Irene may be gone, but Alf Stewart is eternal – Ray Meagher has just notched up 38 flamin’ years at Home and Away – and he has no firm plans to retire.
Meagher famously signed a mere six-month contract back in 1987, convinced that the show would be a short-lived experiment. Little did he know that his portrayal of the quintessential Aussie battler—complete with iconic catchphrases like “Stone the crows!” and “Flamin’ mongrel!”—would become the foundational bedrock of the series. For nearly four decades, Alf has navigated the turbulent waters of Summer Bay, surviving everything from multiple heart attacks and brain tumors to the tragic loss of his beloved wife, Martha (and her subsequent “resurrection”).
His longevity is more than just a personal milestone; it is a cultural phenomenon. As the patriarch of the Stewart family, Alf has served as a mentor to generations of runaway teens and young actors who have passed through the doors of the Summer Bay House. Meagher’s presence provides a rare sense of continuity in the ever-changing landscape of television, acting as a living link to the show’s humble beginnings.
Even at 81, Meagher shows no signs of hanging up his fishing rod. While he has occasionally taken breaks for theater roles in London’s West End, he remains fiercely loyal to the character that made him a household name. His dedication has earned him a Gold Logie and a permanent place in the hearts of viewers worldwide, proving that while faces may come and go, Alf Stewart is truly the heart and soul of the Bay.
Key Milestones in Alf Stewart’s History
| Year | Milestone |
| 1988 | Debuted in the pilot episode of Home and Away. |
| 2010 | Ray Meagher wins the Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality. |
| 2018 | Alf celebrates 30 years on screen, becoming the longest-running soap character in Australia. |
| 2026 | Meagher marks 38 years, remaining the sole original cast member. |