Beloved Australian actor who appeared in The Slap and NCIS: Sydney dead at 75 after twenty year battle with cancer

Beloved Australian actor Alexander ‘Lex’ Marinos died on Friday at the age of 75 after a two-decade battle with cancer.

The NSW-born stage actor had a fifty-year career in Australian entertainment as an actor, writer and television director.

His most iconic roles include his role as Bruno in the legendary Australian sitcom Kingswood Country and as a supporting character in the 2011 miniseries The Slap.

He was first diagnosed with leukemia in 2005. He had the disease well under control for years, but eventually died from its consequences.

Lex has been a champion of diversity in the Australian entertainment industry for many years and was proud to be one of the first non-English speaking actors on Australian television.

During his long career he worked with many world-famous actors, including Melissa George, Richard Roxburgh and Jonathan LaPaglia.

His family announced his passing on social media, in a heartbreaking post revealing the details of his death.

“To our dear friends, colleagues and favorite people. It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that Lex passed away peacefully on Friday morning,” the message began.

Beloved Australian actor Alexander ‘Lex’ Marinos (pictured) died Friday at the age of 75 after a two-decade battle with cancer

“He died at home, at a time of his choosing, surrounded by family and the sounds of Bob Dylan accompanying our wake. There was so much love in the room.”

The iconic actor continued to work until his death, recently appearing in a 2023 episode of NCIS: Sydney, alongside Olivia Swann and Todd Lasance.

For his years of service to the performing arts industry, Marinos was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1994.

The NSW-born stage actor had a fifty-year career in Australian entertainment as an actor, writer and television director

The NSW-born stage actor had a fifty-year career in Australian entertainment as an actor, writer and television director

He also held positions with several cultural organisations, including the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and the Community Broadcasting Foundation.

In recognition of his incredible career, Wagga Wagga’s Museum of the Riverina will be hosting an exhibition of his work later this year, titled The Lex Factor: From Wagga to the World Stage.

Lex leaves behind his wife Anne and several children.

Lex's death was announced on social media by his family, in a heartbreaking post revealing the details of his passing

Lex’s death was announced on social media by his family, in a heartbreaking post revealing the details of his passing