Entertainment world mourns dual losses: Aussie actor Lex Marinos (75) and country music icon Tommy Cash (84) pass away
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The music world lost another legend with the passing of Tommy Cash, the younger brother of the iconic Johnny Cash, at the age of 84.
His death on 13 September, poignantly one day after the 21st anniversary of his brother's passing, marks the end of an era for the Cash family's musical legacy.
The Australian entertainment industry also mourns the loss of one of its most cherished actors, Alexander 'Lex' Marinos, who passed away at the age of 75 after a courageous twenty-year battle with leukemia.
The Johnny Cash Museum shared the news of Tommy's passing, a testament to the family's enduring influence on the music industry.
Bill Miller, the founder and CEO of Icon Entertainment and the man behind the museum expressed his sorrow in a heartfelt Instagram post.
'Shannon and I lost a very, very dear friend last evening. I knew him for over 50 years,' he said.
'Tommy Cash was a loyal supporter of the Johnny Cash Museum and a very loved member of our extended family as well as a highly respected member of the music industry.'
Tommy Cash was more than just the brother of Johnny; he was a talented country musician in his own right.
He has many Top 10 tracks, including Rise and Shine, One Song Away, and the poignant number four hit Six White Horses, an ode to the late John F. Kennedy, Robert F.
Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Tommy carved out his place in the annals of country music history.
His music resonated with many, capturing the spirit of an era and the hearts of listeners.
In 1990, Tommy and Johnny Cash collaborated on the single Guess Things Happen That Way, a moment that symbolised the brotherly bond and shared musical path of the Cash family.
Throughout his career, Tommy performed worldwide, proudly carrying on the Cash legacy long after his brother Johnny died in 2003.
Tommy's impact on the music industry was significant, and his dedication to his craft made him a highly respected figure among his peers.
His music entertained and touched on social and political themes, reflecting the tumultuous times he lived through and adding depth to his artistry.
His passing is a moment to reflect on the contributions of the Cash family to the world of music and to celebrate the life of a man who, in his unique way, changed music forever.
Credit: YouTube
Meanwhile, Lex Marinos, a name synonymous with Australian television, theatre, and film, left an indelible mark on the hearts of many Australians, mainly through his memorable role in the legendary Aussie sitcom Kingswood Country.
Born in New South Wales to Greek parents, Lex's career spanned over five decades, during which he became a familiar face as an actor, writer, and TV director.
His portrayal of Bruno The Wog Bertolucci in Kingswood Country from 1980 to 1984 is etched in the annals of Australian pop culture.
The sitcom, known for its humour and satirical take on suburban Australian life, featured Lex as the cheeky Italian son-in-law of the conservative white Anglo protagonist, Ted Bullpitt, played by Ross Higgins.
Their on-screen confrontations were a source of laughter and a commentary on Australia's cultural diversity.
Lex's role was groundbreaking at a time when Australian television was predominantly filled with Anglo-centric narratives.
He became one of the first non-Anglo actors to gain prominence on Aussie TV, paving the way for greater diversity in the industry.
His performance resonated with many viewers, particularly those from multicultural backgrounds, who finally saw a reflection of their own experiences on the small screen.
In a 2021 interview with the Greek-Australian newspaper Neos Kosmos, Lex reflected on the impact of his role and acknowledged the responsibility he felt in representing 'otherness' in a predominantly white media landscape.
Beyond Kingswood Country, Lex's illustrious career saw him share the stage and screen with renowned actors such as Melissa George, Richard Roxburgh, and Jonathan LaPaglia.
Despite his health challenges, Lex worked tirelessly, most recently appearing in a 2023 episode of NCIS: Sydney alongside Olivia Swann and Todd Lasance.
His dedication to the performing arts was recognised in 1994 when he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his services to the industry.
In a fitting tribute to his legacy, the Museum of the Riverina in Wagga Wagga will host an exhibition titled The Lex Factor: From Wagga to the World Stage later this year, celebrating his remarkable journey from a local talent to an international star.
Lex's passing was announced by his family in a heartfelt social media post, revealing that he died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones and the music of Bob Dylan.
He is survived by his wife Anne and their children, who, along with his fans and colleagues, will remember him for his talent, advocacy for diversity, and warm, vibrant spirit.
Credit: YouTube
Their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and storytellers.
Our thoughts are with their family and friends during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Lex and Tommy. Thank you for the memories.
