),directed by his wife, Terri Treas, a writer and actress in her own right, who had previously worked with notable directors such as Bob Fosse, Roger Corman, and Steve Kloves. Following this, Zand's on-screen career slowed, and he dedicated himself to writing for television, contributing to shows like Silk Stalkings, The Pretender, Pacific Blue, and Felicity, for which he also served as a co-producer for a period.
In recent years, Zand has seemingly stepped away from the spotlight, with his last notable project being the short film The Wanger Files - Dr. Willy Hooks Up (2014),a collaboration with his wife.
