Rowsthorn started performing as half of the comedy and singing duo The Cactus Brothers in 1983 while studying for his degree.
He first came to prominence as a stand-up comic and as a writer and performer on The Comedy Company (1989). Rowsthorn appeared with Warren Mitchell in the film Crackers (1998), was a lead in the Australian children's television show The Gift (1997), had small roles in Bad Eggs and Take Away (both 2003) and played an outrageous hairdresser called 'Miss Kafka' in the Sigrid Thornton telemovie Little Oberon (2005). He played Warren Cronkshonk in hospital spoof Let the Blood Run Free (1990–1992).
In 2023, Rowsthorn competed on the celebrity edition of The Amazing Race Australia with his daughter, Frankie.[10] In December 2023, Rowsthorn played the character Amos in the theatrical production of Chicago.[11]
Personal life
Rowsthorn supports various charity and community groups including Oxfam.[12]
