Taj Cross is quickly becoming one of Gen Z’s most intriguing young actors. Best known for his scene-stealing turns in coming-of-age comedies, Cross has already made a name for himself through roles that capture the rollercoaster of adolescence with authenticity and humor. From his humble beginnings in a California beach town to landing breakout parts on Hulu and NBC, Taj Cross’s journey is a testament to talent, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace both the awkward and the awesome sides of growing up. In this in-depth look at the rising star, we explore his early life, big breaks, on- and off-camera personality, social media presence, and what the future might hold for this promising actor.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Background
Born on February 11, 2004, in Venice, California, Taj Cross grew up along the vibrant West Coast shorelineyen.com.gh. His parents, Christena Karras and Jake Cross separated when he was young, so Taj spent most of his childhood living with his mother in the artsy Venice communityyen.com.gh. (His mother is an interior designer and stage artist, which meant creativity was never far from home.) Like many kids in his area, Taj was an active child – very active, in fact. He had a passion for sports early on and juggled multiple athletic activities, from football to basketball to baseball, often all in the same weekbellomag.com. This all-out sporty lifestyle hit a speed bump in fifth grade when Taj suffered a serious heel injury from overtraining, forcing him to slow down. As he later recalled, “I played three sports every day… I ran so much that my heel crumbled into a million pieces,” leaving him in a medical boot and unable to play for over a year pop-culturalist.comyen.com.gh.
That unfortunate break turned out to be a blessing in disguise. With free time on his hands and energy to channel, Taj discovered a new passion: acting. It started almost by accident – during that same fifth-grade year, a friend invited Taj along to her musical theater class. He jumped in on the class activities and was instantly hooked on pop-culturalist.com. Thrilled by the rush of performing, he joined the children’s musical theatre group and spent the next two years on stage, singing and acting in local productionsyen.com.gh. By middle school, Taj knew that his newfound love of acting wasn’t just a hobby; it was something he wanted to pursue more seriously. With support from his family (including a well-timed call from a family friend in the industry), he landed a meeting with a talent agent while still in his early teensbellomag.com. Taj soon signed with that agent – who, years later, is still part of his team – and began the grind of professional auditions. He would spend the next couple of years balancing schoolwork with casting calls, memorizing tons of lines, and trekking around Los Angeles with his mom to find that first big breakbellomag.com.
Entry into Acting and Breakout in PEN15
Taj Cross at a screening for Hulu’s PEN15 in early 2019, around the time he made his television debut as Sam Zablowski in the hit comedy series.
Taj Cross’s hard work paid off when, at age 15, he booked his very first on-screen role in Hulu’s cringe-comedy PEN15. The show — a quirky, nostalgic series set in the year 2000 — premiered in February 2019 and quickly became an instant sensation among audiences who appreciated its painfully funny take on middle school lifenews.amomama.com. In PEN15, Taj portrayed Sam Zablowski, the awkward-yet-endearing boy next door and friend (and later, love interest), to the show’s lead characters, Maya and Anna. Stepping into Sam’s sneakers was a natural fit for Taj. In interviews, he revealed that he found it “pretty easy to get into character,” noting that he related to Sam’s mix of dorky charm and middle-school mischiefnews.amomama.com. To channel the character, Taj joked that he simply “turned up [his] d**chiness and toned down [his] coolness a little bit,” embracing the goofy, unfiltered nature of a seventh-grade boyhollywoodlife.comhollywoodlife.com.
What started as a small debut part soon made a big impact. PEN15 was Emmy-nominated and praised by critics for its authentic humor and Taj’s performance as Sam did not go unnoticed by pop-culturalist.com. In fact, he struck such a chord with viewers that despite being a newcomer, he quickly became a fan favorite on the seriestheknockturnal.com. Audiences related to Sam’s vulnerabilities (and questionable adolescent decisions) and Taj’s ability to bring sincerity to the absurd situations had fans rooting for his character. Looking back, Taj has described PEN15 as a “cool show” that turned out even better than he imagined – and it launched his acting career in a way that felt almost overnight. One day, he was a kid doing community theater; the next, he was attending a red carpet-screening for his TV show and seeing his face on Hulu’s splash page. Not a bad start for someone who hadn’t even finished high school yet.
