Actor who inspired Homer Simpson’s ‘D’oh!’ honored with painting

By Elizabeth Hunter

The actor who inspired Homer Simpson's "D'oh!" has been immortalized in a painting in the British theater where his career began.

Scottish actor James Finlayson starred in over 30 Laurel and Hardy films, becoming one of their most beloved supporting actors.

He appeared as a clumsy characters - who would often exclaim "D'oh!" following a mishap.

Now, a specially commissioned portrait by talented 20-year-old artist Connor Draycott has been installed in Larbert's Dobbie Hall in Scotland, where Finlayson first appeared on stage.

The artwork was unveiled earlier this month in front of over 200 people, some of whom were relatives of Finlayson from Scotland and the USA.

Artist Connor Draycott, who studies at Glasgow School of Art, told The Scotsman: “It was an honor to be invited to create this portrait of James to celebrate his achievements.

"James is such a well-known face among fans of black-and-white movies and I wanted to capture the distinctive look that made him a real superstar of his day. I was commissioned late in 2023 and set about researching James and his films, so I could recreate his trademark facial expression as accurately as possible.

“There was initially some debate as to whether I should include his mustache in the portrait, as it was actually a false mustache that he wore specially for filming. But we decided that his mustache was such an integral part of his unique look that it should feature in the painting.”

Finlayson, born in 1887 in the town of Larbert, near Falkirk, began his career on the stage of his local theater, Dobbie Hall - before emigrating to New York to seek stardom at the age of 24.

He became known as Laurel and Hardy's third man, and enjoyed an illustrious career, appearing in more than 100 films before his death in 1953, aged 66.

One of his trademarks, a long, drawn out "D'oh" would go on to inspire voice actor Dan Castellaneta and Simpsons creator Matt Groening to create one of the most iconic catchphrases in modern television.

The portrait, along with a Scottish Film Institute Plaque, now sit beside the
portrait of Robert Dobbie, benefactor who gifted the Dobbie Hall to the people of Larbert and Stenhousemuir.

A spokesperson for the Dobbie Hall Charitable Trust said: “This was a very special event for the trust but, importantly, for the people of Larbert and
Stenhousemuir to commemorate one of their own sons in James Finlayson.

“We are delighted to be able right what we see as a historical oversight in commemorating Jimmie
Finlayson in 2025, at the request of retiring trust Chairperson, Ian Gardner, and we would like to pay tribute to all of the volunteers, especially our Hall Manager, Laura Morgan, who’s input has been invaluable in making this event the success it was.

“James Finlayson now has a permanent presence in our fantastic community hall, and we are grateful to Connor for his work in bringing Jimmie back to life in his portrait.

"We trust that those who visit the hall, and all who tread our boards, will be influenced and inspired by Larbert’s own movie star son, and look forward to many more years celebrating his life and impact on Larbert, Stenhousemuir and the world.”