Who Is Ben Cross? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ben Cross, born on December 16, 1947, in London, England, was a prominent British actor known for his roles in films and television series. He garnered international acclaim for his performances, particularly in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, where he portrayed the character Harold Abrahams. Cross's captivating storytelling and versatile acting skills endeared him to audiences worldwide. Unfortunately, he passed away on August 18, 2020, leaving behind a rich legacy of work within the entertainment industry.
In 2025, the legacy of Ben Cross continues to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers, and his contributions to film and television are fondly remembered by fans around the globe.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 16, 1947 |
| Age | 72 Years |
| Birth Place | London, England |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | Austria |
| Date of death | 18 August, 2020 |
| Died Place | Vienna, Austria |
Popularity
Ben Cross's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ben Cross stood tall at approximately 6 feet (183 cm). Throughout his life, he maintained a well-proportioned physique, though specific weight measurements varied over the years, typically ranging around 170 lbs (77 kg) during his prime acting days. His distinct presence on-screen was complemented by his strong features and dynamic ability to convey emotion.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As for Ben Cross's personal life, he was quite private about his relationships. He was previously married to actress Danelle Lutz and had a daughter named actress and producer, Kelina Cross. In his later years, he had kept a low profile regarding his dating life, and any such relationships remained undisclosed. Although he may no longer be with us, his legacy continues through his family and the impact he had on the film industry.
He was the son of Catherine (née O'Donovan), a cleaner, and Harry Cross, a doorman. His father died of tuberculosis when Cross was aged eight. While his father was a member of the Church of England, Cross grew up in his Irish mother's Catholic faith, in the Tulse Hill neighbourhood of London.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Ben Cross's estimated net worth was approximately $1 million. His earnings came from a successful acting career spanning several decades, during which he worked in various high-profile films and television series. His net worth reflects not just his talent, but also the enduring popularity of his performances.
Career, Business and Investments
Ben Cross's career was rich and varied. After gaining fame in the early 1980s, he starred in numerous feature films, including The Four Feathers (2002) and The Blood of Heroes (1989). He also ventured into television, appearing in acclaimed series such as Knight Rider and The Man in the Iron Mask.
In addition to acting, Cross explored various business endeavors, including investments in production companies. His creative ventures extended beyond acting, with involvement in various projects that highlighted his artistic vision.
Cross started his career by taking manual jobs, including working as a window cleaner, waiter, and joiner. He also worked as a carpenter for the Welsh National Opera, and was the Property Master at The Alexandra theatre in Birmingham.
Social Network
Though Ben Cross was not known for his presence on social media during his life, today, his legacy continues to resonate across various platforms. Fans and followers can celebrate his work and connect through dedicated fan pages, Instagram tributes, and other social networking sites, where they share memories and performances that showcase his tremendous talent.
During Cross's performance in Chicago he was recognised and recommended for a leading role in the multiple Oscar-winning film Chariots of Fire in 1981. The film was based on the true story of two athletes in the 1924 Olympics: Eric Liddell, a devout Scottish Christian, and Harold Abrahams, an English Jew who runs to overcome prejudice.
Cross trained hard for his role as Abrahams; his co-star Ian Charleson played Liddell. The pair were shown in the opening scene running barefoot with a group of others along a Scottish beach, accompanied by Vangelis's music.
Considered "one of the most memorable opening scenes in film history", Cross acknowledged the scene's effectiveness but remembered the water was freezing. For their performances in the film, Cross and Charleson both won "Most Promising Artiste of 1981" awards from the Variety Club Awards in February 1982.
Cross's starring role in Chariots of Fire has been credited with continuing a transatlantic trend in elegant young English actors that had been set by Jeremy Irons in Brideshead Revisited. The film went on to win multiple Academy Awards, including the one for Best Picture.
Education
Ben Cross's education was integral to his development as an actor. He attended the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), where he honed his craft and developed his skills in acting. His training laid the foundation for a prolific career, allowing him to approach diverse roles with authenticity and depth.
In 2012, Cross was cast as Rabbit, the main antagonist on the Cinemax original series Banshee. Rabbit is "a ruthless Ukrainian gangster who has been hunting down two of his former top thieves for 15 years." After 2012, Cross acted in various minor films but also acted in The Hurricane Heist, which earned a box office of US$32.5 million.
In 2019, he starred with Whoopi Goldberg in the film Master of Dark Shadows, which earned a rating of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, his second film to receive such a rating, the other one being Paperhouse.
