Born into a Greek family, Lex Marinos attended the University of New South Wales, receiving a BA with Honours in Drama. He subsequently worked in all areas of the entertainment industry as an actor and director.
A former deputy chairperson of the Australia Council, former chairperson of the Community Cultural Development Fund of the Australia Council and a board member of the Multicultural Advisory Committee for SOCOG, Marinos frequently spoke and wrote on arts and cultural diversity.
Marinos was awarded an OAM for services to the performing arts in 1994. In 2001 he was awarded a Centenary of Federation medal.