Taj Cross age is 21 years as of 2025. Born on February 11, 2004, in Los Angeles, California, he is a talented American actor and social media personality. Best known for playing Sam in Hulu’s PEN15, Taj gained recognition for his natural acting style.
He comes from a supportive family, enjoys sports, music, and photography, and actively connects with fans on Instagram and TikTok. His rising career and dedication make him one of Hollywood’s promising young stars.
Let’s dive deep into the life of this remarkable talent who’s redefining what it means to be a young actor in modern Hollywood.
Who is Taj Cross?
Taj Cross is an American actor who burst onto the entertainment scene with his breakout role as Sam in the critically acclaimed Hulu series “PEN15.” Born and raised in the heart of California’s creative landscape, Taj represents the new generation of Hollywood talent – authentic, relatable, and refreshingly genuine.
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What sets him apart from other young actors isn’t just his natural acting ability. It’s his incredible capacity to bring real-life authenticity to every character he portrays, making audiences feel like they’re watching a friend rather than a performer.
At just 21 years old, he’s already established himself as a recognizable face in the industry, proving that talent and authenticity trump manufactured star power every single time. His approach to acting feels conversational rather than performative, which is exactly what today’s audiences crave in an oversaturated entertainment market.
Taj Cross Profile
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Taj Cross |
| Date of Birth | February 11, 2004 |
| Age (2025) | 21 years old |
| Birthplace | Venice, California, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (African-American and Caucasian) |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Profession | Actor, Artist, Dancer |
| Famous For | Playing Sam in Hulu’s PEN15 |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 117 pounds (53 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California |
The most fascinating aspect of Taj’s background is how his diverse heritage has influenced his ability to connect with audiences from all walks of life. His mixed ethnicity provides him with a unique perspective that translates beautifully on screen, allowing him to portray characters with depth and cultural authenticity.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in Venice, California, Taj Cross was surrounded by the artistic energy that defines Los Angeles’s creative landscape. Venice, known for its bohemian culture and diverse artistic community, provided the perfect backdrop for a future entertainer to develop his creative instincts. Unlike many child actors who start with commercials or small roles, Taj’s journey into acting was more organic.
He wasn’t pushed into the spotlight by stage parents or talent agencies – instead, his natural charisma and authentic personality caught the attention of casting directors who were looking for real teenagers, not manufactured stars. His early education took place in local California schools, where he balanced academics with his growing interest in the performing arts.
Teachers and classmates remember him as someone who could make anyone laugh while maintaining excellent grades and genuine friendships. The California school system’s emphasis on arts education played a crucial role in nurturing his creative talents from an early age. Sports, music, and photography became his outlets for creative expression, skills that would later enhance his acting performances.
Parents and Siblings
Taj Cross’s family represents the modern American family structure that many viewers can relate to. His mother, Christena Karras, operates an interior design firm called “Studio Karras” in Venice, California, showing that creativity definitely runs in the family. His father is Jake Cross, and his family dynamic includes his stepfather CJ Bonura, who is his mother’s current partner.
Currently, Taj lives with his mother and CJ Bonura, creating a blended family environment that has likely contributed to his ability to portray complex family relationships on screen. The support system provided by his family has been instrumental in his career development.
Having a mother in the creative industry gave Taj valuable insights into the world of arts and design, while maintaining stability despite the typical challenges that come with divorce and remarriage. This real-life experience with evolving family dynamics has probably enhanced his emotional range as an actor. His family’s approach to his career has been refreshingly grounded – supporting his ambitions while ensuring he maintains a normal teenage experience.
Relationships
When it comes to Taj Cross’s relationships, the young actor maintains a remarkably private approach to his personal life. At 21 years old, he appears to be currently single and focused primarily on his career and personal growth.
This privacy-focused approach is refreshing in an age where young celebrities often overshare every detail of their romantic lives on social media. His decision to keep his dating life private shows a maturity beyond his years and a clear understanding of how to maintain boundaries in the public eye.
Rather than chasing publicity through high-profile relationships, Taj seems more interested in building meaningful connections away from the spotlight. This approach allows him to focus on his craft without the distractions that often derail young actors’ careers. His close friendships with co-stars and industry professionals suggest someone who values genuine connections over networking opportunities.