His death on 13 September, poignantly one day after the 21st anniversary of his brother's passing, marks the end of an era for the Cash family's musical legacy.
The Australian entertainment industry also mourns the loss of one of its most cherished actors, Alexander 'Lex' Marinos, who passed away at the age of 75 after a courageous twenty-year battle with leukemia.
The Johnny Cash Museum shared the news of Tommy's passing, a testament to the family's enduring influence on the music industry.
Bill Miller, the founder and CEO of Icon Entertainment and the man behind the museum expressed his sorrow in a heartfelt Instagram post.
Tommy Cash, a country musician and Johnny Cash’s brother, died at 84. Credit: Facebook
'Shannon and I lost a very, very dear friend last evening. I knew him for over 50 years,' he said.
'Tommy Cash was a loyal supporter of the Johnny Cash Museum and a very loved member of our extended family as well as a highly respected member of the music industry.'
Tommy Cash was more than just the brother of Johnny; he was a talented country musician in his own right.
He has many Top 10 tracks, including Rise and Shine, One Song Away, and the poignant number four hit Six White Horses, an ode to the late John F. Kennedy, Robert F.
Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Tommy carved out his place in the annals of country music history.
His music resonated with many, capturing the spirit of an era and the hearts of listeners.
In 1990, Tommy and Johnny Cash collaborated on the single Guess Things Happen That Way, a moment that symbolised the brotherly bond and shared musical path of the Cash family.
Throughout his career, Tommy performed worldwide, proudly carrying on the Cash legacy long after his brother Johnny died in 2003.
Tommy's impact on the music industry was significant, and his dedication to his craft made him a highly respected figure among his peers.
His music entertained and touched on social and political themes, reflecting the tumultuous times he lived through and adding depth to his artistry.
His passing is a moment to reflect on the contributions of the Cash family to the world of music and to celebrate the life of a man who, in his unique way, changed music forever.
Credit: YouTube
Meanwhile, Lex Marinos, a name synonymous with Australian television, theatre, and film, left an indelible mark on the hearts of many Australians, mainly through his memorable role in the legendary Aussie sitcom Kingswood Country.
Born in New South Wales to Greek parents, Lex's career spanned over five decades, during which he became a familiar face as an actor, writer, and TV director.
Australian actor Lex Marinos has died at 75 after a 20-year battle with cancer. Credit: Facebook
His portrayal of Bruno The Wog Bertolucci in Kingswood Country from 1980 to 1984 is etched in the annals of Australian pop culture.
The sitcom, known for its humour and satirical take on suburban Australian life, featured Lex as the cheeky Italian son-in-law of the conservative white Anglo protagonist, Ted Bullpitt, played by Ross Higgins.
Their on-screen confrontations were a source of laughter and a commentary on Australia's cultural diversity.
Lex's role was groundbreaking at a time when Australian television was predominantly filled with Anglo-centric narratives.
He became one of the first non-Anglo actors to gain prominence on Aussie TV, paving the way for greater diversity in the industry.
His performance resonated with many viewers, particularly those from multicultural backgrounds, who finally saw a reflection of their own experiences on the small screen.
In a 2021 interview with the Greek-Australian newspaper Neos Kosmos, Lex reflected on the impact of his role and acknowledged the responsibility he felt in representing 'otherness' in a predominantly white media landscape.
Beyond Kingswood Country, Lex's illustrious career saw him share the stage and screen with renowned actors such as Melissa George, Richard Roxburgh, and Jonathan LaPaglia.
Despite his health challenges, Lex worked tirelessly, most recently appearing in a 2023 episode of NCIS: Sydney alongside Olivia Swann and Todd Lasance.
His dedication to the performing arts was recognised in 1994 when he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his services to the industry.
In a fitting tribute to his legacy, the Museum of the Riverina in Wagga Wagga will host an exhibition titled The Lex Factor: From Wagga to the World Stage later this year, celebrating his remarkable journey from a local talent to an international star.
Lex's passing was announced by his family in a heartfelt social media post, revealing that he died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones and the music of Bob Dylan.
He is survived by his wife Anne and their children, who, along with his fans and colleagues, will remember him for his talent, advocacy for diversity, and warm, vibrant spirit.
Credit: YouTube
Their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and storytellers.
Our thoughts are with their family and friends during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Lex and Tommy. Thank you for the memories.
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