Juhani Niemelä (1921-1989) was a Finnish actor, known primarily for his prolific film career. A versatile character actor, he often portrayed ordinary men, officials, or minor characters, sometimes with a humorous or melancholic streak.

Among his most memorable performances are his portrayal of Rahikainen in Edvin Laine's iconic *Tuntematon sotilas* (The Unknown Soldier, 1955), a role that made him a recognizable face to the Finnish public. He also made his mark as Karkola in Matti Kassila's *Komisario Palmun erehdys* (Inspector Palmu's Error, 1960), a classic of Finnish crime cinema. His consistent and dependable presence made him a valued figure in the post-war Finnish cinematic landscape.