(As a side note, Taj’s education journey took an unconventional turn due to his acting schedule. He switched to home-schooling while working on PEN15 and managed to graduate high school by 2019, all before most kids even attend promyen.com.gh. Balancing algebra homework with table reads might sound tough, but Taj made it work through determination and the support of his family.)
Notable Performances and Career Evolution
After PEN15 wrapped its second season, Taj Cross proved that his success was more than just beginner’s luck. Determined to expand his range, he set his sights on new projects that would continue to challenge him as an actor. In 2021, he found his next big role — this time on network television — joining the ensemble of NBC’s sitcom Young Rock. Taj Cross (left) on the set of NBC’s Young Rock, playing teenage Gabe alongside Bradley Constant as a young Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
On Young Rock, a comedy based on Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s youth, Taj plays Gabe, the 15-year-old best friend of Dwayne Johnson’s character during his high school years pop-culturalist.comnews.amomama.com. Gabe is the polar opposite of shy Sam from PEN15 — he’s enthusiastic, outgoing, and always up for an adventure, whether that means partying, chasing girls, or hyping up his pal Dwayne’s wrestling ambitionstheknockturnal.com. Taj jumped into the part with relish. He has mentioned that Gabe was one of his favorite characters he ever auditioned for, and it shows in his performance. The series premiered in early 2021, and even within the first few episodes, critics and fans could tell that Taj’s comedic timing held its own among a cast of older, more experienced actorstheknockturnal.com. Filming Young Rock was also a growth experience for Taj off-screen: the production took him all the way to Australia for shooting, where he and his fellow cast members bonded like a real family. In fact, Bradley Constant, who plays young Dwayne, noted how Taj instantly clicked with everyone and proved to be a “kind, supportive and genuine friend” on setnews.amomama.com. That genuine chemistry translated to the screen, giving the friendship between Gabe and Dwayne an authentic warmth that viewers loved. Taj himself has said that working on Young Rock was “an amazing experience” – not only because he was portraying a legend’s best friend but also because he learned so much by working alongside veteran actors (including those playing The Rock’s wrestling relatives) and soaking up their wisdombellomag.com.
As Taj’s television career took off, he also began exploring opportunities in film. In 2023, he made his feature film debut in Big Boys, a heartwarming coming-of-age comedy that hit the indie film circuit. Big Boys tells the story of a shy teenage boy’s first crush during a camping trip, and Taj appears in a supporting role as the protagonist’s self-assured older brother, Willen.wikipedia.orgthefilmcollaborative.org. Acting in a movie — and sharing the screen with established names like Emily Deschanel — was a new frontier for Taj. He embraced the chance to play a different kind of character: Will is a cool, confident teen, a bit of a departure from the more awkward personas Taj had embodied before. The film garnered positive attention at festivals (winning the Audience Award at Outfest, among others), giving Taj another platform to shine. With Big Boys, he showed that he could translate his relatable charm from the small screen to the big screen, holding his own in a feature format. It was yet another step in an evolving career that’s been defined by steady growth and a knack for picking roles that resonate with young audiences.
Off-Camera Life and Personality
When he’s not acting, Taj Cross is much like any other young adult navigating life and figuring out who he is. Despite early fame, he comes across as grounded and genuinely appreciative of those around him:bellomag.com. Growing up in Venice Beach gave Taj a bit of a free-spirited outlook. He loves being outdoors and staying active — after stepping back from competitive team sports to focus on acting, Taj picked up skateboarding as a favorite hobby, finding it a perfect outlet for his energy and a way to unwind when he’s not on setbellomag.com. You might catch him cruising around on his skateboard with headphones on, as he’s also a huge music lover. Taj has said he’s constantly discovering new artists and crafting playlists and that music is a big part of his creative lifebellomag.com.
