Leon Rains

Eleazer Leon Rains, also Léon Rains, (October 1, 1870 – June 11, 1954) was an American operatic bass, film actor and voice teacher. After studies in New York City and Paris, he toured in the U.S. for two years with Frank Damrosch's opera troupe and with Nellie Melba. From 1899, he was based at the Dresden Court Opera, with performances in world premieres such as Salome, and guest appearances in Europe, including the Bayreuth Festival, and at the Metropolitan Opera. When the United States entered the World War in 1917, he returned home, where he worked in concert and as a voice teacher. He also appeared as an actor in silent films.

Life Rains was born in New York City. He studied further from 1896 in Paris with Jacques Bouhy. In Dresden, he took part in several world premieres, including Salome by Richard Strauss,

From 1916 to 1918, he appeared as an actor in several silent films, including five films as the detective Joe Jenkins in a film series.

With the entry of the United States into the World War in 1917, Rains was forced to leave Germany for the U.S..

1916: Die Gräfin Heyers 1916: Kismet 1917: Der Mann mit den vier Füßen 1917: 1917: Die Botschaft des Jean Battista 1917: 1918: Die schwarze Kugel 1918: Der Star der großen Oper.