Taj Cross’s Career
The PEN15 Breakthrough
Taj’s career breakthrough came when he was cast as Sam in PEN15, a role that would define his early career and showcase his incredible talent to the world.
The Hulu original series, created by Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle, takes a unique approach by having adult women play their middle school selves alongside actual teenagers.
What makes Taj’s performance so compelling is that his character Sam is based on the real-life experiences of Sam Zablowski, one of the show’s writers. This real-life inspiration allowed Taj to bring genuine depth and authenticity to the character, making Sam one of the most relatable figures on television.
Expanding His Portfolio
After PEN15, Taj appeared in five episodes of “Young Rock,” playing the character Gabe and demonstrating his versatility across different types of productions.
In 2023, he expanded his portfolio with a role in “Big Boys,” further solidifying his place in the entertainment industry. His IMDb profile also shows credits for “The Rookie” (2018) and “The Wrong Girls,” proving his range across various genres and formats.
Multi-Talented Artist
What many fans don’t realize is that Taj isn’t just an actor – he’s a multi-faceted artist who earns income through his acting, painting, and dancing careers.
This diversity in artistic expression often translates to more nuanced and interesting performances on screen. His background in painting and dancing provides him with a broader creative foundation that influences his approach to character development and scene work.
Training and Development
Taj Cross’s acting training represents a blend of formal education and real-world experience that’s become increasingly common among successful young actors. Rather than following the traditional route of expensive acting schools and coaches, Taj developed his skills through school plays, community theater, and acting workshops. His natural talent was refined through acting classes that focused on method acting and improvisation techniques.
These skills are particularly evident in his PEN15 performances, where much of the dialogue feels spontaneous and authentic. The entertainment industry journey for young actors has evolved significantly, and Taj represents this new approach – learning on the job while working with experienced directors and fellow actors.
His willingness to take direction and collaborate effectively has earned him respect from industry veterans who appreciate his professionalism and dedication. Acting workshops and masterclasses continue to be part of his development strategy, showing his commitment to continuously improving his craft.
Social Media Presence
Taj Cross’s social media presence perfectly balances professional promotion with personal authenticity.
His Instagram account @tajcross gives fans glimpses into his life without oversharing, maintaining that crucial boundary between public and private life.
On TikTok, he shares behind-the-scenes content and connects with younger audiences who appreciate his genuine, unfiltered approach to social media.
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His social media strategy focuses on quality over quantity – posting meaningful content rather than constant updates for the sake of staying relevant. Behind-the-scenes social media posts from his various projects give fans insider access while maintaining professional boundaries.
His approach to influencer lifestyle content is refreshingly authentic, focusing on real experiences rather than manufactured moments designed solely for engagement. The way he handles fan interactions on social media shows genuine appreciation for his audience without the artificial enthusiasm that often characterizes celebrity social media presence.
Physical Appearance
Taj Cross stands 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs approximately 117 pounds, giving him a compact, youthful appearance that’s perfect for the characters he typically portrays. His black hair and brown eyes create a distinctive look that’s both approachable and memorable.
In an industry where physical appearance often plays a significant role, Taj’s authentic, everyday look is actually one of his greatest assets. He looks like someone you might know in real life, not like a manufactured Hollywood star, which makes his performances feel more genuine and relatable.
His mixed ethnicity (African-American and Caucasian) gives him a unique appearance that allows him to portray characters from diverse backgrounds authentically. Rather than conforming to traditional Hollywood beauty standards, Taj’s natural appearance has become part of his brand and appeal. His casual style and approachable demeanor make him particularly effective in roles that require authenticity and relatability.
Net Worth
Taj Cross’s net worth is estimated to be between $100,000 and $500,000 as of 2025, which is impressive for a 21-year-old actor who’s still in the early stages of his career. His income sources include television work, film projects, Cameo appearances, and selective commercial opportunities.
One notable commercial opportunity was his participation in the Walmart Fall Campaign in October 2019, showing his ability to balance artistic integrity with commercial success. Cameo appearances provide an additional revenue stream while allowing him to maintain direct connection with fans through personalized video messages.
His salary range is reported to be between $21,000 and $25,000 per project, which is competitive for young actors in similar career stages. The financial foundation he’s building at such a young age positions him well for long-term success in the entertainment industry. Future earning potential looks promising as he continues to land more significant roles and expand his presence in Hollywood.
