^{Photo: Mosman Library}

Creative Australia is saddened by the passing of Lex Marinos OAM, a celebrated Australian actor, director, broadcaster, and much-admired former colleague.

He was best known to audiences for his role as Bruno, on the 1980s comedy television series Kingswood Country, but he started his career as a producer and presenter on 2JJ/2JJJ (the precursors to Triple J) in the late 1970s, going on to host Late Night Legends on ABC2.

Mr Marinos’ acting credits included screen appearances in shows such as The Slap, S.C.O.O.P, Good News Week and World Series Debating. He also acted in theatrical productions with Nimrod, the APG Sydney Theatre Company and the Melbourne Theatre Company.

He directed films including An Indecent Obsession and Boundaries of the Heart, the television series’ Bodyline and Embassy, as well as a number of documentaries and theatre productions. His writing also appeared in The Bulletin, The Weekend Australian, and the Good Weekend.

Mr Marinos joined the Australia Council for the Arts in July 1995 and was appointed Chair of the Community Cultural Development Board, overseeing the Australia Council’s community cultural activities. He served as Deputy Chair of the Australia Council from 1997-1998 and later continued his association with the Council for many years, hosting and facilitating forums for the Community Cultural Development Board.

Mr Marinos was awarded the Order of Australia (OAM) for “service to the performing arts as an actor, director and writer” in 1994.

Creative Australia CEO Adrian Collette AM said:

“Lex was a force for good in everything he turned his hand to. A brilliant actor, director, and broadcaster, and to many at Creative Australia (formerly the Australia Council for the Arts), he was a much-loved and admired colleague. He continued and developed a long-standing and proud tradition of support and advocacy for the arts and cultural needs of ethnic and social groups within Australia. Our thoughts are with Lex’s family, friends and all those who had the privilege of working with him. He will be greatly missed.”