Lex Marinos has had his life immortalised with a new exhibition at the Museum of the Riverina’s Historic Council Chambers site. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
Lex Marinos was one of Wagga’s most beloved citizens.
He loved the city with all his heart; so much so that even when he was working on one of the country’s biggest sitcoms, Kingswood Country, he’d find a way back home.
When Lex passed away earlier this year, Wagga lost a favourite son. Thankfully, through the Museum of the Riverina – which worked in partnership with Lex right up until the day before he passed – Wagga residents have the chance to peek behind the curtain of Lex’s life and at how he became the local icon he is today.
From his time in Wagga to his adventures behind the camera, the Wagga funnyman’s life can be seen in full glory in the new exhibition The Lex Factor: From Wagga to the World Stage.
“Lex Marinos was one of our city’s greatest exports and a much-loved figure nationally. Over the past 20 years, the museum has collected items relating to different aspects of Lex’s life,” general manager of the Museum of the Riverina Luke Grealy said.
Mr Grealy said he was lucky enough to befriend Lex and work with him before he passed away earlier this year. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
“Before he died, Lex Marinos and the museum collaborated to create an exhibition exploring the 75 years since Lex made his debut in Wagga Wagga, on 1 February 1949, a place he was always proud to call home.
“Lex was a multifaceted renaissance man. An actor in theatre, film and TV, a director, author, sports aficionado, and a radio personality, he long championed diversity and equality within his chosen profession.
“The exhibition is not only a fitting tribute to this iconic Greek-Australian but also a fond farewell to a beloved performer who will be greatly missed.”
Mr Grealy said there were pieces from all aspects of Lex’s life, including the time he lived in Fitzmaurice Street where Al Maghrib is now located.
Lex loved his sport and was a huge fan of cricket, so much so he supported the filming of the film Backyard Ashes. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
“It goes way back to his childhood and attending school here locally. His parents raised him where Scribbles Cafe used to be,” Mr Grealy said.
“He used to tell stories about being downstairs during the daytime serving greasy fish and chips to Aussies and getting racist abuse, getting called a wog all day long. Then at night-time they went upstairs and it was a completely different world with Greek music and food and culture.
“His career was so diverse, from theatre, film, television, sport, ABC, and even being one of the hosts for the Strictly Dancing ABC.
“He’s always been proud to say he was from Wagga and talk about the benefits of growing up in Wagga and promoting Wagga. We found any excuse we could be to get him back, and now with this exhibition, he’s back for one last time.”
The Lex Factor: From Wagga to the World Stage will be showcased at the Museum of the Riverina’s Historic Council Chambers site from 18 December until 2 February.
Loading ...
