Taj Cross is one of the most talked-about young actors in Hollywood today. He was born on February 11, 2004, in Venice, California, USA, which makes him 22 years old as of 2026. From the moment he stepped in front of the camera, it was clear he had something special. His Aquarius personality — creative, independent, and expressive — shines through in every role he takes on.
Most people are surprised when they learn how young he actually is. At just 22, Taj has already built a career that many actors spend a decade chasing. He first captured the world’s attention with his role as Sam Zablowski in the Hulu series PEN15, and he has not slowed down since. His age may be young, but his talent, work ethic, and grounded personality make him stand out in one of the most competitive industries in the world.
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 | White (British-Irish descent) |
| Religion | Christian |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Profession | Actor, Dancer |
| Famous For | Sam in PEN15 (Hulu) |
Taj Cross Age
Taj Cross is currently 22 years old, having been born on February 11, 2004, in Venice, California, United States. His Aquarius zodiac sign is known for creativity and independent thinking — two traits that describe him perfectly.
What surprises most people is how much he has already achieved at such a young age. He carries a level of maturity on screen that feels well beyond his years.
Net Worth
| Category | Details |
| Estimated Net Worth (2026) | $500,000 – $1,000,000 |
| Primary Income Source | Acting Roles |
| Per Engagement Earnings | $21,000 – $25,000 (approx.) |
| Other Income | Brand Endorsements, Dance Productions |
His net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 to $1 million in 2026. This wealth has been earned through his acting career, commercials like the Walmart Fall Campaign, and his work in professional dance productions.
Early Life and Childhood
Taj Cross spent his childhood growing up in Venice, California, USA. As a young kid in Los Angeles, he was surrounded by creativity, culture, and celebrities. Watching movies and shows became his way of passing time, and that is how he developed a fascination and passion for acting.
Being homeschooled initially allowed him flexibility, which later complemented his acting pursuits. Eventually, he attended Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences, known for nurturing artistic talent in young students.
In the 5th grade, he joined a musical theatre group after tagging along with a friend to her class. The teacher included him in the activities, and he never looked back.
Taj Cross Background
Taj grew up in Venice Beach, one of Los Angeles’s most culturally vibrant neighborhoods. That creative environment shaped his worldview from a very early age. He trained at the Ruskin Group Theatre Company and the DC Dance Centre, building his acting and dance skills long before his professional debut. His career skyrocketed in 2019 when he was cast as Sam Zablowski in the Hulu series PEN15.
Family and Parents
His mother is Christena Karras. She works as a stage performer and owns an interior design studio called Studio Karras in Venice, California. Her creative career clearly planted the seeds of artistic ambition in Taj from a very early age.
His father, Jake Cross, and stepfather, CJ Bonura, have also been important figures in his life. Together, these three adults helped create a stable and loving home where Taj could grow, learn, and develop his talents without unnecessary pressure.
His parents separated when he was young. His mother later remarried CJ Bonura, and Taj currently lives with his mother and stepfather in Venice, California.
Siblings
Taj Cross has one older sister named Camille. The two have always shared a close relationship, and Camille has served as both a companion and an informal mentor during Taj’s formative years. Having an older sibling in the picture meant Taj always had someone who had already navigated many of the social and personal challenges that come with growing up.
Camille stays out of the public eye, but Taj has spoken warmly about their bond. She remains one of his strongest sources of support.
Height and Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 53 kg (117 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Build | Lean, Youthful |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
What stands out most about his physical appearance on screen is not his height or build. It is his expressiveness. His face communicates emotions that dialogue sometimes cannot. Directors love working with actors like that because the camera catches everything naturally without forcing it.
Career
Taj Cross launched his professional acting career while still a teenager, and he made an immediate impact. His breakout came with PEN15, the Hulu series created by Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle. The show is set in the year 2000 and follows two adult women playing their middle school selves, surrounded by actual children. Taj played Sam, a classmate whose story weaves through the series with real emotional depth.
In 2021, Taj Cross appeared in the popular series Young Rock, a biographical sitcom based on the life of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. While his role differed from what audiences had seen in PEN15, it highlighted his versatility as an actor.
In 2023, Taj Cross continued to make waves with his role in Big Boys. This show further demonstrated his ability to tackle diverse roles and connect with audiences on an emotional level.
Lifestyle
Taj Cross lives a lifestyle that is refreshingly balanced for someone in his position. He is a working Hollywood actor, yes, but he is also a painter, a skateboarder, a dog dad, and a person who clearly values real life experiences over industry glamour.
