If you spent any part of the early nineties glued to the TV watching The Young Riders, you definitely remember Buck Cross. That quiet, half-Kiowa intensity was a total scene-stealer. But lately, if you try to look him up, things get a bit murky. People start asking the same question: is Gregg Rainwater still alive, or has he just vanished into that classic Hollywood "where are they now" void?
He's alive. Totally fine.
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The confusion honestly makes sense. In an era where every minor celebrity has a TikTok and a daily Instagram Story, Gregg Rainwater has taken a drastically different path. He didn't stop working; he just changed what "work" looked like. He stepped away from being the guy in front of the camera and moved into the rooms where the actual decisions happen.
Why the Rumors Started in the First Place
People assume that if an actor isn't in a Marvel movie or a Netflix procedural, they must have retired or passed away. It's a weird quirk of modern fame. Gregg was everywhere for a minute—The Young Riders, Street Fighter as T. Hawk, guest spots on Walker, Texas Ranger. Then, the screen credits slowed down.
The "is he dead?" searches usually spike when a show gets a nostalgia reboot or a co-star makes headlines. Since Gregg keeps a low profile, the internet fills the silence with speculation. But the truth is much more professional and, frankly, more interesting than a hoax.
Where He Actually Went
He transitioned into art direction. Seriously.
Instead of worrying about his lighting as an actor, he started worrying about the lighting and set design for some of the biggest shows on television. We're talking heavy hitters. He worked as an art director for America’s Got Talent for several seasons. He was even nominated for a Primetime Emmy for his work on American Idol (specifically the "Idol Gives Back" special).
That’s a huge career pivot. It takes a different kind of brain to go from acting out a script to designing the physical space where a massive production lives.
- Acting Credits: Mostly late 80s through the early 2000s.
- Art Direction: This became his primary focus in the 2010s.
- Voice Work: He did plenty of this too, appearing in Young Justice and Justice League Unlimited.
The Native American Heritage Factor
One thing that always comes up with Gregg is his heritage. He’s of Osage, Cherokee, Irish, and Filipino descent. During his time on The Young Riders, he was one of the few actors of Native descent getting consistent work in a starring role.
He's spoken before about how his grandfather, who was Native American, struggled with his identity during the Depression. He lived most of his life hiding that part of himself to avoid prejudice, only returning to his roots and tribal chants near the end of his life. That history clearly shaped how Gregg approached his roles, especially Buck Cross. He wasn't just playing a character; he was representing a lineage that had been suppressed.
A Career in the Shadows
If you look at his resume today, it's a mix of creative disciplines.
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- Stage Work: He’s stayed active in theater, doing everything from A Midsummer Night's Dream to Godspell.
- Art Department: This is his bread and butter now. He’s worked on Food Fighters and even The Osbournes: Reloaded.
- Voice Acting: He’s still a favorite for animation casting directors because of that distinct, grounded voice.
The Reality of Aging in Hollywood
Gregg was born in February 1966. As of early 2026, he’s 59.
In Hollywood terms, that often means you either become a "character actor" or you move behind the scenes. Gregg chose the latter, and by all accounts, he’s been incredibly successful at it. He lives in Los Angeles and, while he doesn't do the red carpet circuit anymore, he’s a staple in the production community.
Sometimes fans get frustrated because they want their favorite stars to stay frozen in time. They want him to always be the 23-year-old on a horse. But people grow. They get interested in how the cameras work, or how a set is built, or how to manage a hundred-person crew.
Checking the Facts
If you ever see a "Gregg Rainwater Dead" headline on a random site, check the source. Usually, these are clickbait farms that use celebrity names to drive traffic. As of right now, there have been no credible reports of his passing. In fact, his professional network remains active.
He’s a great example of how to have a "second act" in a town that usually only gives you one. He didn't let the end of his leading-man days define him. He just learned a new skill and kept his paycheck coming from the same industry, just a different department.
How to Keep Up With Him
Don't expect a Twitter beef or a selfie-heavy Instagram. That’s just not his vibe.
If you want to see what he’s up to, your best bet is looking at the credits of major reality competition shows or checking out his voice work in the DC Animated Universe. He’s still there. He’s just the one making sure the show looks good from the other side of the lens.
Moving Forward
If you're looking for more info on Gregg or other Young Riders alumni, here’s how to stay informed:
- Check IMDb Pro for updated production credits, as his "Art Director" listings are often more current than his acting ones.
- Follow specialized Western TV nostalgia groups on Facebook; they often have members who attend autograph signings or conventions where Gregg occasionally appears.
- Verify any "breaking news" about 90s stars through reputable trades like The Hollywood Reporter or Variety rather than social media memes.
He's a working professional who value his privacy. In 2026, that’s almost a superpower.