Ben Cross (born Harry Bernard Cross, 16 December 1947) is an English actor of the stage and screen, known for his portrayal of the British Olympic athlete Harold Abrahams in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire.
Cross was born Harry Bernard Cross in London to a working class Catholic family. His mother was a cleaning woman and his father a doorman and nurse. He began acting at a very young age and participated in school plays. Cross was educated at Bishop Thomas Grant secondary modern school in Streatham, South London.
Cross initially worked in various jobs including work as a window cleaner, waiter and joiner. He was master carpenter for the Welsh National Opera and property master at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham.
In 1970 at the age of 22, he was accepted into London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) - the alma mater of actors such as John Gielgud, Glenda Jackson and Anthony Hopkins, but later expressed little interest in pursuing the classical route. He also appeared as a CI5 agent in an episode of The Professionals
Ben Cross (born 6 December 1978 in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer. A New South Wales State of Origin representative prop forward, he previously played for Canberra Raiders, Melbourne Storm, Newcastle Knights, Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors and Widnes Vikings.
Ben Cross, also known as "The Boss", had an explosive start to his National Rugby League career with a suspension for striking following his debut match in 2003. He moved to Melbourne Storm and they reached the 2006 NRL Grand Final in which Cross was selected to play from the interchange bench in Melbourne's loss to Brisbane.
There was another citing for contrary conduct was made against him for an incident in the 2007 NRL Telstra Grand Final. The charge resulted in a two-week suspension.
A powerful ball-runner, Ben Cross endeared himself to Melbourne Storm fans with his wholehearted efforts and aggression. He was a member of the losing Grand Final team in 2006.