Wagga actor, writer and director Lex Marinos has died at the age of 75. Photo: Mosman Library.
The Wagga Wagga community let out an outpouring of affection at the weekend after it was announced that influential director, writer and actor Lex Marinos had died at the age of 75.
Announcing his passing via a social media post, Marinos’s family revealed he died peacefully last Friday (13 September), surrounded by loved ones as Bob Dylan music played.
“To our dear friends, colleagues and favourite people. It is with heavy hearts we let you know that Lex passed away peacefully on Friday morning,” the post said.
“He died at home, at a moment of his choosing, surrounded by family and the sounds of Bob Dylan accompanying our vigil. There was so much love in the room.”
The Medal of the Order of Australia recipient was born and raised in Wagga and built his career around his comedic acting and directing as well as his contributions to the performing arts in Australia.
Given the unofficial title of the Wagga Wagga Wog, Marinos began his career as an extra on several shows, including The Rovers and Matlock Police, before transitioning to presenting on ABC Radio. Marinos hosted various shows during his time with 2JJ and ABC, including the popular Late Night Legends.
In 1980, his talents were realised by people across Australia after being cast as Bruno in Kingswood Country. The sitcom ran for five seasons and followed the Bullpit family and the shenanigans of a working-class family.
Marinos would continue writing, acting and directing for the next 40 years, starring in projects including Backyard Ashes, The Slap, Bodyline and as a member of the creative and production team for the opening ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
With more than half a century of experience entertaining the masses, Marinos inspired countless people around the world, including Backyard Ashes director Mark Grentell.
“Lex was a pleasure to work with,” Grentell said.
“We were thrilled when he came on board to play Mac in Backyard Ashes, he is a pioneer of Australian performing, film and television and carved a path for so many after him to follow.
“I remember him as a passionate cricket fan who was excited to be in a film about cricket in a town like Wagga where he has so much connection and history. My condolences go out to his family, friends and all those who loved and admired him.”
State Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr thanked Marinos for the many fond memories he provided to the people of Australia, stating, ” … we are all the poorer for your passing”.
“Wagga-born Lex was the son of Greek migrants who operated a cafe in our main street for many years before the family moved to Sydney and Lex began a career that would make him one of Australia’s most beloved actors,” Dr McGirr posted to Facebook.
“Lex was a star who became a household name after his role on the iconic TV show Kingswood Country and went on to a storied career as an actor, director and arts leader.
”He never forgot his roots and maintained a lifelong affection for Wagga. I had the pleasure of meeting Lex in Wagga many years ago and was struck not only by his warmth and enthusiasm but also by the pride he had in his hometown. I also remember him reporting on sports results from North Sydney Oval.
“Thanks for the memories, Lex, we are all the poorer for your passing.”
An exhibition capturing Marinos’s career, titled The Lex Factor: From Wagga to the World Stage, will soon be launched at the Museum of the Riverina and is expected to be unveiled before the end of the year.
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