"Stone the crows": Who made Ray "Alf" Meagher cry
Home and Away legend Ray Meagher has broken down on Channel Seven's This Is Your Life after a series of emotional tributes.
The 78-year-old actor was discussing his life and career at Summer Bay when his past co-stars surprised him with endless praise for his role as Alf.
The first tribute came from Chris Hemsworth, who thanked Ray in a pre-recorded message for his kindness and support during Chris's time on Home and Away.
“Ray Meagher, godfather of Australian television, Australian icon, a flaming legend, my hero. Mate, what can I say?” he began.
“I remember very vividly the first time I walked onto a Home and Away set, the first time I met you. I was teaming with excitement and nerves — mostly about meeting you, the man, the myth, the legend."
“The moment arrived. I remember the doors busting open, and there you were down the end of the hallway, silhouetted by the sun, bathed in glorious light.
“We locked eyes, we got closer. I took a big deep breath and I thought, ‘He’s probably not a hugger’. I lifted my hand…and dived off into the costume department because I had lost my nerve.”
The audience chuckled at the Thor star’s hilarious recollection, but his next admission left Ray fighting back tears.
“Sure enough, you came up to me and you said, ‘Chris, wonderful to meet you. You’re gonna do great here’. You were kind, genuine and supportive, and you’ve remained that through my entire career. Thank you so much buddy, I love you. You’re a dear friend.”
Already overcome with emotion, Ray was presented with another surprise.
Kate Ritchie, who played the role of Sally Fletcher on Home and Away for 20 years alongside Ray, walked onto the set and embraced her co-star.
The pair watched a set of Home and Away scenes from 1990-2008, finishing with their on-screen goodbye at Palm Beach.
“Ray is really so much of what I learned as a person, but also as a performer,” she began, before grabbing Ray’s hand.
“And for both of us, we’ve played those characters for such a long time, that it is inevitable there is so much of us within them."
“When I watch that footage…I actually see two friends. He’s watched me grow from a girl into a woman, and he’s really proud of me. So I’m glad I’ve made you proud, thank you."
The Aussie icon told his former co-star that he’s still proud of her to this day, and his words "still stand".
“You mean a lot to me Ray, you know that,” Kate added, causing Ray to wipe his tears away with a tissue.
Ray has played Alf Stewart since 1988 and currently holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-serving actor in an Australian series.
His appearance on This Is Your Life moved many Home and Away fans online, with floods of people sharing their gratitude for the veteran actor.
"So emotional, tears are flowing. Congratulations Ray!! What a fantastic life!! You’re a wonderful man and a great actor,” one wrote on social media.
“Crying happy tears. It was so lovely to see Ray (Alf) get recognised like this. ‘Stone the crow’ as he would say. I hope he keeps going on the show,” a second added.
Image credits: Seven