Claude Rains

Claude Rains (November 10, 1889 - May 30, 1967) was an English actor.

Related Topics:
November 10 - 1889 - May 30 - 1967

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Rains was born in London. Gassed during World War I, he was almost blind in one eye for the rest of his life.

Related Topics:
London - World War I

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Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, founder of The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, recognized Rains' acting talent and paid for the elocution lessons he needed to succeed as an actor. Later Rains taught at the institution, working with John Gielgud and Laurence Olivier, among others.

Related Topics:
Herbert Beerbohm Tree - Royal Academy of Dramatic Art - John Gielgud - Laurence Olivier

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It was ironic that Rains' first Hollywood role was as the star of a movie in which he did not appear until the very end. That was the title character in James Whale's The Invisible Man. It was his distinctive voice which had won him the role.

Related Topics:
Hollywood - James Whale - The Invisible Man

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In 1939, he became a naturalized citizen of the United States.

Related Topics:
1939 - Naturalized citizen - United States

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Following The Invisible Man, Universal Studios tried to turn him into another horror film actor, but he broke free with his Academy Award nominated role in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and followed that up in probably his most famous role, that of French police Captain Louis Renault in Casablanca.

Related Topics:
Universal Studios - Academy Award - Mr. Smith Goes to Washington - Casablanca

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He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, at 6400 Hollywood Blvd.

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Claude Rains died in Laconia, New Hampshire and is interred in the Red Hill Cemetery, Moultonborough, New Hampshire.

Related Topics:
Laconia, New Hampshire - Moultonborough, New Hampshire

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