72-year-old Ben Cross, renowned for his role in Chariots of Fire, has passed away. The actor, best known for portraying athlete Harold Abrahams in the 1981 film, which won four Oscars including best picture, died on Tuesday, August 18, after a brief illness.
The late actor’s daughter, Lauren, expressed being “utterly heartbroken” over the loss of her “darling father.” She revealed that he had been unwell for some time, but his health had deteriorated rapidly over the past week.
A statement from Cross’s representatives stated;
“Ben passed away suddenly today following a short illness.
“He had just finished shooting The Devil’s Light for Lionsgate and later this year will be seen in Last Letter From Your Lover in a leading role.”
Born into a working class London family in 1947, Harry Bernard Cross embarked on his acting career at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (Rada). In 1977, he had a minor role in A Bridge Too Far alongside Sir Sean Connery and Sir Michael Caine before joining the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Cross’ rise to international stardom commenced in 1978 with his performance in the play “Chicago,” portraying Billy Flynn, the slick lawyer of murderess Roxie Hart. His exceptional performance led to his casting in the British classic “Chariots of Fire,” alongside acclaimed actors such as Ian Charleson, Ian Holm, and John Gielgud. Cross and co-star Charleson both won Most Promising Artist of 1981 in the Variety Club Awards for their compelling performances as fierce running rivals.
In 1995, Cross played the villain Prince Malagant opposite Richard Gere, Sean Connery, and Julia Ormond in Columbia Pictures’ action-adventure movie “First Knight.” In 2007, he was cast as Sarek in the then-new “Star Trek” film directed and produced by JJ Abrams.
The actor, married three times, is survived by his wife, Deyana Boneva Cross, and his two children, Theo and Lauren.
