Ray Meagher Says Goodbye to Home and Away as Worsening Health Forces the Icon Into Retirement — A Heartbreaking End to an Era

After more than three decades as the beloved Alf Stewart, Ray Meagher has made the heartbreaking decision to step away from Home and Away due to declining health.
The news — confirmed on Monday morning — has rocked the Australian entertainment world and left generations of fans grieving the departure of the character who helped define the spirit of Summer Bay.

For years, Meagher has been a pillar of the show. A mentor. A presence. A voice that carried authority, humor, heart, and unmistakable Aussie grit. Now, for the first time in 36 years, the man who helped build the identity of one of Australia’s longest-running dramas is preparing for a final farewell no one was ready for.

A Quiet Battle Behind the Scenes

Sources close to the production confirm that Ray, 79, has been facing significant ongoing health issues for months, issues that gradually made filming increasingly difficult. Though always determined, always professional, always committed, those around him began noticing more frequent disappearances from set — quiet rests between takes, shorter filming days, moments where his usual energy seemed to flicker.

One insider described his struggle with heartbreaking honesty:

“Ray pushed through far longer than anyone expected. He didn’t want to let the cast down. He didn’t want to let the audience down. But the pain became too much.”

Producers reportedly encouraged him to take extended breaks, but Ray insisted on trying to continue — until doctors urged him to stop working full-time or risk further complications.

It was the one conversation he never wanted to have.

The Emotional Announcement That Broke the Cast

Ray reportedly gathered the cast and crew in the Surf Club set — the place where he delivered countless iconic “Flamin’” lines — to share the news personally.

Witnesses say the atmosphere was unlike anything they’ve ever seen.

The cameras were off. The lights dimmed. The usually bustling set fell completely silent as Ray cleared his throat, visibly emotional, and told the people he considers family:

“I’ve loved every minute of this place, but my health isn’t keeping up with me anymore… and I think it’s time.”

Many of his co-stars immediately burst into tears. Others rushed to him with hugs. Some stood frozen, unable to accept what they were hearing.

Emily Symons (Marilyn), who has worked with Ray for decades, was reportedly inconsolable. Ada Nicodemou embraced him for several minutes before whispering, “It won’t be the same without you.”

For younger cast members — many of whom grew up watching Alf Stewart long before acting beside him — the moment was surreal. They weren’t simply losing a colleague. They were losing a mentor, a father figure, and a cultural icon.

A Legacy Unlike Any Other

Ray Meagher holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-serving actor in an Australian TV soap. His portrayal of Alf Stewart shaped not only the show, but Australian television history.

From unforgettable storylines — plane crashes, fires, funerals, romances, rescues — to one-liners that became part of national vocabulary (“Stone the flamin’ crows!”), Ray’s contribution to Home and Away goes far beyond performance.

He became synonymous with Summer Bay.

He embodied it.

He carried its heart.

For many international viewers, his character was their introduction to Australian culture. For Australians, Alf Stewart felt like family — stern when needed, loyal always, flawed but fiercely loving.

Losing him marks the end of an era in every possible sense.

Producers Prepare a Farewell Worthy of a Legend

Insiders reveal the show will dedicate a special multi-episode arc to farewell Alf Stewart in a storyline that will reflect Ray’s real-life departure with dignity, warmth, and emotional depth.

Writers, many of whom grew up on Ray’s performances, are reportedly “pouring their hearts” into crafting scenes that honour:

• Alf’s legacy

• Ray’s decades of service

• The emotional bond between audience and character

One producer said:

“There will never be another Ray Meagher. Our only goal is to send him off with the respect and love he deserves.”

Whether the character’s final storyline will involve a peaceful retirement, a move away from Summer Bay, or a symbolic closing chapter has not yet been revealed — but insiders confirm the episodes will be “beautiful, heartbreaking, and unforgettable.”

Ray Speaks: “It’s Not the End, Just a Change.”

Ray released a short statement addressing his departure, expressing gratitude to the fans, cast, and crew:

“Home and Away has been my home for most of my life. I’m not saying goodbye to the people — just to the long filming days. The love and support I’ve received over the years… I’ll carry that with me forever.”

He thanked viewers for their unwavering loyalty, acknowledging that “the audience has become part of the Stewart family.”

Ray also reassured fans that he will focus on recovery and hopes to remain connected to the show in smaller ways when health allows.

The Fans React: A Nation in Mourning

Social media erupted within minutes of the announcement. Thousands of fans expressed sadness mixed with gratitude:

• “Alf Stewart IS Home and Away. I can’t believe this.”

• “The Bay won’t be the same without him. Ray is a national treasure.”

• “Thank you for the decades of laughs, tears, and heart.”

Many shared their favourite Alf quotes. Others posted nostalgic video compilations. Some simply wrote:

“Thank you, Ray.”

A Future Filled With Rest, Peace, and Legacy

While his departure marks one of the most emotional moments in the show’s history, Ray Meagher leaves behind a legacy that can never be replaced.

He gave Home and Away its backbone.
He gave Summer Bay its heart.
He gave Australia a character who became part of its identity.

And although his time on screen is ending, his influence will remain as enduring as the ocean that frames the world he helped build.

For now, Ray will focus on his health, surrounded by family, friends, and the love of millions who have welcomed him into their homes for almost four decades.

Summer Bay will never forget Alf Stewart — because Ray Meagher made him unforgettable.