Jon Finlayson

{{short description|Australian actor (1938–2012)}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2016}}

{{Use Australian English|date=September 2016}}

{{Infobox person

| name = Jon Finlayson

| image = JonFinlaysonPic.jpg

| caption =

| birth_name = Jon Douglas Finlayson

| birth_date = {{birth date|1938|3|23|df=yes}}

| birth_place = Coburg, Victoria, Australia

| death_date = {{death date and age|2012|9|12|1938|3|23|df=yes}}

| death_place = Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia

| education = Camberwell High School

| family = Clorine Finlayson (mother)
Ron Finlayson (father)
Rhonda Finlayson (sister)
Bruce Finlayson (brother)
Alexandra Schepisi (niece)
Zoe Schepisi (niece)https://www.smh.com.au/national/versatile-actor-singer-and-raconteur-20121003-26zst.html

| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|screenwriter|producer|director|singer}}

| years_active = 1946–2012}}

Jon Douglas Finlayson (23 March 1938–12 September 2012) was an Australian stage and screen character actor, radio performer, writer, director, producer and singer{{cite web|url=https://nla.gov.au/nla-1675688|title=Finlayson, Jon ( -2012)|work=TROVE NLA}}

Early life

Jon Finlayson was born in Coburg, Victoria to Clorine and Ron Finlayson. When he was about age 8 the family moved to Burwood where he attended Hartwell Primary School and Camberwell High School.{{Cite web |date=March 13, 2013 |title=Jon Finlayson Actor, writer, director, producer and singer |url=http://chessmoves.com/2013/03/13/jon-finlayson/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323070913/https://chessmoves.com/2013/03/13/jon-finlayson/ |archive-date=March 23, 2016 |access-date=December 24, 2023 |website=Camberwell High School Ex Students Society}} His performing career began at about the same time when he toured Australia with the Australian Boys' Choir as a soprano.

Career

Finlayson was known for his roles in the films Lonely Hearts (1982) and The Magic Show (1983).

He was also well-known from his numerous television roles, such as Colonel Archibald Spencer in Zoo Family (1985) and as James Gleeson in Snowy River: The McGregor Saga (1995–1996). He wrote sketches for The Mavis Bramston Show.Knox, David."[http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2012/09/vale-jon-finlayson.html Vale: Jon Finlayson"] TV Tonight. 13 September 2012 He was noted for his hospitality as well as his 'Sunday Soirees' in the Melbourne show business community."[http://issuu.com/mediaflash/docs/ob_19sep12_cz Vale Jon Finlayson]" Melbourne Observer. 19 September 2012. Part C. Pages 37-52:

Finlayson directed, produced, and co-wrote (with Gary Down) The Glitter Sisters.

Death

Finlayson died of prostate cancer aged 74, on 12 September 2012 at St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne{{cite news|last=Schepisi|first=Alexandra|title=Versatile actor, singer and raconteur|url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/obituaries/versatile-actor-singer-and-raconteur-20121003-26zst.html|accessdate=23 June 2013|newspaper=The Age|date=4 October 2012}}

Filmography

=Film=

class="wikitable"

! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes

1973Alvin PurpleLiz's LawyerFeature film
1974Alvin Rides AgainThe MagicianFeature film
1975The Great MacarthyVincentFeature film
1975The Devil in Evening DressFedericiFeature film
1976Mad Dog MorganExtraFeature film
1976The Sentimental BlokeMr SmithersFeature film
1982Lonely HeartsGeorgeFeature film
1983The Magic ShowVan ZyskinFeature film"[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0130103/trivia Jon Fonlayson-Trivia]". IMDB.com
1984 Skin DeepSimpson ByrneTV movie
1984My First WifeBernardFeature film
1984Melvin, Son of AlvinBurnbaumFeature film
1988Evil AngelsProfessor BoettcherFeature film
1989Darlings of the GodsTyrone GuthrieTV movie
1990A Kink in the PicassoLionelFeature film
1996The Inner SanctuaryArchbishop Clarke(final film role)