Legacy and Impact
Despite his young age, Taj Cross is already making a significant impact on how young actors approach their craft and public presence. His commitment to authenticity over manufactured star power is influencing other young performers to focus on genuine talent rather than social media fame.
As a rising Hollywood star, he represents the new generation of actors who prioritize meaningful storytelling over quick fame and fortune. His work in PEN15 has contributed to important conversations about adolescence, identity, and the real challenges facing young people today. Mental health awareness advocacy has become an important part of his platform, using his influence to support causes that matter to his generation.
His approach to maintaining privacy while building a career provides a positive example for other young actors navigating the complexities of early fame. The legacy he’s building focuses on artistic integrity, authentic relationships with fans, and using his platform responsibly.
Taj Cross’s Hobbies
Beyond acting, Taj Cross maintains a variety of interests that keep him grounded and provide creative inspiration for his work. Sports play an important role in his life, helping him maintain physical fitness and providing stress relief from the pressures of acting.
Music is another passion, and his musical interests often influence his approach to character development and scene work. Photography allows him to explore visual storytelling from behind the camera, skills that enhance his understanding of how scenes are constructed and filmed.
He has a dog named Mocha, and his love for animals shows his nurturing, compassionate side that translates beautifully into his performances. Painting and visual arts provide creative outlets that complement his acting career and demonstrate his multi-talented artistic nature. His European ancestry has inspired interests in travel and cultural exploration, broadening his perspective as both a person and an artist.
Interesting Facts About Taj Cross
Taj Cross was born on February 11, 2004, making him an Aquarius, known for independence, creativity, and humanitarian instincts. His character Sam in PEN15 is based on real-life writer Sam Zablowski, which explains the incredible authenticity of his performance. Despite his success, he maintains a relatively normal lifestyle, choosing to live with his family rather than moving into the typical young celebrity apartment.
His mixed heritage gives him unique insights into diverse cultural experiences, making him particularly effective at portraying complex, multi-dimensional characters. Venice, California, his hometown, is known for its artistic community and creative energy, which undoubtedly influenced his artistic development.
He’s involved in charity and philanthropy work, though he keeps these activities private, showing his genuine commitment to helping others rather than seeking publicity. His natural comedic timing was evident even before his professional acting career, making him popular among classmates and teachers. Family support has been crucial to his success, with his mother’s background in interior design providing valuable creative insights.
Wrapping Up
Taj Cross represents everything right about the new generation of Hollywood talent – authentic, grounded, multi-talented, and genuinely committed to his craft.
At just 21 years old, he’s built a solid foundation for long-term success while maintaining the authenticity that makes him so appealing to audiences. His journey from Venice, California to Hulu star proves that genuine talent and hard work still matter more than manufactured celebrity in today’s entertainment landscape.
With his expanding portfolio, growing fan base, and commitment to meaningful storytelling, Taj Cross is definitely an actor to watch in the coming years. His approach to balancing career success with personal privacy provides a positive example for other young performers navigating early fame. As he continues to grow both personally and professionally, audiences can look forward to seeing more authentic, compelling performances from this remarkable young talent.
FAQs
How old is Taj Cross?
Taj Cross is 21 years old as of 2025. He was born on February 11, 2004, in Venice, California. His young age makes his professional accomplishments even more impressive.
What is Taj Cross known for?
Taj Cross is best known for playing Sam in the Hulu series “PEN15.” He’s also appeared in “Young Rock,” “Big Boys,” “The Rookie,” and “The Wrong Girls.” His authentic performances and natural screen presence have made him a rising star in Hollywood.
Does Taj Cross have social media?
Yes, Taj Cross maintains active social media accounts. You can find him on Instagram @tajcross and TikTok, where he shares behind-the-scenes content and connects with fans.
His social media approach balances professional content with authentic personal moments.
What is Taj Cross’s net worth?
Taj Cross’s net worth is estimated between $100,000 and $500,000 as of 2025. His income comes from television work, film projects, Cameo appearances, and commercial opportunities. For a 21-year-old actor, this represents impressive financial success in the early stages of his career.
Who are Taj Cross’s parents?
Taj Cross’s mother is Christena Karras, who operates an interior design firm called “Studio Karras” in Venice, California. His father is Jake Cross, and his stepfather is CJ Bonura, his mother’s current partner. He currently lives with his mother and stepfather, creating a supportive blended family environment.
