I’m not going into a sinkhole yet! Home and away icon Ray Meagher re-signs to star on the soap opera for another FIVE years after playing the beloved Alf Stewart for three decades
Ray Meagher has signed a five-year contract to star in Home and Away.
In a surprising revelation, the 78-year-old – who spent three decades playing the beloved Alf Stewart on the hit Channel Seven soap opera – says he never thought he would have a big future on the show.
“We had done the pilot and to be honest I was older and more cynical and convinced like most it was going to crash and burn [shows] do,” he said.
Ray Meagher has extended his contract with Home and Away for another five years
Ray told the Scottish Sun he was eventually persuaded by the producers to sign on with the show for six months – after initially turning down their offer of a two-year deal.
“I never really had a goal of years or anything like that,” he said.
“People often say, why are you staying so long?
“I think the fundamental answer is people. We have a wonderful crew and some of them have been with us almost as long as I have.”
In a surprising revelation, the 78-year-old – who spent three decades playing the beloved Alf Stewart on the hit Channel Seven soap opera – says he never thought he would have a big future on the show
Ray has been on the series since its debut in 1988.
The lovable actor was the guest of honor on Channel Seven’s reboot of This Is Your Life last October.
And a long list of former home and away stars, including Chris Hemsworth, paid tribute to the Australian showbiz legend.
Ray has been on the series since its debut in 1988. Pictured: Home and Away stars (LR) Judy Nunn, Ray Meagher, Cornelia Frances and Norman Coburn
Fighting back tears, Ray listened as Chris called him “the godfather of Australian television”.
The Thor actor appeared on Home and Away from 2004 to 2007 where he worked alongside Ray before heading to Hollywood.
Via video link, Chris shared a sweet and hilarious tribute to Ray, who he says has always been a good friend and mentor to him. “You’re my hero,” Chris told the veteran actor.
The lovable actor was the guest of honor on Channel Seven’s reboot of This Is Your Life last October (pictured).