=Television=

class="wikitable"

! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes

1962Personally YoursHimselfTV series
1967Hey You!BasilTV series, episode 6: "The Party"
1967Australian PlayhouseTV play, season 2, episode 9: The Heat's On
1970The Long ArmTV series, episode 6: "The Flight of the Chicken"
1970–1975HomicideKarl Arnsen / Bill Sellars / Rupert Morgan / Tibby HayesTV series, 4 episodes
1971–1974Division 4Jonathan Gramophone / Wayne Fraser / Denver Philips / Richard Barry / Mr HallTV series, 5 episodes
1972Matlock PoliceAlex Bell / BrendanTV series, season 2, 2 episodes
1973RyanSmithTV series, episode 16: "Nobody's Perfect"
1975Cash and CompanyTravers LewisMiniseries, episode 4: "Golden Girl"
1975The Last of the AustraliansMr FlannaganTV series, season 2, episode 2: "The Compleat Works"
1979SkywaysBrunoTV series, season 1, episode 43: "Flight 89"
1979–1980Cop ShopMaurice Pearson / Leslie SampsonTV series, 3 episodes
1984Special SquadDevonportTV series, episode 11: "The Set-Up"
1984Carson’s LawDavid SpencerTV series, 6 episodes
1985Zoo FamilyColonel Archibald SpencerTV series, 26 episodes
1985–1986NeighboursBrian Hanson / Audition DirectorTV series, 3 episodes
1989Space KnightsSue Ralph Retro (voice)Animated TV series, episode 2: "Confounded Computers"
1989The Power, The PassionWilliam SomersetTV series
1991The Flying DoctorsSpecialistTV series, season 8, episode 9: "Swinging on the Rope"
1991Boys from the BushTravel AgentTV series, 2 episodes
1993NewlywedsPhotographerTV series, season 1, episode 2: "The Wedding Machine"
1995–1996Snowy River: The McGregor SagaJames GleesonTV series, 28 episodes

Theatre

=As actor=

class=wikitable

! Year

! Title

! Role

! Venue / Co.

1956Up and AtomUniversity of Melbournehttps://must.unimelb.edu.au/1956/01/31/up-and-atom-1956-2/
1957Camino RealJacques CasanovaUniversity of Melbournehttps://theatregold1.mybigcommerce.com/camino-real/
1957The MatchmakerRudolphUniversity of Melbourne
1957Speak of the DevilUniversity of Melbourne
1958Lola MontezMacUniversity of Melbourne
1958Bells are RingingPrincess Theatre, Melbourne
1959Auntie MameTheatre Royal, Adelaide, Theatre Royal Sydney with J. C. Williamson
1960FrenzyNational Theatre, East Melbourne
1960Festival Faces Intimate RevueWillard Hall, Adelaide with Independent Repertory Incorporated
1961Lock Up Your DaughtersPrincess Theatre, Melbourne, Palace Theatre, Sydney, Theatre Royal, Adelaide, Capitol Theatre, Perth
1962Outrageous FortunePresenter / PerformerArrow Theatre, Melbourne
1962The FantasticksThe Old ActorRussell Street Theatre, Melbourne
1963The Man Who Came to DinnerRussell Street Theatre, Melbourne
1964Who's for CultureNational Theatrette, Melbourne
1966Robert and ElizabethA PickpocketPrincess Theatre, Melbourne, Tivoli Theatre, Sydney
1968Razza-Ma-Tazz (and All That Jazz)The PonceSouthland Auditorium, Melbourne with Southland Theatre Company
1970Enter a Free ManSt Martins Theatre, Melbourne
1971The School for ScandalTheatre Royal, Hobart
1972The Wakefield PlaysHobart City Hall
1972Don't Walk Around Stark NakedVentrouxSt Martins Theatre, Melbournehttps://theatregold1.mybigcommerce.com/a-good-nights-sleep/
Patrick Pearse Motelhttps://theatregold1.mybigcommerce.com/a-good-nights-sleep/
1972Fortune and Men's EyesQueenieSt Martins Theatre, Melbourne
1973Cowardy CustardSt Martins Theatre, Melbourne
1973Jesus Christ SuperstarKing HerodSydney
1975The Magic ShowFeldmanPrincess Theatre, Melbourne
1976Crossing NiagaraVictorian College of Arts, Melbourne with MTC
1976ArdenRussell Street Theatre with MTC
1977AshesDoctor / Seminologist ('Guru') / Gynaecological Surgeon / Ambulance Driver / Area Adoptions OfficerRussell Street Theatre, Melbourne with MTC
1977The Rocky Horror ShowFrank-N-FurterWarner Theatre, Adelaide with Harry M. Millerhttps://www.ozrockyhorror.com/Programme%2002%20Adelaide.html
1979No Room for SentimentABC Radio Hobart
1979Knock, KnockABC Radio Hobart
1985Trumpets and RaspberriesInspectorPlayhouse, Melbourne with MTC
1989Better Known as BeeComedy Theatre, Melbourne with Global Consolidated
1993A Matinee Season with Noel Coward without Noel CowardPlayhouse, Melbourne, Australian tour, Melbourne Zoo
1997Underneath the ArchesVictorian regional tour
1997Mad Dogs and FinlaysonCapers Cabaret, Melbourne
1997AladdinCapers Cabaret, Melbourne
1998The Piccadilly BushmanVincent FranklinMalthouse Theatre, Melbourne with Playbox Theatre Company

