Actress Rachel Ward has made headlines after delivering a powerful response to online trolls who criticised her appearance upon learning she is 68 years old. The star of the iconic 1983 miniseries The Thorn Birds is better known for her decades-long, low-profile life on a farm in New South Wales with her husband, fellow actor Bryan Brown, 78.
A Love Story Forged on Set
The couple's enduring romance began on the set of The Thorn Birds in 1983, where Ward played Meggie Cleary, caught in a love triangle between characters played by Richard Chamberlain and Bryan Brown. The chemistry, however, was far from fictional. Both have openly credited an instant and undeniable sexual attraction as the initial spark.
Reflecting on that moment in a 2019 interview, Ward humorously remarked, 'He had nice pecs. I mean, you know, it's pretty chemical, isn't it? It's pretty basic.' She added, 'There's not much thought goes into it. I fancied him. You know, that was about it.'
When questioned about who made the first move, Ward playfully suggested it was her, claiming Brown was 'as slow as a wet week.' Brown, in turn, joked he was just being a 'cunning Aussie bloke' by taking his time.
Four Decades of Marriage and Family Life
Defying the fleeting nature of many Hollywood romances, Ward and Brown tied the knot just months after meeting. They have now been married for over 40 years and are parents to three children: Rosie, Matilda, and Joseph. The family has since expanded to include grandchildren.
They have made their home on a beef cattle farm in Nambucca Valley, Australia, a decision made after Ward realised Brown could never live anywhere else. Speaking to the Mirror in 2022, Brown expressed his gratitude: 'It's amazing to think Rachel and I have been married almost 40 years... I will always be more grateful to it for my 40-year marriage and family.'
Despite their long union, the pair value their independence. 'I find that I am good on my own. He's fine on his own, too,' Ward explained in a 2024 interview. 'I think it's pretty healthy after 40 years of marriage to have some time apart.'
Clapping Back with Grace and Wisdom
The recent spotlight returned to Ward not for her past fame, but for her dignified response to negative comments about her appearance. After sharing a video promoting her ethical meat initiative, Farmthru, she faced a barrage of cruel remarks from online trolls questioning her looks at 68.
Instead of ignoring them, Ward directly replied to a supporter who had defended her. 'Thanks, you dear lady, coming to my defence,' she wrote. 'I just feel sorry for those poor souls who fear ageing so much. They will learn that it's ultimate freedom as a woman to let youth and beauty go.'
She concluded with a poignant reflection on life's phases: 'It was lovely while it lasted, but so much more to life. You can't know its pleasures until you get there.' Her response has been widely praised as a powerful rebuttal to ageism and a celebration of the freedom that comes with experience.
