Actor Harry Bernard Cross was born on December 16, 1947 in London, England. The son of a cleaning woman and a doorman, he took an interest in acting at a young age, and was already active in school theater groups. He left home at age 15, and worked various jobs; his stints as a carpenter for the Welsh National Opera and a property master at Birmingham’s Alexandra Theater probably helped further his interest in the craft. He finally got a chance to train at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1970, and went on to appear in numerous West End productions after graduation, notably as part of the Prospect Theater Company.

Cross began appearing on screen at around the same time, but it was in 1976 when he took his first major film role, for the war epic A Bridge Too Far. At the time, he was still primarily known for his stage work, first as a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and later in tie West End run of the musical Chicago. This led him to a role in the successful Chariots of Fire, in 1981, which catapulted him to roles on both sides of the pond. He continued taking roles for British television dramas, as well as films such as Turbulence, The Assisi Underground and The Ascent. He also kept busy by writing columns for different magazines, screenplays, and even songs.

Cross’ later career saw a renewed focus in films—The Young Blades, Exorcist: The Beginning, Wicked Little Things, Hero Wanted and Finding Rin Tin Tin were some of his later roles, apart from his work on television dramas and stage. His latest role was in the 2009 film Star Trek, which saw him play Sarek, the father of Spock.