Ben Cross Dead: ‘Chariots of Fire’ and ‘Star Trek’ actor was 72



[ad_1]

Ben Cross, best known for his portrayal of British Olympic athlete Harold Abrahams in “Chariots of Fire” and Sarek in the 2009 “Star Trek” reboot, died on August 18. He was 72 years old.

Cross finished his last role as Cardinal Mathews in Lionsgate’s “The Devil’s Light” ten days ago. The screen veteran and stage star died on Tuesday in Vienna from a short illness, his agent Ed Smith confirmed to Variety.

Cross was born Harry Bernard Cross in London in 1947. He started acting at a young age, participating in high school productions, but left school to work as a window cleaner, waiter and carpenter.

His career took a turn at the age of 22, when he was accepted into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. Cross earned the prestigious Vanbrugh School of Theater Award for Performance of the Year and made his screen debut on a 1976 World War II thriller “A Bridge Too Far”.

His path to international stardom took off in 1978, with his portrayal of Billy Flynn, a skilled lawyer, in the play “Chicago”. He was soon cast in the British classic “Chariots of Fire”, starring Ian Charleson, Ian Holm and John Gielgud. For their acclaimed performance as British track athletes, Cross and his co-star Charleson both won the Most Promising Artist of 1981 at the Variety Club Awards.

Cross picked up several screen projects including the BBC drama “The Citadel”, the HBO spy film “Steal the Sky” and the NBC miniseries “Twist of Fate”. He has also made appearances on stage in John Guare’s play “Lydia Breeze” and the cover of “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial”.

In 1995, Cross starred as Prince Malagant in the Columbia Pictures action film “First Knight,” and in 2007, he played the role of Vulcan astrophysicist, Sarek, in the “Star Trek” reboot. directed and produced by JJ Abrams.

His recent performances include the CW series “Pandora” and the 2018 action film “The Hurricane Heist”. Netflix’s’ Last Letter from Your Lover ‘, in which Cross starred with Shailene Woodley and Felicity Jones, is currently in release, and the actor has also starred in films in development, including’ Resilient 3D ‘and’ Liberty ”.

Cross is survived by his wife Deyana Boneva Cross and two children, Lauren and Theo.



[ad_2]

Source link