Jack Nicholson wanted his old friend Rupert to play opposite him in The Last Detail (1973) as the sailor Mulhall, but Crosse was terminally ill and could no longer work. The part was played by Otis Young in the film.
Son-in-law of Cab Calloway.
Was one of the actors Jack Nicholson dedicated his Best Actor Oscar to when he won for As Good As It Gets.