For many actors, Home and Away is more than just a television job — it’s a formative experience that shapes careers, confidence, and character.

For former cast member Lincoln Lewis, one unforgettable moment from his early days on the iconic Australian soap still stands out decades later —

and it wasn’t something viewers ever saw on screen. In a recent interview with news.com.au, Lewis opened up about his time in Summer Bay and revealed a powerful,

deeply personal memory involving one of the show’s most revered legends: Ray Meagher, who has portrayed Alf Stewart since the series began in 1988.

Lewis, who played Geoff Campbell on Home and Away from 2007 to 2010, reflected on the nerves, pressure, and vulnerability he felt as a teenager stepping into the high-stakes world of Australian television. What followed, he says, was a moment that shaped not only his performance — but his entire approach to acting.

A Teenager Under Pressure

When Lincoln Lewis first auditioned for Home and Away, he was just 16 years old. The son of rugby league legend Wally Lewis, he carried expectations on his shoulders long before he set foot in a casting room. Despite his famous surname, Lewis insists he felt anything but confident.

“I remember my first ever callback with Ray Meagher,” Lewis recalled. “I was terrified.”

The audition was a pivotal one — a make-or-break moment for a young actor hoping to secure his first major television role. Sitting across from Meagher, a performer with decades of experience and an intimidating on-screen presence, Lewis admits his nerves were obvious.

What happened next, however, completely changed the tone of the room.

“Take Five, Love”

Sensing the young actor’s anxiety, Meagher quietly stepped in — not as a co-star, but as a mentor.

“He could tell I was really nervous,” Lewis said. “And he turns to the casting director and says, ‘Take five, love.’”

In an industry where time is money and auditions are often brisk and unforgiving, the request was unexpected. The room paused. Cameras stopped rolling. And in those five minutes, Lewis received something far more valuable than an audition — he received a masterclass.

“Here I am, 16 years old, my first big callback,” Lewis explained, “and Ray gives me a little five-minute acting class.”

Meagher offered guidance, reassurance, and practical advice, helping Lewis ground himself in the moment rather than spiral under pressure. It was a gesture of generosity that Lewis says he has never forgotten.

“He wasn’t doing it for the cameras. It wasn’t for show,” Lewis said. “He just wanted to help me be better.”

A Lesson That Lasted a Lifetime

That brief, off-camera exchange never made it into any Home and Away episode, but for Lewis, it became one of the most defining moments of his career.

“It’s a lesson I’ll never forget,” he said. “That kindness, that willingness to lift someone else up — especially when you don’t have to.”

Lewis went on to secure the role of Geoff Campbell, a character involved in some of the show’s most emotional storylines during that era, including cult manipulation, trauma, and recovery. Looking back, Lewis credits the supportive environment — and mentors like Meagher — for helping him navigate such heavy material at a young age.

A Tribute to a Television Icon

The reflection comes at a time when Meagher’s legacy is being widely celebrated. Earlier this month, the Home and Away stalwart marked his 81st birthday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from past and present cast members.

Despite being one of the most recognisable faces in Australian television history, Meagher has always maintained a humble, understated approach to fame — something Lewis says perfectly aligns with the man he met in that audition room.

“He’s exactly who you think he is,” Lewis said. “Generous, grounded, and quietly brilliant.”

Meagher himself has previously spoken about his dislike of grand birthday celebrations, preferring low-key gatherings over lavish parties.

“I’ve always shied away from celebrations a bit,” Meagher once joked. “I’m perfectly happy to slink under the radar.”

The Culture Behind the Camera

Lewis’s story offers a rare glimpse into the unseen moments that define Home and Away — not the dramatic cliffhangers or explosive storylines, but the quiet acts of mentorship that shape young performers.

Over the years, the show has launched countless careers, from Chris Hemsworth and Margot Robbie to Isla Fisher and Heath Ledger. But Lewis’s experience highlights something deeper: a culture of support that exists behind the scenes, often unrecognised by audiences.

“People see the drama on screen,” Lewis said. “But they don’t always see the care that goes into helping young actors survive that environment.”

Life After Summer Bay

Since leaving Home and Away in 2010, Lincoln Lewis has built a diverse career across acting, presenting, and health advocacy. He has appeared in Tomorrow, When the War Began, Slide, Underbelly, and various lifestyle programs, while also becoming an outspoken advocate for mental health and fitness.

Yet despite moving on, Lewis says his time in Summer Bay — and moments like that audition — continue to influence how he approaches his work today.

“Whenever I see someone struggling, I think of Ray,” he said. “And I remember how much a small act of kindness can change everything.”

A Moment That Was Never Shown — But Never Forgotten

In an industry often criticised for its harshness and competitiveness, Lewis’s story stands as a reminder that some of the most powerful moments in television history happen far away from the cameras.

They’re not scripted.
They’re not rehearsed.
And they’re never broadcast.

But for the people who experience them, they last a lifetime.

For Lincoln Lewis, one quiet five-minute pause with a television legend became the moment he would never forget — and one that continues to define the man he is today.