It is with good reason that the Oscar-winning "Chariots of Fire" will always be the first film that springs to mind when referencing the noted British actor Ben Cross. Based on a true story, Cross plays Harold Abrahams, a determined Jewish runner who shares his on-screen saga with the devout Christian Eric Lidell (Ian Charlson). Both runners must deal with their own internal and external conflicts during the 1924 Summer Olympics in this true classic of British cinema.

The multi-talented Ben Cross, birthname Harry Bernard Cross, was born in London in 1947 and moved into the realm of acting at an early age. After attending the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) in London, Cross gained crucial experience in the theatre. An early film appearance in the World War II epic "A Bridge Too Far" was his first high-profile role, but it was a knockout performance in the play "Chicago" (as Billy Flynn, the part played by Richard Gere in the movie) that Cross hit his stride and which led to his being cast in the Abrahams role for "Chariots."

"First Knight" notwithstanding, Cross has rarely been one to openly embrace the more commercial roles. He has kept his more than 30-year acting career going by playing more eclectic and challenging roles in movies such as "Paperhouse," "Live Wire," "Cold Sweat," "The Invader," "The Order," "Exorcist: The Beginning," "War, Inc.," and TV movies and series such as Nuremberg: Nazis on Trial, "Spartacus," "Solomon," Dark Shadows and The Far Pavillions. In 2006 he performed in the BBC historical drama about ancient Rome, "Hannibal" starring Alexander Siddig.

Not just an actor, Cross is also a noted writer, musician, and director.

Playing Sarek in the new J.J. Abrams-directed "Star Trek" movie looks to further cement the actors' credentials, playing an emotionless Vulcan who is conflicted in the choices his son Spock makes. The Ben Cross Sarek will be joined by his on-screen wife Amanda, played by Winona Ryder.