Entertainment world mourns dual losses: Aussie actor Lex Marinos (75) and country music icon Tommy Cash (84) pass away

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.


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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.


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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

Key Takeaways

  • Tommy Cash, country musician and brother of Johnny Cash, died aged 84.
  • The Johnny Cash Museum announced the passing of Tommy Cash, and no cause of death was mentioned.
  • Tommy Cash is remembered as a loyal supporter of the Johnny Cash Museum and a respected member of the music industry, with several Top 10 tracks.
  • He was celebrated for carrying on the Cash legacy through his performances around the world even after his brother Johnny Cash passed away in 2003.
  • Australian actor Alexander 'Lex' Marinos passed away at age 75 after a twenty-year battle with cancer.
  • Lex Marinos was famous for his role as Bruno 'The Wog' Bertolucci in the iconic Australian sitcom Kingswood Country.
  • He advocated for diversity in Australian entertainment and was among the first non-Anglo actors on Aussie TV.
  • He continued to work until his death and was honoured with an Order of Australia Medal in 1994 for his services to the performing arts. An exhibition about his life, The Lex Factor: From Wagga to the World Stage, is planned at Wagga Wagga's Museum of the Riverina.

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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RIP both these men. loved kingswood country, very down to earth and no offence taken by whatever was said or done in the show by the majority of viewers. The end of a generation for the Cash family, I don’t think the next generation have got the same level of talent.
 
RIP both these men. loved kingswood country, very down to earth and no offence taken by whatever was said or done in the show by the majority of viewers. The end of a generation for the Cash family, I don’t think the next generation have got the same level of talent.
Johnny Cash has been a favourite entertainer of mine for over 50 years. He was described as a "country and western" artist. Nothing further from the truth!
 
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I aways made sure I was home to watch good old "Kingswood Country". The antics of Ted, with his ongoing problems with the "Nuns", the "Wog" & the "Purple Valiant" were memorable. You had to feel for "Thelma".
The daughter, was her name, 'Rita" ? The cast of 4 were totally incredible & filled the bill just right.

You had to laugh when he came inside, he always had a "Grumble" & complained just about everything under the sun, grabbed his can, the paper, and sat in his favourite lounge chair, still grumbling & mumbling.

Memories of a tv show never to be forgotten.
 
Many great memories of Kingswood Country. They don't make comedy like that anymore.

In today's 'politically correct world' terms in that show wouldn't be allowed.
What would the critics say today about Neville The Concrete Aboriginal on the front lawn l wonder?

Do you remember the first episode of 'You Can't See Around Corners', with the couple on the ground & his hand went up her skirt? The things we used to get away with then.
 
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Dopey me, I totally forgot, the medical student son with his companion the "Skeleton", & of course, "Concrete Neville" out on the front lawn. Thanks for the reminder.
 
Sorry to hear about the passing of Lex Marinos he was such a good actor and kept me laughing for hours in his role of Ted Bullpitt's so-in-law in Kingswood Country. He was such a good actor and I had no idea he had suffered so much with his health. My condolences to his family and thanks for lending him to us in his comedy roles.
 

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