He continues to live in Venice, California — close enough to Hollywood to work but rooted enough in real life to stay grounded. His dog Mocha is a constant and beloved presence in his everyday routine. He does not chase fame. He just shows up as himself, and fans love him for it.
Personal Life and Relationships
Many fans search who is Taj Cross’s girlfriend and whether he is gay or straight, but he keeps his private life away from media attention. He is currently single and focused on his career. That level of privacy is a deliberate and reasonable choice for a 22-year-old navigating the public eye. He lets his work speak louder than his relationships.
Social Media Presence
| Platform | Handle | Followers (Approx.) |
| @taj_cross | 73,000+ | |
| TikTok | Active | Growing |
Taj Cross maintains an active presence on Instagram under the handle @taj_cross. He frequently shares posts related to his acting work, including behind-the-scenes moments from PEN15, Young Rock, and Big Boys, which helps fans feel connected to his journey as a rising actor.
Personality
Taj is calm, creative, and genuinely authentic. He is not loud or flashy. He focuses on art, self-expression, and meaningful connections. His creative personality, grounded family life, and authentic approach to fame set him apart completely. People in the industry describe him as mature, focused, and easy to work with. His personality off-screen matches the relatability he brings to every role.
Fun Facts
- His character Sam in PEN15 was based on a real person — the show’s writer Sam Zvibleman.
- He started painting right after landing his role on PEN15.
- He trained at both the Ruskin Group Theatre Company and the DC Dance Centre.
- His dog is named Mocha, and she appears regularly on his social media.
- Heath Ledger’s performance in The Dark Knight was one of his biggest inspirations.
- He is a devoted fan of Timothée Chalamet and has watched all of his films.
- He joined Instagram on July 11, 2018.
Hobbies and Interests
Taj’s hobbies give a clear picture of who he really is beyond acting:
- Painting — He picked it up around the time he landed PEN15 and uses it to relax and process emotions.
- Skateboarding — Deeply connected to his Venice Beach roots.
- Dancing — A long-standing passion; he trained formally at DC Dance Centre.
- Music — A consistent interest throughout his life.
- Caring for Mocha — His dog is a big part of his daily life.
Taj Cross Movies and TV Shows
| Year | Title | Role | Platform |
| 2018 | The Rookie | Guest Role | ABC |
| 2019–2021 | PEN15 | Sam Zablowski | Hulu |
| 2021 | Young Rock | Gabe | NBC |
| 2023 | Big Boys | Will | Film |
Who is Taj Cross’s Girlfriend?
Taj Cross is currently single and has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships. He is focused on his acting career and personal growth. He keeps his love life private and prefers to let his work speak for itself. There is no confirmed girlfriend as of 2026.
Is Taj Cross Gay?
Taj Cross has never publicly addressed his sexual orientation. He keeps his personal life completely private. There is no confirmed information on this topic. Fans should respect his decision to keep these matters to himself.
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.
Taj Cross Ethnicity and Nationality
Taj Cross is American by nationality and was born and raised in Venice, California. He has lived in the United States his entire life. His ethnicity is white, with British-Irish descent on his family side. His faith is Christian.
Conclusion
Taj Cross is more than just a rising Hollywood actor. He is a painter, a skateboarder, a devoted son, and a genuinely grounded young man who is building something real in the entertainment industry.
From his breakout role in PEN15 to his appearances in Young Rock and Big Boys, every project has shown a different dimension of his talent. At just 22, his best work is clearly still ahead of him. Keep an eye on Taj Cross — he is not slowing down anytime soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Taj Cross?
Taj Cross is 22 years old as of 2026, born on February 11, 2004.
Where is Taj Cross from?
He was born and raised in Venice, California, USA.
Who are Taj Cross’s parents?
His mother is Christena Karras, his father is Jake Cross, and his stepfather is CJ Bonura.
Does Taj Cross have siblings?
Yes, he has one older sister named Camille Cross.
How tall is Taj Cross?
He stands at 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall.
What is Taj Cross’s net worth?
His estimated net worth in 2026 is between $500,000 and $1 million.
What is Taj Cross most famous for?
He is best known for playing Sam Zablowski in the Hulu series PEN15 (2019–2021).
Is Taj Cross on Instagram?
Yes, he is active on Instagram under the handle @taj_cross.
What are Taj Cross’s hobbies?
He enjoys painting, skateboarding, dancing, and spending time with his dog Mocha.
Is Taj Cross single?
Yes, Taj Cross is currently single as of 2026 and has not confirmed any relationships publicly.
John MacArthur is a faith writer at Pungalaxys.com, sharing simple Bible verses, prayers, and daily inspiration to help readers grow spiritually and stay connected to God.