Lex Marinos

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LEX MARINOS Born in Wagga Wagga, NSW into a family of Greek cafe owners, Lex attended University of NSW, receiving a BA with Honours in Drama, and also studied with renowned American teacher, Stella Adler. Since then he has worked in all areas of the entertainment industry as an actor, director, writer, broadcaster and teacher. In addition to The Slap, Lex is also known on television for Kingswood Country, and has appeared on many local drama and comedy productions, including regular roles in City West, Embassy, S.C.O.O.P, Live & Sweaty, Ballzup, World Series Debating; Strictly Dancing, Histrionics, and Late Night Legends. Films include Cathy’s Child, Goodbye Paradise, Last Days of Chez Nous, Bedevil and numerous short films. On stage, Lex has appeared with the Nimrod, APG, Sydney Theatre Company, Melbourne Theatre Company, Company B, as well as commercial productions such as the King and I. He is also a regular performer with innovative community arts company Big hART, and has appeared with them at many arts festivals around Australia, in several productions including the award-winning Ngapartji Ngapartji. As a director, Lex has also worked in all media, including films An Indecent Obsession, television series Bodyline (also co-writer), Embassy, A Country Practice, plus documentaries. His work has taken him to USA, Greece, Indonesia, Philippines and China. He co-founded (with Bob Ellis & Michael Lynch) the King O’Malley Theatre Company and has directed many shows for commercial and subsidised companies and festivals. From 1996-99, Lex was Director of Carnivale, NSW’s multicultural arts festival; and in 2000 directed one of the segments of the Sydney Olympics Opening Ceremony. Lex has worked extensively on radio and has produced and/or presented music programs, interviews, comedy, sports and social commentary, mainly on ABC radio networks (2JJ, Triplejay, 702 ABC Sydney, NewsRadio, plus regional stations in Canberra, Wagga Wagga, Newcastle) as well as some commercial networks and many community stations around Australia. Currently, Lex is a regular panellist on Richard Glover’s popular Thank God It’s Friday. Lex is a frequent speaker and writer on arts and cultural diversity; stadium announcer at major international sporting events; and hosts numerous awards and community functions. He has served on many arts and cultural boards and committees, is a former Deputy Chair of the Australia Council for the Arts, and Member of the National Multicultural Advisory Committee. He is currently Vice-President of the Community Broadcasting Foundation; and is researching a book on 19th Century Australian Theatre. In 1994, Lex was awarded OAM for services to the performing arts, and in 2001 a Centenary of Federation medal. Lex also holds Certificates in Training and Education, and teaches at several theatre and media institutions. In 2014, Lex's memoir Blood and Circuses: an irresponsible memoir was published by Allen & Unwin.