Another creative pursuit Taj fell in love with is painting. Around the time he started acting professionally, he began experimenting with painting as a form of self-expression. He’s mentioned that he’ll paint whatever comes to mind – once envisioning a canvas with a bold question mark dripping with paint down the side – and he enjoys the freedom it gives him to explore ideas visually. It’s clear that Taj doesn’t like to box himself into one identity; even as he focuses on acting, he’s open to other artistic passions that help round him out as an individual.
Friends and colleagues often describe Taj as an easygoing, kind soul. The camaraderie he builds on set is not an act – it reflects his real personality. Co-stars from Young Rock have praised Taj for being the kind of person who “instantly [feels] like family” when you meet himnews.amomama.com. He has a warm, supportive nature that likely stems from the strong support system he has at home. (Taj remains close to his family; his mother, Christena, in particular, has been a guiding force, and even though his parents are separated, he has a good relationship with both, plus a supportive stepdad in his lifeyen.com.gh.) Taj also has a soft spot for animals. He’s a self-professed dog lover and often shares pictures of his beloved pet pup on Instagramyen.com.gh, showing fans a glimpse of his life as a regular pet parent.
Personality-wise, Taj comes off as mature for his age in some ways – he speaks about learning to be compassionate and understanding that everyone has a “unique personality” and perspectivebellomag.com – but he’s also not afraid to be silly and laugh at himself. In fact, one message he likes to share with his followers is not to take yourself too seriously: “Don’t forget to laugh at yourself sometimes,” he has said, reminding everyone that we all do goofy things and that humility and humor go hand in handbellomag.com. That blend of humility, humor, and heart makes Taj Cross not just a relatable actor on-screen but a genuinely likable young man off-screen as well.
Social Media Presence and Fan Engagement
In the digital age, no Gen Z star’s rise would be complete without a social media footprint. Taj Cross is no exception – though interestingly, he keeps his social presence pretty streamlined. His platform of choice is Instagram, where he’s been active since 2016 and has amassed a substantial following of fans who enjoy his candid postsyen.com.gh. (As of mid-2025, his follower count has climbed into the high five figures, reflecting the growing popularity of his work.) Taj’s Instagram is a mix of behind-the-scenes glimpses and snapshots of everyday life. Scrolling through his feed, you’ll find goofy selfies, photos of him hanging out with friends, and the occasional promotional post for his latest projectsnews.amomama.com. Taj Cross He might share a picture from a surfing outing one day, and a throwback from the PEN15 set the next.Taj Cross unfiltered peek into his life helps fans feel connected to him beyond his characters.
One thing followers appreciate is Taj’s sense of humor online. Taj Cross Much like his on-screen roles, his social media persona doesn’t shy away from the awkward or funny moments. Whether it’s a mid-skateboard wipeout caught on camera or a tongue-in-cheek caption about everyday teenage problems, Taj keeps it real. He also engages with fans through comments and stories whenever possible, making sure to thank them for their support. His Instagram bio proudly highlights his role in Big Boys (“Will – BIG BOYS: Stream it now!”), showing he’s enthusiastic about sharing his new work with the people who follow himinstagram.com. Interestingly, Taj doesn’t have a massive presence on Twitter or TikTok as of yet – he seems to prefer focusing on one platform where he can truly interact and express himself rather than spreading himself too thin across every app. By concentrating on Instagram, he’s cultivated a community of fans who’ve been following his journey from the PEN15 days to now, cheering him on every step of the way.
Future Aspirations and Upcoming Projects
At just 21 years old, Taj Cross has already checked off some major milestones in the acting world, but he’s only getting started. With a couple of hit TV roles and a feature film under his belt, Taj is looking toward the future with ambition and a clear sense of purpose. Taj Cross has stated that he doesn’t want to be “just another actor” whom audiences quickly forget; instead, he’s driven by a desire to make viewers feel something with each performance. This passion for impactful storytelling is evident in the choices he’s making as his career progresses.
