Taj Cross is a rising American actor best known for his breakout role as Sam in the Hulu comedy series PEN15. Fans searching for Taj Cross biography and net worth will find a young talent who started acting in his teens and has steadily built a solid resume with roles in Young Rock, Big Boys, and more recent projects. Born in Venice, California, he brings a natural, relatable energy to the screen that has made him a favorite among viewers of coming-of-age stories.
Here is a quick look at his key personal details:
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Taj Cross |
| Nickname / Stage Name | Taj |
| Date of Birth | February 11, 2004 |
| Age | 22 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Venice, California, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actor, dancer, painter |
| Known For | Sam in PEN15, Gabe in Young Rock, Will in Big Boys |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) |
| Family / Spouse | Parents: Jake Cross and Christena Karras; sister Camille; currently single |
| Education | High school graduate (2019); trained at Grey Studios, Second City, Margie Haber Studio, Ruskin Group Theatre Company, and DC Dance Centre |
| Social Media Followers | Instagram (@taj_cross): approximately 90,000+ (figures vary by source and date) |
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $100,000 to $500,000 (estimates only) |
These details come from public profiles, interviews, and entertainment sites such as IMDb and various celebrity biographies. Ages and follower counts are approximate and can change.
Early Life & Background
Taj Cross was born on February 11, 2004, in Venice, California. He grew up in a creative household with his mother, Christena Karras (an interior designer who founded Studio Karras and works as a stage performer), and his father, Jake Cross. He has an older sister named Camille. His parents divorced when he was young, and his mother later remarried CJ Bonura. Taj has spoken about the supportive environment that encouraged his interests in the arts.
He started performing early. At around age 10, he joined a theater group that staged spin-offs of Disney stories and played King Trident in a The Little Mermaid production. That experience sparked his love for acting. He also trained in dance. School life adjusted to his growing commitments: he finished high school in June 2019 and took classes at well-known performance studios to sharpen his skills. He was named after the musician Taj Mahal because his parents were fans of the artist’s work.
Career Journey & Achievements
Taj’s first major role came in 2019 when he was cast as Sam Zablowski in Hulu’s PEN15. The cringe comedy follows two middle-school girls (played by adult creators Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle) navigating adolescence. Sam is a sweet, complicated boy based partly on the life of co-creator Sam Zvibleman. Taj appeared in 17 episodes across the series (2019–2021) and earned praise for capturing the awkward honesty of teen life. He was only about 14–15 when filming began.
In 2021 he joined the NBC series Young Rock, playing Gabe, a friend of the young Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (portrayed by Bradley Constant) in five episodes. The show explores different stages of Johnson’s life, giving Taj a chance to work in a broader comedy setting.
His film work includes the 2023 indie comedy Big Boys, where he played Will. More recent credits listed on IMDb include a 2025 appearance on The Rookie as Abel (Aria’s boyfriend), plus short films and upcoming projects such as The Wrong Girls (2026). He continues to take on roles that show range while staying true to the grounded style that first got him noticed.
Personal Life & Relationships
Taj keeps much of his private life out of the spotlight. He is currently single according to available public information. He has a dog named Mocha and enjoys everyday activities that keep him grounded. Hobbies include painting (which he took up more seriously after PEN15), skateboarding, dancing, swimming, surfing, and listening to music. He has mentioned watching That ’70s Show as a comfort binge and once finished the Harry Potter films with castmates while shooting Young Rock in Australia.
Family remains important. He has stayed close to his mother, sister, and stepfather while living in the Venice area.
Net Worth & Financial Overview
Estimates of Taj Cross’s net worth typically range from about $100,000 to $500,000. Some sources place it higher, toward the $500,000–$1 million mark, but these are unofficial figures based on public data from roles, residual payments, and possible smaller brand or social-media work. Sites that publish celebrity net worth numbers use available salary information and industry averages rather than verified private records, so the exact amount is not confirmed.
His main income comes from acting paychecks for television series and films. Additional earnings may come from any endorsements or creative side projects such as painting. As a young actor still building his resume, his fortune is expected to grow with more prominent roles.
Notable Facts & Trivia
- He was named after blues musician and composer Taj Mahal.
- His first professional role was Sam on PEN15, based on co-creator Sam Zvibleman.
- He started painting shortly after landing the PEN15 part.
- Early theater work included playing King Trident in a Little Mermaid spin-off at age 10.
- He has a dog named Mocha.
- Training included multiple respected Los Angeles performance studios.
- He graduated high school in 2019 while already working professionally.
Impact & Legacy
Taj Cross represents a new wave of young actors who bring authenticity to stories about growing up. PEN15 stood out for its honest, sometimes uncomfortable look at middle-school life, and his performance helped make the show memorable. By moving from that breakthrough into network television and independent film, he has shown steady progress without overexposure. Fans appreciate his natural screen presence and the way he handles awkward or emotional moments with honesty. As he continues taking on new projects, he is building a career that prioritizes craft over flash.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Taj Cross’s net worth?
Public estimates put it roughly between $100,000 and $500,000. These numbers are approximate and drawn from industry reports rather than official statements.
How did Taj Cross become famous?
He became known for playing Sam in the Hulu series PEN15 starting in 2019. The role introduced him to a wide audience and led to further opportunities.
What are Taj Cross’s biggest achievements so far?
Landing the recurring role of Sam on PEN15, appearing as Gabe on Young Rock, and starring in the film Big Boys rank among his main career highlights to date.
How tall is Taj Cross?
He is approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall.
Is Taj Cross in a relationship?
Available information indicates he is single and prefers to keep personal relationships private.
Where is Taj Cross now?
He continues acting, with recent and upcoming credits including television and short films, while based in the Los Angeles area.
Taj Cross’s story is still in its early chapters. From a creative Venice childhood to memorable roles that capture the messiness of growing up, he has already left a mark on streaming and network comedy. Viewers interested in honest, character-driven work will want to keep watching what he does next.
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