Born in Geelong, Australia, Thornton began his stand-up career with the RAW new act competition in 2002. His first hour-long show Euro:mission, based on his experiences as a beackpacker, earned him a nomination for the best newcomer at the 2007 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. He has performed at the festival every year since, and in 2009 debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe.

He has hosted a show on various Nova radio stations down under since 2009; and guest TV appearances include Rove, Stand Up Australia, Good News Week and Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation.

In 2008, he had a straight role in the ABC TV drama Bed of Roses, as Shannon Atherton, an injured 24 year-old Aussie Rules Football player.