The first episode of Home and Away aired 36 years ago today and catapulted a number of Australian actors to global stardom – but where are these pilot stars now?
Australia’s staple soap Home and Away has been on screens for 36 years.
First airing in January 1988, fans were introduced to the fictional town of Summer Bay and it’s residents. The soap initially focused on the Fletcher family – Tom and Pippa and their five foster children, who moved from the city to the fictional seaside town in New South Wales.
Also making an appearance in the first episode was Ray Meagher, who still plays Alf Stewart to this day. Over the years, the soap has become one of Australia’s most loved shows.
To celebrate 36 years of Home and Away, Daily Star has looked at where the original cast are now. From quitting fame to drink driving charges, there has been plenty of drama.
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Ray Meagher
Veteran actor Ray Meagher is regarded as soap royalty. It hasn’t always been easy for him, however, as he’s had his fair share of health woes. In 2019, Ray was rushed to hospital with discomfort in his chest. Doctors found three serious blockages in his coronary artery and he underwent a triple heart bypass followed by another op seven months later. 1 of 14
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Ray Meagher
Despite the invasive surgery, Ray refused to slow down and was back at work eight weeks later. The actor married former nurse Gilly in a secret wedding ceremony in 2010. In 2023, he wont the Silver Logie for Most Popular Actor (Image: PR)2 of 14
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Roger Oakley
New Zealand-born actor Roger Oakley rose to fame as Tom Fletcher from 1988 until 1990, reprising his role in 2008 for a special appearance. After bidding farewell to Summer Bay, he achieved acclaim for roles including in the stage production of My Fair Lady, Sleeping Dogs and My Year Without Sex (Image: Seven)3 of 14
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Roger Oakley
The 80-year-old even appeared in rival soap Neighbours as Jim Parker in 2008. As well as an actor and theatre performer, Rodger is also a director and voice-over, with a career spanning more than 55 years. As of 2023, he remains active in the industry, starring as Father Terrance in TV series Deadloch (Image: Seven)4 of 14
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Vanessa Downing
Vanessa Downing is best known for playing matriarch Pippa Fletcher, landing the role while appearing in an accapella singing group, The Madgrials, at the Sydney Opera House. The star beat number of actresses for the part, including future Neighbours star Jackie Woodburne (Image: Seven)5 of 14
