He initially attended trade school before studying for a business career.

He began his acting career at the Tampere Theatre in 1906 and from 1915 to 1917 toured Finland performing in comedic operettas, often in the company of actor Iivari Kainulainen.

He was also the property manager and stage director for Harjula Oy, a children's educational facility in Lohja.

[3] In addition to a long career on the Finnish stages, Väinö Lehmus performed in approximately seven early Finnish silent films; the first two of which, 1920's Kilu-Kallen ja Mouku-Franssin kosioretki and 1921's Kun solttu-Juusosta tuli herra, he also was the screenwriter.

His sister Saima Lehmus-Veijonen (1895-1974) and brother Toivo Lehmus (1901-1969) were also actors and appeared in early Finnish films.