Claude Rains was a British actor born in London, England. Though he is best remembered by mainstream audiences in the role of Captain Renault in the classic 1942 film Casablanca, Rains also earned himself a lesser known, though no less iconic, place in horror film history as a character actor. In the horror genre, he first appeared in the lead role in James Whale's 1933 adaptation of the H. G. Wells story The Invisible Man. Though certainly a pivotal role, the film did little to boost Rains' notoriety as an actor as he is never visibly seen in the movie. In 1941, Rains played a supproting role as Sir John Talbot in the Universal Pictures film The Wolf Man. Two years later, Rains took a more recognizable (and colorized) lead role as Erique Claudin in Universal's remake of the Phantom of the Opera. While Rains gave audiences a more sympathetic Phantom, his version never gained the recognition put forth by his predecessor, Lon Chaney, Sr. in the original 1925 silent classic The Phantom of the Opera.
Universal Classics Actor or Crew member This article relates to actors or production crew members pertaining to the Universal Classics era of films. This template will categorize articles that include it into the Universal Classics crew members category.
Invisible Man Actor or Crew member This article relates to actors or production crew members pertaining to the Invisible Man franchise. This template will categorize articles that include it into the Invisible Man crew members category.
