Taj Cross is one of the most exciting young talents to emerge from Hollywood in recent years. Born and raised in Venice, California, this American actor and dancer captured hearts with his breakout role in Hulu’s critically acclaimed comedy series PEN15.
From his family background and personal lifestyle to his height, siblings, net worth, and social media presence — this in-depth guide answers every question fans have been searching for about Taj Cross.
Taj Cross Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Taj Cross |
| Date of Birth | February 11, 2004 |
| Age (2026) | 22 years old |
| Birthplace | Venice, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | British-Irish (European ancestry) |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 117 lbs (53 kg) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown / Black |
| Eye Color | Light Brown |
| Profession | Actor, Dancer |
| Known For | Sam in PEN15 (Hulu) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $100,000–$500,000 |
| Religion | Christianity |
How Old Is Taj Cross?
Taj Cross is currently 22 years old, having been born on February 11, 2004, in Venice, California, United States. Despite his young age, he has already established a respected presence in Hollywood television, earning recognition far beyond what most actors achieve in their early twenties. His age often surprises people because the level of maturity and craft he brings to his roles feels well beyond his years.
Early Life and Childhood
Taj Cross grew up in the culturally vibrant neighborhood of Venice, California — a place well known for its artistic energy, diverse communities, and creative spirit. That environment played a formative role in shaping who Taj became as a performer.
He developed a passion for performing arts early in life, reportedly showing interest in acting as far back as elementary school. By fifth grade, he had enrolled in musical theatre, setting the stage (quite literally) for his professional future. His schooling was a blend of traditional and home-based education, a practical arrangement that allowed him to pursue auditions and early career commitments without sacrificing his academic progress.
Taj completed his high school education in June 2019 — the same year he made his professional acting debut. That timing speaks volumes about his dedication: graduating while simultaneously launching a career in one of the most competitive industries in the world.
Taj Cross Family and Parents
Family has always been a central pillar in Taj’s life. He comes from a blended family background that has given him a grounded, emotionally intelligent perspective — qualities that shine through in his performances.
- Mother: Christena Karras — a stage performer and founder of Studio Karras, an interior design studio based in Venice, California. Her creative career likely planted the seeds of artistic ambition in Taj from an early age.
- Father: Jake Cross — relatively private, but known to be supportive of his son’s career pursuits.
- Stepfather: CJ Bonura — Christena’s current husband, who became part of the family after Taj’s parents divorced.
His parents separated when he was young, and his mother later remarried. Taj currently lives with his mother and stepfather, maintaining a close and stable home environment that has supported his rise in Hollywood.
Taj Cross Siblings
Taj Cross has one older sister named Camille Cross. Though Camille stays out of the public eye, Taj has spoken warmly about the bond they share. Growing up alongside an older sibling appears to have given him both emotional grounding and a sense of responsibility that comes across in the way he carries himself publicly.
Taj Cross Height
How tall is Taj Cross? Taj Cross stands at 5 feet 4 inches (163 centimetres) tall and weighs approximately 117 pounds (53 kilograms). He has dark brown to black hair and light brown eyes. His lean, youthful build fits naturally into the coming-of-age roles he has become known for, and his expressive face is one of his strongest acting assets.
Career
How He Got Started
Taj Cross made his professional acting debut in 2019 at just 15 years old. His entry into the industry was sharp and deliberate — he honed his craft through training at several respected institutions before ever stepping in front of a camera professionally.
His acting and dance training came from:
- Grey Studios
- Second City
- Margie Haber Studio
- Ruskin Group Theatre Company
- DC Dance Centre
This rigorous foundation gave him the technical range to handle both comedic and dramatic material with ease.
Taj Cross Movies and TV Shows
| Project | Role | Network/Platform | Year |
| PEN15 | Sam | Hulu | 2019–2021 |
| Young Rock | Gabe | NBC | 2021+ |
| Big Boys | Supporting Role | Various | 2022+ |
| The Rookie | Guest Role | ABC | — |
| In a Creative Company (Podcast) | Himself | — | 2020 |
His most celebrated role remains Sam in PEN15 — a Hulu comedy-drama series co-created by Maya Erskine, Anna Konkle, and Sam Zvibleman. What makes Sam a particularly interesting character is the fact that he is based on the real life of writer Sam Zvibleman, one of the show’s creators. Taj brought incredible authenticity and comedic timing to the role, making Sam one of the most memorable supporting characters in the series.
In Young Rock on NBC, he played Gabe, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s teenage best friend — a role that showcased his versatility and his ability to hold his own alongside an established ensemble cast.
How Old Was Taj Cross in PEN15 Season 2?
PEN15 Season 2 premiered on September 18, 2020, with the second half released in December 2021. When Season 2 first aired, Taj Cross was 16 years old, turning 17 in February 2021. He was about 17 years old during the filming of the second half of Season 2. This means he was capturing the experience of middle school-age characters while actually navigating his own teenage years — a unique and relatable overlap.
Taj Cross Lifestyle
Despite the pressures that come with early fame, Taj Cross has maintained a refreshingly grounded lifestyle. He lives with his mother and stepfather in Venice, California, choosing family stability over the flashier independent lifestyle many young celebrities adopt.
