Ron E. Rains, acclaimed for his portrayal of Peter K. Rosenthal, the enigmatic head film critic of The Onion’s Film Standard, hails from Sacramento, California, and has been a vibrant resident of Chicago since 1998. Possessing a BFA in Acting with a Music Emphasis from the prestigious Cornish College of the Arts’ conservatory, Rains is a versatile actor whose career spans various mediums.
A proud US Air Force veteran, Rains brings a unique blend of experiences to his craft. His on-screen persona as Peter K. Rosenthal is both unpredictable and entertaining, with Film Standard’s satirical movie reviews showcasing a range from dry non-sequiturs to gentle absurdism. Rains doesn’t shy away from embracing the eccentricities of Rosenthal, as demonstrated in the fever dream sequence in Gravity.
Beyond his comedic exploits, Rains has an extensive theater background, featuring notable roles such as Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre and performances at renowned institutions like Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, TimeLine Theatre Company, and more.
Away from the spotlight, Rains is a devoted family man, married with two sons. In addition to his acting career, he is an active member of Erasing the Distance, an organization utilizing documentary theater to raise awareness about mental health issues. Rains is not just a talented actor; he’s a multifaceted individual contributing to both the entertainment industry and social causes.