So, what’s next for Taj Cross? For one, he’s been busy promoting Big Boys as it reaches wider audiences, proud of that project’s heartfelt message and his part in it. Beyond that, Taj is branching out with new creative ventures, especially in the independent film scene. He recently starred in a short film titled The Valley of Hearts Delight, a 1990s-set coming-of-age story that completed a successful run on the festival circuitlinkedin.com. In the film, Taj Cross plays the lead in a tale about a teenager on a soul-searching journey to Silicon Valley. This role allowed him to delve into more dramatic territory and further diversify his acting experience. Additionally, Taj is part of the cast of WassupKaylee, a buzzy short film about a TikTok content house, which had its world premiere at the SXSW festival in 2025neweuropefilmsales.comneweuropefilmsales.com. Taking on these indie projects shows Taj’s eagerness to explore different formats and stories, honing his craft outside the mainstream studio system.
Looking further down the line, Taj Cross has all the makings of a versatile actor with longevity. He cites legendary performers like Heath Ledger as major inspirations for his career, hinting at his aspiration to tackle complex, transformative roles someday. He’s also a big fan of Timothée Chalamet’s work, which suggests Taj admires actors who seamlessly oscillate between indie darlings and blockbuster leads – a balance he might hope to achieve in his trajectory. For now, Taj Cross is focused on sharpening his skills, be it through acting classes, auditioning for diverse roles, or even creating his content (who knows, maybe those painting skills will one day translate into directing visuals on screen).
As he navigates this exciting phase, Taj Cross remains grateful to the fans who have supported him since PEN15. He often expresses appreciation for the people who cheer him on, crediting them for giving him the confidence to keep pursuing his dreams. With his talent, work ethic, and genuine love for the craft, Taj Cross is poised to continue rising. Whether he’s making us laugh at the cringe-worthy antics of adolescence or moving us with a dramatic turn, you can bet that this Gen Z star will keep us hooked on whatever story comes next. Taj Cross is unfiltered, charismatic, creative, and committed – exactly the kind of actor to watch in the years ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions about Taj Cross
1. How old is the Taj Cross?
Taj Cross was born on February 11, 2004, which makes him 21 years old as of 2025yen.com.gh. He was only 15 when he made his television debut in 2019, and fans have watched him grow into a young adult on and off-screen.
2. What roles is the Taj Cross known for?
Taj Cross is best known for playing Sam Zablowski in the Hulu comedy PEN15 (2019-2021) and Gabe in the NBC sitcom Young Rock (2021-2022). In PEN15, he portrayed a middle school boy in the year 2000, while in Young Rock, he played Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s teenage best friendnews.amomama.com. He also appeared as Will in the 2023 coming-of-age film Big Boys, showcasing his talent on the big screenen.wikipedia.org.
3. How did Taj Cross get into acting?
Taj’s acting journey began in elementary school. He was an avid athlete as a kid, but after a foot injury in fifth grade sidelined his sports activities, he tried a musical theater class with a friend and fell in love with performing pop-culturalist.comyen.com.gh. He spent a couple of years doing local theater before pursuing TV/film roles. A family friend helped him meet a talent agent, and after many auditions (and a lot of hard work balancing school and acting), Taj landed his first big role as Sam in PEN15bellomag.com.
4. Is Taj Cross on social media?
Yes, Taj Cross is active on social media, primarily on Instagram. His official Instagram account (@taj_cross) has tens of thousands of followers and is verifiedyen.com.gh. He started using the platform in his early teens and often posts humorous selfies, behind-the-scenes snapshots, and updates about his projectsnews.amomama.com. As of 2025, Instagram is his main social outlet for interacting with fans – he does not maintain public profiles on Twitter or TikTok.
5. Does Taj Cross have any upcoming projects?
Following his role in Big Boys (2023), Taj has continued to take on new projects. He starred in a short film called The Valley of Hearts Delight, which made the rounds at film festivals in 2024linkedin.com. He’s also part of the cast of WassupKaylee, an 18-minute short film about a TikTok influencer house that premiered at SXSW 2025neweuropefilmsales.comneweuropefilmsales.com. These indie projects suggest Taj is exploring a variety of roles. Fans can likely expect to see more of Taj in the near future, whether on streaming platforms, network TV, or perhaps in another feature film, as he continues to expand his acting repertoire.
