BEN CROSS became an overnight sensation when he ran for his country as Harold Abrahams in the Oscar-winning "Chariots of Fire."
Overnight stardom belied the years of hard work between his decision at the age of sixteen that he wanted to be an actor, and the moment of triumph as Abrahams (Cross) became the first Briton to win the 100 meter Olympic Gold medal in "Chariots of Fire."
Cross was born in London, left school at 15 and worked backstage at a number of theaters including the Welsh National Opera, the Wimbledon Theatre and the Alexander Theatre, Birmingham. He auditioned for the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, won a place, and after graduating, began to play the repertory circuit at home and abroad.
He made his film debut as one of the young actors, known as Attenborough's Private Army, who played a variety of soldier roles in "A Bridge Too Far." A year later he was invited to join the Royal Shakespeare Company with whom he appeared in "Privates on Parade" and "Wild Oats."
"Chariots of Fire" offered Cross his first real film challenge, and he responded. Since then Cross has appeared in the mini-series "The Far Pavilions" and the films "Paperhouse" and "Assisi Underground," and stage productions of "The Caine Mutiny Court Martial."
In "First Knight," Cross portrays King Arthur's nemesis, Malagant. It is a role which reunites him with Sean Connery -- in "A Bridge Too Far," he was one of General Urquhart's men in certain sequences, and General Urquhart was played by none other than Sean Connery -- who now plays King Arthur.
