Ray Meagher, a star of Home and Away, has at last given viewers a peek into his private wedding.
The 78-year-old actor, who is well known for keeping his personal affairs secret, published a number of never-before-seen pictures from his marriage to Gilly Meagher in 2010.
As he and his wife and stepdaughter Rebecca appeared on Channel Seven’s This is Your Life, Ray claimed it had been a “very huge” year for him.
Of course, [the highlight] was marrying Gillian!’ Ray said as the audience applauded.
He then turned to his wife and said, ‘I love you, darling.’
In secret, Ray wed Gilly, a former nurse, in Sydney twelve years ago, the same year he won a Gold Logie and made an appearance in the West End production of Priscilla.
Gilly gave a description of the preparations that went into the event as the show unveiled previously unreleased images from their special day.
The 78-year-old actor, who is notoriously private about his personal life, shared several never-before-seen photos from his nuptials with wife Gilly Meagher in 2010
She informed host Melissa Doyle that there were no guests present at the wedding.
“I did flowers and catering.” I thus only had a cheese platter and a vase of flowers. After that, we headed out to eat.
Ray said, “It was a beautiful day.
Gilly has previously stated that she would rather remain anonymous while Ray appears on television on weeknights.
On This Is Your Life, she commended her husband’s work ethic and discussed how difficult it was for him to give up acting after undergoing life-saving triple bypass surgery in 2019.
She remarked, “That happened all very, very rapidly.”
But after four weeks, he was ready to return to work because he was exercising at home and walking for an hour on his own.
“Do you think you would be able to write me into a sort of hospital scene where I can sleep in a bed?” he asked over the phone to Home and Away.” Gilly continued.
In the episode airing on Tuesday, Chris Hemsworth, 39, and Kate Ritchie, 43, who played Ray’s former co-stars on Home and Away, honoured him and brought Ray to tears.
Chris paid Ray a touching and humorous tribute through video link, saying that Ray had always been a terrific friend and role model for him.
Chris referred to Ray Meagher as “the patriarch of Australian television, a living icon, and my hero.”
What can I say, Mate? When I first met you, you were surrounded by a lovely glow. White birds are circling your head. Eagles might have been among them.
We drew nearer as our eyes met. I inhaled deeply, [thinking] that guy probably doesn’t give hugs. Chris stated, “I raised my hand… and sprinted off towards the costume department.
“Because, mate, I had lost my nerve. But as it turned out, you approached me and told me, “You’re going to do great here.” Throughout my entire career, you have been a supporter. I really appreciate it, friend. I cherish you. You and I are good friends.
When Kate Ritchie, 43, who became famous for her role as Sally Fletcher on Home and Away, revealed her own recollections, Ray was left sniffling and visibly moved. Throughout and after the homage, Ray slapped away tears.
Kate clung to Ray’s hand and stated, “Ray represents truly so much of what I learned as a person and as a performer.
We have both played those roles for such a long time that they contain a great deal of us.
So, as I looked at the video, I noticed two pals. He has seen me change from a young girl to a woman, and he is quite proud of me. So I’m happy I made you happy. I’m grateful,” she continued.
Ray gained notoriety for portraying the adored Alf Stewart on the enduring soap opera; he has been a part of the show since its inception in 1988.
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