Isaiah Mustafa Shines in 'Cross'—But He’s Been a Familiar Face for Years

Fans of the new crime drama Cross have been raving about the series since its debut on Prime Video. The show has become a major hit, quickly climbing to the number-one spot on the streaming platform.

Audiences are praising the series not only for its engaging storyline and authentic representation of Black culture but also for its standout cast. While Aldis Hodge has been widely celebrated, Isaiah Mustafa, who plays John Sampson, Cross's loyal best friend and partner, is also getting attention for his performance.

Social media has been buzzing with people newly discovering Mustafa. But let’s be clear: put some respect on his name. Mustafa has been a familiar face on our screens for years.

Yes, Mustafa is the "Old Spice Guy." In 2010, he burst onto the scene with the viral Old Spice commercials, becoming a cultural phenomenon. His suave demeanor, impeccable comedic timing, and clever monologues had audiences locked in and set a new standard for advertising. Mustafa was a trailblazer in creating iconic brand characters, similar to personas like "Jake from State Farm" and Progressive's Flo.

Mustafa’s portrayal of the suave Old Spice spokesman remains iconic, cementing his status in pop culture. While commercials rarely launch careers, Mustafa turned his Old Spice fame into a springboard for larger opportunities, seamlessly transitioning into bigger roles on screen.

Mustafa has been acting for years, with appearances in TV shows like NCIS, Grey's Anatomy and Black-ish. However, he truly made waves as Luke Garroway in Freeform’s Shadowhunters, the TV adaptation of Cassandra Clare’s popular The Mortal Instruments book series.

Playing the role of a werewolf leader with a heart of gold, Mustafa became a fan-favorite character in the supernatural drama. His portrayal of Luke garnered a loyal following, which helped ease his transition into other fantasy genres.

Although Mustafa has appeared in films like Madea's Big Happy Family and Horrible Bosses, his acting talents truly took center stage in 2019 when he starred as Mike Hanlon in the horror blockbuster It: Chapter Two.

The Stephen King adaptation was both critically acclaimed and a box office hit, allowing Mustafa to showcase his range as a serious actor capable of tackling layered and intense characters.

As the adult version of one of the Losers’ Club members, Mustafa's performance balanced nostalgia, depth, and bravery. Mike’s role as the group’s historian and the one who convinces them to reunite and face Pennywise will always be remembered.

In Cross, Mustafa continues to shine in each scene he’s in. His portrayal of John Sampson’s relationship with Alex Cross reflects dynamics that many Black men can relate to. The chemistry between Hodge and Mustafa feels incredibly authentic and rooted in reality. Working alongside your best friend or brother can come with its challenges, but it always carries a sense of love and camaraderie, and many would aspire to have such an opportunity.

Cross has already been greenlit for a second season, so we’re excited to see what the new season will bring. We’re especially eager to see what else Mustafa has in store.