Taj Cross Age: Career and Net Worth Explained

Taj Cross has quickly emerged as one of Hollywood’s most promising young talents, captivating audiences with his performances in the Hulu comedy series PEN15. This article provides an in-depth look at Taj Cross age, early life, career highlights, and personal details that shape his journey as a rising actor.

From his formative years in Venice, California, to his breakout role as Sam Zablowski, Taj has demonstrated remarkable versatility, blending acting and dance training with natural charisma. We’ll explore his family background, education, and notable appearances on screen while also answering frequently asked questions about his personal life, height, and career trajectory. By the end, you’ll have a complete understanding of this young actor’s rise in entertainment.

Quick Facts

Fact	Details
Full Name	Taj Cross
Date of Birth	February 11, 2004
Age (2026)	21 years old
Place of Birth	Venice, California, USA
Nationality	American
Height	5 feet 10 inches
Occupation	Actor, Dancer
Breakout Role	Sam Zablowski in PEN15 (Hulu comedy series)
Years Active	2015–present
Family	Mother: Christena Karras; Step-father: CJ Bonura; Sister: Camille
Training	Acting and dance
Net Worth	$500,000
Personal Life	Single, career-focused
Known For	PEN15, comedic timing, versatility
Fan Base	Growing international audience due to Hulu series
Career Status	Rising actor, promising young star in Hollywood

Who is Taj Cross?

Taj Cross is an American actor recognized for his role in the Hulu comedy series PEN15, where he plays Sam Zablowski, one of the show’s central characters. Known for his charm, talent, and on-screen presence, Taj represents the new wave of Hollywood young stars making an impact in the industry. Beyond acting, he is trained in dance and has demonstrated versatility in various performances, making him a rising actor to watch.

Coming from a creative family in Venice, California, Taj was exposed to arts and design early on, which influenced both his professional and personal development. His growing fan base admires not only his skill but also his dedication to his craft, positioning him as one of the promising young stars in 2026.

Taj Cross Age

One of the most common questions fans ask is “How old is Taj Cross?” As of 2026, Taj Cross is 21 years old, having been born February 11, 2004. His age highlights just how early he began building a career in the entertainment industry, starting with minor roles and gradually gaining recognition for his breakout role in PEN15.

For those curious about his physical presence, Taj Cross height is 5 feet 10 inches, complementing his on-screen persona. His age and early achievements underscore his commitment to growth and versatility, marking him as one of Hollywood’s young actors poised for long-term success.

Detail	Information
Full Name	Taj Cross
Date of Birth	February 11, 2004
Age in 2026	21 years old
Height	5 feet 10 inches
Occupation	Actor, Dancer
Hometown	Venice, California
Net Worth	$500,000

This table provides a quick snapshot of key facts about Taj Cross, reflecting both his personal background and career milestones.

Early Life and Education Background

Taj Cross was born and raised in Venice, California, a city known for its artistic and eclectic culture. He grew up in a creative household, with Christena Karras as his mother and CJ Bonura as his stepfather. His sister, Camille, is also part of this artistic environment, giving Taj a family foundation that values creativity.

From a young age, Taj received acting and dance training, balancing schoolwork with artistic pursuits. His dedication to both academics and performance has shaped his discipline, allowing him to navigate the competitive world of Hollywood while maintaining a grounded personal life. Taj’s upbringing in a supportive, creative family helped him develop the confidence needed to thrive in entertainment, making him not just a talented actor but also a career-focused young star.

What Movies Has Taj Cross Been In?

Although Taj Cross is primarily known for his television work, his acting portfolio includes appearances in both TV series and minor film roles. His versatility as an actor has allowed him to experiment with different genres, giving him an edge over peers in Hollywood young stars circles.

Some of his notable appearances include:

• PEN15 – Hulu comedy series; role: Sam Zablowski (breakout role)
  
• Various short films and independent projects, highlighting his adaptability and range
  

These roles demonstrate Taj’s commitment to building a diverse career and developing his craft. By taking on both comedic and dramatic roles, Taj Cross continues to solidify his place as a rising actor with a growing fan base and recognition within the entertainment world.

What is Sam’s Full Name in PEN15?

In PEN15, Taj Cross plays the character Sam Zablowski, a central figure navigating middle school life with humor, awkwardness, and charm. The character’s full name is explicitly used in the series to provide authenticity to the storyline, representing the nuances of adolescence in the 2000s.

