ACTOR · BORN 1889 · DIED 1967
Claude Rains
- Born
- 10 November 1889
- Died
- 30 May 1967
53 archived facts 5 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
18 Interesting Facts About Claude Rains
- #003
Claude Rains designed his own gravestone and had these lines inscribed on it: "All that ever was, forever is; the spirit that once lived, lives forever." These lines reflect his thoughts on life and death and his identity as an artist. As his final wish, the gravestone still conveys this profound message to its visitors today.
- #010
In its obituary for Claude Rains, The New York Times wrote that he was the first British stage and screen star to earn one million dollars for a single film. This record was set with Caesar and Cleopatra (1945). This achievement shows that Rains was one of the most valuable and sought-after actors of his era.
- #012
Although they lived in Pennsylvania, Claude Rains did not want his daughter to acquire a Pennsylvania accent. He therefore taught her to pronounce words the way he did, and he succeeded in this. His daughter also stuttered as a small child; Rains's solution to the problem was for everyone in the house to express what they wanted to say by singing. The method worked, and his daughter's stutter improved over time.
- #014
Claude Rains was known for his love of farming and ran a 350-acre farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. In his later years he moved to Sandwich, New Hampshire. The move was part of his search for a peaceful life close to nature. For him, farming was not merely an occupation but also a passion.
- #019
In his will, Claude Rains left 25,000 dollars to the Actors Fund of America. This donation shows his commitment to his colleagues and to the acting community. As an actor who faced hardships throughout his career, Rains knew the importance of this fund and aimed to support future generations.
- #020
Claude Rains's sixth wife, Rosemary, contracted pancreatic cancer. Rains and her doctor tried to hide the diagnosis from Rosemary, but one day she said, "Please don't do this to me anymore. I know what it is," making clear that she knew the truth. This event shows Rains's love for his wife and his instinct to protect her.
- #021
Rains played the devil who brings a criminal back to life in Angel on My Shoulder (1946) and an angel who brings a boxer back to life in Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941). These two opposite roles show how wide his acting range was. His equal success as both devil and angel proves what a masterful actor he was.
- #023
When Rains told bedtime stories to his daughter Jessica, he used Cockney, his native dialect. This shows his attachment to his roots and his love for his family. Although Cockney is a dialect specific to London's working class, Rains passed it on to his daughter, creating a special bond with her.
- #033
In 1964, Rains planned to return to the stage with the play So Much of Earth, So Much of Heaven, but health problems prevented it. This shows his longing for the theater and his desire to return to the stage. Alongside his film career, Rains also held an important place in the theater.
- #035
After his death, Rains was buried in plots 58 and 60 at Red Hill Cemetery in Moultonborough, New Hampshire. His grave can be visited by fans and loved ones. Rains's gravestone is adorned with verses he designed himself.
- #040
In his later years, Rains decided to write his memoirs and hired journalist Jonathan Root to help him with the project. However, the deterioration of Rains's health delayed the work, and with Root's death in March 1967 the project was never finished. This loss meant that Rains's life story could not be fully written.
- #042
Before coming to Hollywood, Rains taught at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Among his students was John Gielgud, who said, "There was a man who inspired us all during my time at RADA. Claude Rains." This statement shows how influential Rains was not only as an actor but also as an educator.
- #043
Rains made audio recordings of Bible stories for children for Capitol Records. He also narrated Richard Strauss's setting of Tennyson's poem Enoch Arden for narrator and piano, in a recording whose piano solos were performed by Glenn Gould. These recordings show that he was a versatile artist who used the power of his voice in different fields.
- #047
Rains was often said to have come from the poor working class of London's East End, but in reality he came from a comfortable lower-middle-class family in south London. He also never spoke with a Cockney accent. This misconception was a myth spread about him and did not match the facts.
- #050
During the filming of Notorious (1946), Alfred Hitchcock suggested that Rains wear platforms in his shoes because Ingrid Bergman was so tall. Rains accepted the offer despite his embarrassment. One day, while Rains was talking with Bergman, Hitchcock came over, lifted his trouser leg to reveal the platforms, and remarked, "Rains's shame." This incident shows Hitchcock's playful personality and Rains's professionalism.
- #051
Rains is the father of the actress Jessica Rains. Jessica continued her acting career using a stage name. Rains's relationship with his daughter was an important part of his family life.
- #052
Rains's only singing and dancing role in his career was in the film The Pied Piper of Hamelin (1957). This film allowed him to display his versatile talents. In this role, Rains combined both his acting and his musical abilities.
- #053
In the 1930s, Claude Rains had a dog named Patience. This detail shows his love of animals and the warmth of his personal life. Despite his busy work schedule, Rains made time for his pet.
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