He prioritizes:
- Family time — remaining close to his mother, stepfather, and sister
- Creative hobbies — particularly painting, which he picked up around the time he landed his role on PEN15
- Physical activity — skateboarding and staying active
- Music — a consistent passion throughout his life
- His dog, Mocha — a beloved pet who appears to be a genuine source of joy for him
There’s a quiet intentionality to how Taj lives. He doesn’t seem chasing trends or trying to manufacture a public persona. What you see is what you get — and fans appreciate that authenticity.
Personal Life and Relationships
Who Is Taj Cross’s Girlfriend?
As of 2026, Taj Cross does not have a publicly confirmed girlfriend. He is believed to be currently single, with no verified romantic relationships reported. He keeps his personal life carefully private, rarely — if ever — discussing dating on social media or in interviews. For someone his age navigating the pressures of Hollywood, that level of discretion is both unusual and commendable.
Is Taj Cross Gay?
There is no credible information or public statement suggesting Taj Cross is gay. He has not addressed questions about his sexuality publicly. Without any statement from him on the matter, speculation would be disrespectful and unfounded. Like many aspects of his private life, this remains his own business to share — or not share — on his own terms.
Taj Cross Ethnicity and Nationality
Taj Cross holds American nationality and is of British-Irish (European) ancestry. He was born in Venice, California, and has spent his entire life on the West Coast of the United States. His European heritage is part of what contributes to his unique look and multicultural appeal as an actor in modern Hollywood.
Social Media Presence
Taj Cross has an active social media following, primarily on Instagram, where he goes by @taj_cross. He also maintains a presence on TikTok, where younger fans connect with his personality beyond the roles he plays on screen.
He uses his platforms to share glimpses of his everyday life, creative projects, and behind-the-scenes moments — though always maintaining boundaries around his personal relationships and family. His online presence reflects the same authenticity that defines his acting work.
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Taj Cross Net Worth
Taj Cross’s estimated net worth in 2026 falls in the range of $100,000 to $500,000, with various sources offering different figures based on his acting income, endorsement activity, and creative projects. He reportedly earns between $21,000 and $25,000 per acting engagement, a figure that will undoubtedly grow as he takes on larger and more prominent roles. His income streams include acting, dancing, painting, and potential brand partnerships.
Personality
People who follow Taj Cross closely — whether through his interviews, social media, or his performances — consistently describe him as warm, approachable, and creatively driven. His Aquarius sun sign aligns well with his personality: independent, imaginative, and genuinely caring about the people around him.
He comes across as an old soul in many ways — someone who takes his craft seriously while still knowing how to enjoy life. His ability to portray vulnerable, nuanced characters on screen likely reflects a real emotional intelligence that extends into his everyday interactions.
Hobbies and Interests
Beyond acting and dancing, Taj Cross has a rich inner life driven by curiosity and creativity:
- Painting — He discovered this passion shortly after booking his role on PEN15 and has continued to develop it as a creative outlet
- Skateboarding — A popular Venice Beach staple, and a sport that reflects his laid-back California roots
- Music — A lifelong love that influences both his mood and his performances
- Photography — He has shown interest in the visual arts beyond painting
- Spending time with Mocha — His dog remains one of his closest companions
Fun Facts About Taj Cross
- His character Sam in PEN15 is based on the real life of writer Sam Zvibleman
- He is an Aquarius, born on February 11 — a zodiac sign associated with creativity and independence
- Taj started painting after landing his role in PEN15, not before
- He completed high school in June 2019 — the same month his career was taking off
- His mother runs a successful interior design studio called Studio Karras in Venice, California
- Despite being a rising Hollywood name, he still lives at home with his family rather than moving into his own place
- He trained at five different performance institutions before making his debut
Conclusion
Taj Cross is more than just a talented young actor — he’s a grounded, creative individual who has managed to build a meaningful career while staying true to himself and his family roots. From his breakout role as Sam in PEN15 to his growing list of credits in Young Rock, Big Boys, and beyond, Taj is on a trajectory that Hollywood should pay close attention to.
At 22 years old, the best of his career almost certainly still lies ahead. With a strong support system, a disciplined work ethic, and genuine artistic curiosity, Taj Cross represents the kind of generational talent that doesn’t just flash and fade — it evolves, deepens, and endures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Taj Cross?
Taj Cross is 22 years old as of 2026, born on February 11, 2004, in Venice, California.
How tall is Taj Cross?
Taj Cross stands at 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall and weighs approximately 117 pounds (53 kg).
Who are Taj Cross’s parents?
His parents are Christena Karras (mother, an interior designer and stage performer) and Jake Cross (father). His stepfather is CJ Bonura.
Does Taj Cross have siblings?
Yes. He has one older sister named Camille Cross.
What is Taj Cross best known for?
He is best known for playing Sam in the Hulu comedy series PEN15 (2019–2021).
How old was Taj Cross in PEN15 Season 2?
Taj Cross was 16–17 years old during the production and airing of PEN15 Season 2.
What is Taj Cross’s net worth?
His estimated net worth ranges from $100,000 to $500,000, with an acting salary of approximately $21,000–$25,000 per project.
Is Taj Cross currently in a relationship?
There are no confirmed reports of Taj Cross being in a relationship. He appears to be single and focused on his career.
Is Taj Cross gay?
Taj Cross has not publicly addressed his sexuality. No credible information supports this claim either way.
What is Taj Cross’s ethnicity?
Taj Cross is of British-Irish (European) ancestry and holds American nationality.
What are Taj Cross’s hobbies?
He enjoys painting, skateboarding, music, photography, and spending time with his dog, Mocha.
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