How Old Is Taj Cross? Age, Birthday, and Life Story of the PEN15 Actor

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Taj Cross is a 22-year-old American actor who became famous for his role in the popular Hulu series PEN15. Born on February 11, 2004, in Venice, California, he started acting professionally at just 15 years old. In a short time, he built a strong name in Hollywood through his natural talent, hard work, and genuine personality. This article covers everything you need to know about Taj Cross, from his early life and family to his career and hobbies.

Table of Contents

Biography Table

Detail	Information
Full Name	Taj Cross
Date of Birth	February 11, 2004
Age (2026)	22 years old
Birthplace	Venice, California, USA
Nationality	American
Zodiac Sign	Aquarius
Height	5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
Eye Color	Light Brown
Hair Color	Dark Brown
Mother	Christena Karras
Father	Jake Cross
Stepfather	CJ Bonura
Sibling	Camille Cross (older sister)
Pet	Dog named Mocha
Profession	Actor, Dancer
Best Known For	Sam in PEN15 (Hulu, 2019-2021)
Net Worth (2026)	$500,000 – $1 million (estimated)
Instagram Followers	86,000+

Early Life and Family Background

Taj Cross grew up in Venice, California, a neighborhood well known for its creative and artistic energy. His mother, Christena Karras, is a stage performer and the founder of Studio Karras, an interior design studio in Venice. His father, Jake Cross, stayed private but supported Taj’s career. His parents separated when he was young, and his mother later married CJ Bonura, who became a positive figure in Taj’s life. Growing up in such a creative home helped Taj discover his love for the arts early.

Taj has one older sister named Camille Cross. The two share a close bond, and Taj has spoken warmly about her in various interviews. He was homeschooled at first, which gave him extra time to focus on acting and dancing. He later attended the Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences, a school well known for supporting young creative talent.

Acting Training and Early Steps

Taj Cross showed an interest in performing arts as early as elementary school. He joined musical theatre in fifth grade after a friend took him to a class, and the instructor quickly noticed his natural ability. From that point, Taj trained seriously at several respected acting studios, including Grey Studios, Second City, Margie Haber Studio, Ruskin Group Theatre Company, and DC Dance Centre. During this time, he performed in theatre productions like Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid.

This strong training gave Taj the skills to handle both comedy and drama with ease. By the time he was 15, he was ready to audition for professional roles. His screen test for PEN15 reportedly included an audition in front of Jim Carrey and Jason Bateman, which shows just how serious the casting process was for such a young actor.

Breakthrough Role in PEN15

Taj Cross made his professional acting debut in 2019 when he landed the role of Sam Zablowski in Hulu’s comedy series PEN15. The show was created by Maya Erskine, Anna Konkle, and Sam Zvibleman, and it followed two adult women who played awkward 13-year-old versions of themselves, surrounded by real teenage actors. Taj’s character, Sam, was directly based on the real life of writer Sam Zvibleman. The show ran for two seasons, from February 2019 to December 2021, and received critical praise for its honest and funny take on middle school life.

Taj’s performance stood out because it felt real and relatable. He shared the screen with Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle, two experienced performers, yet he held his own with confidence and natural humor. The show was even nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in 2019. His work in PEN15 quickly made him one of the most talked-about young actors in Hollywood.

Career After PEN15

After the success of PEN15, Taj Cross continued to grow his acting career. He appeared in Young Rock, an NBC sitcom about the early life of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, where he played Gabe, the young Dwayne’s best friend. The role showed Taj’s ability to move between different shows and genres with ease. He also appeared in an episode of the ABC crime drama series The Rookie.

In 2023, Taj joined the cast of the comedy film Big Boys, further proving his range as an actor. Each new role shows a young man who takes his craft seriously and picks projects that challenge him. Industry insiders have noted his potential, and many believe he is just getting started on what could be a long and successful career in Hollywood.

Hobbies and Personal Life

Outside of acting, Taj Cross has a full and active personal life. He is a trained dancer and regularly practices at DC Dance Centre. He also loves painting, a hobby he picked up around the time he booked PEN15, and it remains one of his favorite ways to relax and express himself. Taj enjoys skateboarding around his hometown of Venice Beach and also loves surfing. He listens to music daily, with a particular love for hip-hop artists like Kendrick Lamar and SZA.

Taj has a dog named Mocha, whom he often mentions on social media. He maintains a strong presence on Instagram, where he has over 86,000 followers and shares updates about his life, work, and interests. As of 2026, Taj is single and keeps his personal relationships private. He focuses most of his energy on growing his career and enjoying his creative hobbies.

Net Worth and Social Media

Taj Cross has built a solid financial foundation at a very young age. His estimated net worth in 2026 ranges between $500,000 and $1 million, earned through his acting roles, television appearances, brand endorsements, and collaborations. He has worked with brands such as the Walmart Fall Campaign, among others. As his career grows and he takes on more projects, his earnings are expected to increase significantly.

On Instagram, Taj connects with his fans by sharing personal moments, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and updates on his work. His humble and down-to-earth personality shines through his posts, which is one of the reasons fans feel so connected to him. He remains one of the most relatable young actors in Hollywood today.

Conclusion

Taj Cross is a 22-year-old actor from Venice, California, who started his career at 15 and quickly became one of Hollywood’s most promising young talents. From his breakout role in PEN15 to his appearance in Young Rock and Big Boys, he continues to grow with every project. With strong training, a supportive family, and a genuine love for his craft, Taj Cross is a name that will be around in Hollywood for a long time.