Alf Stewart: Age, Catchphrases, and Is He Still on Home and Away

If you’ve ever tuned into Home and Away, you’ve likely heard a gruff voice yell “Stone the flaming crows!” — that’s Alf Stewart, the show’s longest-running character, portrayed by actor Ray Meagher since the soap’s first episode in January 1988. Here’s a closer look at his real age, his most iconic lines, his marriages, and whether he’s still causing trouble in Summer Bay today.

Actor: Ray Meagher · First appearance: 1988 · Age in 2024: 80 · Catchphrase: “Stone the flaming crows!”

Seven key facts about Alf Stewart, from his full name to his iconic catchphrase:

How old is Alf Stewart in real life?

• Ray Meagher was born on 4 July 1944 in Roma, Queensland Wikipedia.
• He turned 80 on 4 July 2024 Now To Love (Australian lifestyle publication).
• Meagher has portrayed Alf Stewart since 1988, making him the longest-running actor in an Australian television role IMDb (film database).

Where does Ray Meagher live now?

• Meagher is originally from Roma, Queensland, and continues to reside in Australia Wikipedia.
• He remains active in Australian film and television, with a career spanning since the mid-1970s IMDb.

The implication: At 80, Meagher shows no signs of slowing down, anchoring the show with a continuity rare in any soap opera.

What was Alf Stewart famous for?

• Alf is the patriarch of the Stewart family and a central figure in Summer Bay Wikipedia.
• He runs the local general store, Stewart’s Store, and has been a consistent presence since 1988 Home and Away Wiki (Fandom).
• His gruff but caring demeanor has made him a fan favourite across generations Joe.ie (Irish entertainment website).

What is Alf Stewart’s role in Home and Away?

• He is the longest-serving character on the show, appearing in more episodes than any other IMDb.
• Alf often serves as the moral compass of Summer Bay, dispensing advice and occasionally getting caught up in dramatic storylines Digital Spy.

Why this matters: Alf Stewart is more than a character — he is the connective tissue that ties 37 years of storylines together, giving viewers a familiar anchor amid countless cast changes.

What was Alf Stewart’s famous line?

• “Stone the flaming crows!” is Alf’s signature catchphrase, recognised by fans across the globe The Spinoff.
• Other expressions include “Flaming heck!” and “Streuth!” Joe.ie.
• The character’s sayings have become a cultural shorthand for the show itself Home and Away TikTok (social video platform).

What is the most iconic line ever?

• While many fans debate the best line, “Stone the flaming crows!” consistently tops lists and is even referenced in other media Joe.ie.

The trade-off: Catchphrases can become gimmicks, but Alf’s sayings feel organic to his character — a reflection of his no-nonsense, salt-of-the-earth personality.

Is Alf Stewart still in Home and Away?

• Yes — Ray Meagher continues to play Alf Stewart as of 2025 Digital Spy.
• Rumours of Alf’s departure have circulated over the years, particularly in 2018, but they were false Home and Away Wiki (Fandom).
• The character has never permanently left the show; even during actor holidays, Alf remains part of the narrative.

Why did Alf end so abruptly?

• Reports of an abrupt ending in 2018 turned out to be a hoax — no such storyline ever aired. The confusion likely stemmed from a temporary leave of absence.

What this means: For fans worried about losing Alf, the evidence points to him being a fixture for the foreseeable future. As long as Ray Meagher is willing, Alf Stewart isn’t going anywhere.

How many wives did Alf Stewart have?

• Alf has been married three times within the show’s storyline Home and Away Wiki (Fandom).
• His first wife, Martha Stewart, died before the series began.
• His second wife, Ailsa Stewart, was a long-running character who passed away in 2000 Wikipedia.
• A later marriage was brief and ended in separation.

The pattern: Alf’s personal life has been marked by tragedy — losing two wives has made him a sympathetic figure beneath the tough exterior.

Timeline of Alf Stewart’s key moments

Five milestones that define his journey:

The catch: The timeline shows remarkable stability — Alf has never taken a permanent break, which is almost unheard of for a soap character outside of contract renegotiations.

Clarity check: What we know and what’s fuzzy

The takeaway: While core facts about Alf Stewart are well-documented, some details remain disputed among fan sources.

What the people behind the character say

“It was some of the most harrowing scenes I’ve ever filmed.”

— Ray Meagher, discussing a 2026 hit-and-run storyline TV Week via Facebook

“This storyline is a breakthrough for Alf.”

— A Home and Away spokesperson, quoted by Digital Spy

Both quotes underscore that even after 37 years, the writers and actor are finding new emotional depth in Alf Stewart.

Summary: Alf Stewart’s place in soap history

Ray Meagher’s Alf Stewart is a rare constant in the ever-changing world of daytime television. He has outlasted cast shake-ups, behind-the-scenes controversies, and even false reports of his own departure. For fans of Australian soaps, the takeaway is simple: Ray Meagher’s Alf Stewart isn’t going anywhere, and that’s exactly what makes Summer Bay feel like home.