=As director / producer=

class=wikitable

! Year

! Title

! Role

! Venue / Co.

1960Paton's PlaceDirectorMelbourne
1962East LynneDirectorOld Dolphin Theatre, Perth
1962Outrageous FortuneCo-writer / ProducerArrow Theatre, Melbourne
Slings & ArrowsCo-writerArrow Theatre, Melbournehttps://camhigh.exstudents.org/jon-finlayson/
1962Don't Make WavesWriter / Wardrobe Designer / ProducerArrow Theatre, Melbourne
1963Where Do We Go From Here?CreatorSt Martins Theatre, Melbourne
1963To Hell With CulturePlaywrightNational Theatrette, Melbourne
1967Nothing To Do With ItDirector27A Theatre, Melbourne
1971Orpheus in the UnderworldDirectorTheatre Royal, Hobart, Princess Theatre, Launceston with The Theatre Royal Light Opera Company
1972The Computer / Love Travelling SalesmanDirectorAMP Theatre, Adelaide
1972The Beggar’s OperaDirectorTheatre Royal, Hobart with The Theatre Royal Light Opera Company
1973; 1974Red, White and BoogieDirectorLe Chat Noir Theatre Restaurant, Melbourne, Twelfth Night Theatre, Brisbane
1974Sweet Fanny AdamsDesigner / DirectorLe Chat Noir Theatre Restaurant, Melbourne with Jon Finlayson Productions
1975The Shoemaker and the ElvesDirectorMonash University, Melbourne with The Alexander Theatre Company
1975–1979The Glitter SistersDirectorChevron Hotel, Melbourne, Oscar's Hollywood Palace Theatre Restaurant, Sydney, Theatre Royal, Hobart, Civic Theatre, Burnie, Princess Theatre, Launceston, Melbourne
1976Pirates at the BarnDirectorPrincess Theatre, Melbourne
1977The Fall GuyChoreographerRussell Street Theatre with MTC
1979The New MoonDirectorTheatre Royal, Hobart with The Theatre Royal Light Opera Company
1982Sad SongDirectorMagic Mirror Theatre, Perth
1993A Matinee Season with Noel Coward without Noel CowardDevisorPlayhouse, Melbourne, Australian tour, Melbourne Zoo
1997Mad Dogs and FinlaysonDevisorCapers Cabaret, Melbourne
1997Come Up and See Me SometimeDirectorCapers Cabaret, Melbourne

https://ausstage.edu.au/pages/contributor/9293

References

{{Reflist}}