In a heartwarming moment that’s lighting up Summer Bay and delighting Home and Away fans everywhere, beloved Aussie TV icon Ray Meagher — known to millions as

the gruff yet golden-hearted Alf Stewart — has just celebrated his 81st birthday, and his co-stars made sure it was a day he would never forget. For more than three decades,

Meagher has been the soul of Home and Away, playing Alf Stewart since the very first episode in 1988. Known for his sharp one-liners (“Stone the flamin’ crows!”), dry humour,

and unmistakable charm, Ray has become one of Australia’s most enduring television treasures. But on this special milestone, it was his off-screen family who took centre stage, showering him with love, memories, and a few emotional surprises.

A Birthday Fit for a Summer Bay Legend

Sources from the Home and Away set revealed that cast and crew secretly organized a surprise birthday celebration during filming at Sydney’s Palm Beach — the show’s iconic backdrop. When Ray arrived on set, expecting a normal day’s shoot, he was met instead by a chorus of “Happy Birthday” and a sea of familiar faces holding banners that read “81 Years Young, Alf!”

An insider shared, “Ray was genuinely taken aback. He’s not one for big fusses, but when he saw the cake — decorated with all his classic Alf Stewart catchphrases — even he got a little misty-eyed.”

Heartfelt Tributes from His Co-Stars

Fellow cast members took to social media to share touching tributes. Emily Symons, who plays Marilyn Chambers, posted a photo of her and Ray between takes, writing, “Happy Birthday to my dearest Ray — a true gentleman and the heart of Summer Bay. Thank you for all the laughter and wisdom. We adore you.”

James Stewart (Justin Morgan) also paid tribute, calling Meagher “the anchor of the show”, adding, “You’ve taught us all what professionalism and kindness look like. Here’s to many more years of flamin’ good times.”

Lynne McGranger (Irene Roberts), who has worked alongside Ray for over 30 years, shared an emotional video message, saying, “There’s only one Alf Stewart — and there’ll never be another. Love you, mate.”

Reflecting on a Remarkable Legacy

At 81, Ray Meagher remains as passionate about Home and Away as ever. In a recent interview, he reflected on his long run, saying, “When we started, I thought it’d last a couple of years. Now, it’s part of Australia’s DNA. I still love coming to work — that’s the secret.”

Producers reportedly gifted Ray a framed photo collage capturing his most iconic moments from the series — from his early days in 1988 to his heartfelt storylines with family and friends in the Bay.

Fans Celebrate Across the Globe

Fans have flooded social media with love for the veteran actor. One viewer wrote, “Ray Meagher IS Home and Away. The show simply wouldn’t be the same without him.” Another added, “Happy birthday to the legend himself — Alf forever!”

As the celebration came to an end, Ray reportedly raised a glass with his co-stars and quipped, “Flamin’ heck, I’m still here! Might stick around another few decades yet.”