You know that feeling when you're watching a massive Netflix hit or a gritty legal drama and a guy walks on screen, and you immediately point at the TV? "Hey, it's that guy!" Honestly, if you've watched basically any major production filmed in the Southeast over the last decade, there’s a massive chance that "guy" was Kendrick Cross.
He isn't just another working actor. He's a powerhouse of the "Atlanta Hollywood" scene. From playing the moral compass in steamy prime-time soaps to guarding the most dangerous secrets in Hawkins, Indiana, his filmography is kind of exhausting to look at. Seriously, the man has over 80 credits.
But why does Kendrick Cross movies and tv shows search volume keep spiking? It’s because he’s mastered the art of being essential without always needing to be the guy on the poster. Let's break down the roles that actually matter and why you’ve definitely seen him before.
The Stranger Things Effect: Agent Wallace
If you’re a sci-fi fan, you probably recognize him as Agent Wallace from Stranger Things Season 4. He wasn't just a background suit. He was part of the faction trying to protect Eleven, specifically working alongside Dr. Owens.
It’s a tough role because he has to be stoic but also show that he actually cares about the kid’s safety. When the military storms the bunker, Wallace is the one who gets caught in the crossfire of the internal government war. It’s a high-stakes performance that proved Cross could handle the intensity of a global phenomenon.
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Ambitions and the OWN Era
Before he was dodging bullets in the Upside Down, Cross was a staple on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). Most people know him as Titus Hughes from Ambitions.
Titus was a breath of fresh air on a show filled with backstabbing and power-hungry moguls. He was the "moral compass." Playing a dedicated husband and lawyer sounds simple on paper, but in the middle of a nighttime soap opera, it requires a lot of nuance to not come off as boring. You’ve got to be Likable with a capital L, and Cross nailed it.
He also popped up in Greenleaf and Queen Sugar (as Jackson Fotenot). It’s clear the casting directors at OWN have him on speed dial, and for good reason—the man carries a certain gravitas that makes you believe he’s been a lawyer or a detective for twenty years.
The Big Screen: From Acrimony to Richard Jewell
Cross isn't just a TV guy. He’s been in some of the biggest (and most controversial) films of the last few years.
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Take Tyler Perry’s Acrimony. He played Kalvin. If you remember that movie, it was a wild ride of perspective and madness, and Cross held his own against Taraji P. Henson. That’s no small feat. He also showed up in:
- Richard Jewell: Directed by Clint Eastwood, where he played a GBI agent.
- The 5th Wave: Playing a soldier in the situation room.
- Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween: Taking a lighter turn as Sam’s father.
- The War with Grandpa: Appearing alongside legends like Robert De Niro.
It’s a weirdly diverse list. One minute he’s in a terrifying horror sequel like Tales from the Hood 2, and the next, he’s in a faith-based hit like Overcomer.
General Hospital and the Soap Transition
In 2023, Kendrick Cross made a move that every veteran actor knows is a true test of stamina: daytime soaps. He joined the cast of General Hospital as Detective Calvin Bennett.
Daytime TV is a grind. You’re learning dozens of pages of dialogue a day. By becoming a recurring face in Port Charles, Cross solidified his status as a reliable professional. He brings a grounded, realistic energy to the Port Charles PD, which—let’s be honest—is sometimes needed when the plot involves amnesia or evil twins.
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Why He’s the Ultimate "Utility Player"
Expertise in acting isn't always about winning an Oscar. It's about longevity. Kendrick Cross has been active since the early 2000s, starting with small bits on Dawson's Creek and One Tree Hill.
He’s survived the shift from traditional network TV to the streaming wars. He’s worked with everyone from James Wan (in Death Sentence) to Marvel (he was a helicopter pilot in Iron Man 3).
The thing is, Cross understands his "type." He plays authority figures—detectives, agents, lawyers—but he gives them a pulse. He doesn't play the "angry cop" trope. He plays the cop who’s tired, or the agent who’s conflicted. That’s why he stays booked.
What’s Next for Kendrick Cross?
As of 2024 and heading into 2025, Cross isn't slowing down. He recently appeared in Single Black Female 2: Simone's Revenge and has been seen in the action-comedy Die Hart 2 with Kevin Hart.
If you want to dive deeper into his work, start with Ambitions for the drama or Stranger Things Season 4 for the thrills. Honestly, just keep your eyes peeled next time you start a new series on Netflix or Hulu. Chances are, Detective Bennett—or some variation of him—is going to walk through that door any second.
To get the most out of his filmography, watch Ambitions on the OWN app or Catch him in Stranger Things on Netflix to see the range between a leading romantic man and a government operative. Check your local listings for General Hospital to see his latest work in Port Charles.