Rafael Pihlaja was born on July 28, 1893 in Turku, Finland as John Rafael Rönn. He was an actor, known for Katupeilin takana (1949), Anna Liisa (1945) and Ristikon varjossa (1945). He was married to Elli Pihlaja and Katri Emilia Lähteinen. He died on November 8, 1951.