Sam Zablowski’s character resonates with audiences due to his relatability, blending comedic timing with genuine emotion. Taj’s portrayal brings depth to Sam, highlighting both the actor’s versatility and ability to connect with viewers on an emotional level.

Who Plays Sam in PEN15?

The role of Sam Zablowski in PEN15 is portrayed by Taj Cross himself. His performance has been praised for authenticity and comedic timing, making him one of the breakout stars of the Hulu comedy series.

Taj’s ability to balance humor and vulnerability in the role showcases why he is considered among Hollywood’s promising young stars. His training in acting and dance contributes to the physicality and expressiveness needed for the role, allowing Sam to feel genuine and memorable to audiences.

Did Maya and Sam Dating in Real Life?

Many fans wonder if the on-screen chemistry between Maya and Sam extends off-screen. Taj Cross and his co-stars maintain a professional relationship, focusing on storytelling rather than personal romance. In real life, Taj is single, dedicating his energy toward his craft and career growth.

This distinction between character and actor highlights Taj’s professionalism, showing that his commitment to acting comes first. His fan base appreciates his transparency about personal life, emphasizing that his on-screen performances are a product of talent, not personal drama.

PEN15 is a comedy series inspired by real middle school experiences, but the characters are fictionalized versions of adolescence. Sam Zablowski, played by Taj Cross, is loosely based on the writers’ memories but is not a direct representation of any real individual.

This approach allows actors like Taj to infuse personal insight while remaining part of a larger narrative designed for comedic and nostalgic effect. It also gives him the creative freedom to explore character development while building his reputation as a versatile actor.

Why Was PEN15 Cancelled?

Despite its popularity, PEN15 concluded after its third season. The decision to end the series was influenced by a combination of narrative closure and production considerations typical in television. For Taj Cross, this marked a turning point, allowing him to focus on future projects and career expansion.

The cancellation did not affect his trajectory; instead, it positioned him to leverage his breakout role for further opportunities in Hollywood. His fans continue to follow his journey, eager to see what new projects this rising actor will pursue next.

Conclusion

Taj Cross has solidified himself as a standout American actor, with his portrayal of Sam Zablowski in PEN15 marking a significant milestone in his career. At 21 years old, he combines talent, discipline, and creativity, reflecting his upbringing in Venice, California, and his commitment to acting and dance training.

From his early life with a supportive family to his growing presence in Hollywood, Taj Cross continues to impress with versatility, professionalism, and a promising career path. Whether exploring new roles, building his fan base, or focusing on brand endorsements, Taj exemplifies the potential of young actors making their mark in the entertainment world today.

FAQS

Who is Taj Cross?

Taj Cross is an American actor and dancer, best known for his breakout role as Sam Zablowski in the Hulu comedy series PEN15.

How old is Taj Cross?

As of 2026, Taj Cross is 21 years old. He was born on February 11, 2004, in Venice, California, USA.

What is Taj Cross’s height?

Taj Cross stands at 5 feet 10 inches tall, giving him a strong on-screen presence suitable for both television and film roles.

Who plays Sam in PEN15?

Taj Cross plays the character Sam Zablowski in the Hulu comedy series PEN15, earning recognition for his comedic timing and authentic portrayal.

What is Sam’s full name in PEN15?

In PEN15, the character portrayed by Taj Cross is named Sam Zablowski, a central figure navigating middle school life with humor and relatability.

Did Maya and Sam date in real life?

No, Taj Cross and his co-stars maintain a professional relationship. In real life, Taj is single and focused on his acting career.

Is Sam from PEN15 based on a real person?

Sam Zablowski is loosely inspired by the writers’ experiences, but he is a fictionalized character, allowing Taj Cross creative freedom in portraying him.

Why was PEN15 cancelled?

PEN15 ended after its third season due to narrative closure and production decisions, allowing Taj Cross to pursue new opportunities in acting.

What movies has Taj Cross been in?

Taj Cross is primarily known for PEN15 but has appeared in short films and independent projects, showcasing his versatility as a rising young actor.

What is Taj Cross’s net worth?

As of 2026, Taj Cross has an estimated net worth of $500,000, earned through acting, brand endorsements, and his growing presence in Hollywood.