Long before Lincoln Lewis became a household name through films like Tomorrow When the War Began or series such as Underbelly, he was just a 16-year-old actor nervously walking into an audition for Home and Away. What happened next would shape not only his career but his perspective on mentorship and kindness in the entertainment industry.

Lewis, who portrayed Geoff Campbell from 2007 to 2010, remains one of the show’s most memorable young characters—a rugby-playing teen whose storylines included romance, faith, and coming-of-age challenges. But behind the scenes, it was his interaction with co-star Ray Meagher (aka Alf Stewart) that made the biggest impact.

Recalling his first callback for Home and Away, Lewis said, “Ray could tell I was really nervous. He turned to the casting director and just said, ‘Take five, love.’” What followed was an impromptu acting class—Ray gently guiding the teenage Lewis through the audition, offering encouragement and advice that would stay with him forever.

“That five minutes changed everything for me,” Lewis shared. “It wasn’t just about acting. It was about believing in yourself. Ray didn’t have to help me, but he did—and I’ll never forget that.”

Now years removed from the sandy shores of Summer Bay, Lewis remains deeply connected to his Home and Away roots. Even as he travels the world as a presenter on Getaway, fans still recognize him as Geoff. And while fame can come with bizarre moments (including being asked to autograph replica weapons from films he wasn’t even in), Lincoln says he remains grounded thanks to his early experiences on set.

When he’s not working, Lincoln keeps busy with fitness and self-care. A big fan of Lululemon and Under Armour for workouts, he also never leaves home without his AirPods, Sony noise-cancelling headphones, and Burt’s Bees lip balm. But perhaps most telling is what’s in his travel reading list: The Alchemist, Manuscript Found in Accra, and most recently, The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins—recommended by his mum.

“Those books keep me grounded,” he says. “They help me reflect. Especially The Alchemist—it reminds you that your path is your own.”

As for acting, Lewis isn’t ruling out a return to Home and Away. “It’ll always have a special place in my heart,” he says. “If the timing’s right and the story makes sense, I’d love to revisit Geoff—even if just to see what became of him.”

For now, fans can find Lincoln living life with purpose, gratitude, and the same authenticity that Ray Meagher saw in him all those years ago. Whether on-screen or off, it’s clear that the lessons from Summer Bay—and Alf Stewart’s impromptu mentorship—continue to guide one of Australia’s most beloved young actors.