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STAR TREK and CHARIOTS OF FIRE Actor Ben Cross Dies at 72

Photo by Peter Vulchev from Ben Cross Facebook

STAR TREK and CHARIOTS OF FIRE Actor Ben Cross Dies at 72

​By Cooper Dowd, Staff Writer

Ben Cross, known for his roles in the Oscar-winning movie CHARIOTS OF FIRE as Harold Abrahams and Sarek in 2009’s reboot of STAR TREK, died on August 18 in Austria.​ He was 72.

“Today the world has lost a talent, but our family has lost a beloved husband, dad, and grandpa. He was a born showman and entertainer, a walking encyclopedia of music who could sing anything,” the family said in a statement. “He was a man who taught us to embrace our feelings, whatever they may be. We are grateful for the time we had with him.”

According to a Facebook post from his daughter Lauren, Cross worked in Vienna when an illness he had been battling got worse.

“I am utterly heartbroken to share with you that my darling father died a few hours ago. He had been sick for a while, but there was a rapid decline over the past week,” Cross’ daughter said. ​

According to Deadline:

Cross was born Harry Bernard Cross in London in 1947 to a working-class family. He began acting at a young age, participating in grammar school plays, but left school to work as a window cleaner, waiter, joiner and carpenter before being accepted into London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts at age 22. He excelled at RADA and won the acting school’s prestigious Vanbrugh Prize for performance of the year. He would go on to claim a string of key stage roles and made his big-screen debut on 1977 World War II epic A BRIDGE TOO FAR.

Cross’ path to international stardom began in 1978 with his performance in the play Chicago, in which he played Billy Flynn, the slick lawyer of murderess Roxie Hart. His performance prompted his casting in the Brit classic CHARIOTS OF FIRE, alongside actors such as Ian Charleson, Ian Holm and John Gielgud.

Based on a true story, the box office smash and four-time Oscar winner charted the story of two British track athletes — one a Jew who ran to overcome prejudice and the other a devout Christian who ran for the glory of God — who competed in the 1924 Olympics. For their acclaimed performances as fierce running rivals, Cross and co-star Charleson both won Most Promising Artist of 1981 from the Variety Club Awards.

Cross remained active in acting mainly through TV shows, including the series PANDORA and 12 MONKEYS. He is survived by his wife and two children.

The actor formally got his start in acting on stage before starring in movies and television.

“Born Harry Bernard Cross in London, he was accepted into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1970,” CNN reported. “A variety of stage roles followed before making his movie debut in the World War II epic “A Bridge Too Far.”

Many media outlets and colleagues of Cross shared their sentiments and fondness of the late actor on social media.

By the way, one of the producers of CHARIOTS OF FIRE shared with Dr. Ted Baehr that Ben Cross was the only strong Christian on the set.

Please lift up the Cross family in your prayers.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.



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