[3][4] His performing career began at about the same time when he toured Australia with the Australian Boys' Choir as a soprano.

[4] 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).

[5] He was noted for his hospitality as well as his 'Sunday Soirees' in the Melbourne show business community.

[3] Finlayson died of prostate cancer[6] aged 74, on 12 September 2012 at St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne[4] [14]