James Finlayson, a pivotal figure in early cinema comedy, was born in Larbert in 1887. Known as "Fin" to his fans and as "Jimmy" to his close friend Stan Laurel, Finlayson left an indelible mark on the world of comedy. Initially working as a tinsmith in his father's foundry, he soon realized his true passion lay in acting. This realization led him to Edinburgh, where he pursued his studies and began his career on stage. In a full-circle moment, the Scottish theatre, where he first performed more than a century ago, recently unveiled a portrait in his honor.
Finlayson's acting journey took a significant turn when he portrayed another Scottish character in the Broadway production of "Bunty Pulls the Strings." However, he withdrew from the national tour in 1916 when Hollywood came calling. By 1919, he had signed with Mack Sennet, known as the "King of Comedy." Sennet described Finlayson as a "legitimate and screen player of international celebrity," highlighting his undeniable talent.
"legitimate and screen player of international celebrity"
- Mack Sennet
Finlayson's Hollywood career saw him appearing as one of the famous Keystone Cops, where his comedic prowess shone through. His facial expressions and timing were unmatched, eventually inspiring Dan Castellaneta's iconic "D'oh!" catchphrase for Homer Simpson. Although this sound was not directly quoted from Finlayson, it was his expressive "dohhhh" that left a lasting impression.
"D'oh!"
- Dan Castellaneta
Despite never achieving leading man status, Finlayson became a beloved comic foil, starring alongside Laurel and Hardy in 33 films. His dedication to the craft earned him more than 100 film credits over his lifetime. The New York Dramatic Mirror once praised him for his ability to develop dual characters within a single role.
"an excellent opportunity, which he did not miss, for developing two characters in his one role – the simple, naive Scotsman and the artful, determined detective"
- New York Dramatic Mirror
His signature fake walrus moustache granted him a level of anonymity amid Hollywood's bustling scene. Yet, despite this disguise, Finlayson's performances remained memorable. Audiences around the world celebrated his comedic genius, even as he often played second fiddle to other stars.
In Hollywood, Finlayson's contributions were both vast and varied. He managed to perform in more than 100 films by the time he passed away in 1953. His ability to balance two characters simultaneously was noted by critics and admired by audiences.
"The remarkable thing is that he managed to do them both at the same time"
- New York Dramatic Mirror
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