This actress was once a striking beauty, appearing on magazine covers 😮 After the massive success of The Thorn Birds, she moved away from the U.S. You might want to sit down before seeing what she looks like now at 68.

**Rachel Ward: From Meggie Cleary to a Life of Love, Resilience, and Farm Living**

Landing the role of Meggie Cleary in *The Thorn Birds* was no sure thing for Rachel Ward. The 1983 miniseries, adapted from Colleen McCullough’s bestselling novel, required an actress to portray a character aging from innocent teen to weathered woman amid forbidden love and tragedy. Over 200 were considered, 40 auditioned, but Ward’s natural, understated approach won out—despite initial doubts about her acting depth.

Broadcast over five nights in March 1983, the ten-hour epic drew over 30 million U.S. viewers (and reportedly 100 million globally), becoming one of TV’s most-watched events. Its sweeping romance between Meggie (Ward) and Father Ralph (Richard Chamberlain), set against lush Australian landscapes, earned critical acclaim, multiple Golden Globes, and six Emmys. Decades later, it remains a landmark miniseries for its emotional intensity and tragic themes—no easy wins, just unforgettable characters.

Born September 12, 1957, in Oxfordshire, England, Ward transitioned from modeling (Vogue, Cosmopolitan) to acting with small roles before her breakthrough. Her Golden Globe-nominated performance as Meggie established her as a star, though she battled self-doubt. Early critics, including The New York Times calling her “miscast,” stung deeply—“I felt the show succeeded despite me.” Validation came years later when her daughter called her “fabulous” after watching.

Off-screen, magic happened: Ward fell for co-star Bryan Brown (Luke O’Neill). Their real chemistry mirrored the on-screen passion. They married soon after filming, moved to Australia, and raised three children: Rose, Matilda, and Joseph. Australia became home—Ward continued acting in projects like *On the Beach* (another Golden Globe nod), *Rake*, and *Devil’s Playground*, while directing and producing.

In 2005, she was named a Member of the Order of Australia for advocacy for disadvantaged youth and support of the film industry. Mother-daughter collaborations with Matilda Brown, including portraying the same character at different ages in *The Death and Life of Otto Bloom* (2016), highlighted shared creativity.

Today, at 68, Ward lives a grounded life running a regenerative beef cattle farm in rural New South Wales with Brown. She embraces aging naturally, recently clapping back at trolls criticizing her “unkempt” farm appearance in a viral video: “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 appeared defiant at the 2026 AACTA Awards red carpet alongside Brown, radiating confidence.

Ward’s journey—from model to global icon, self-doubt to acceptance—mirrors Meggie’s resilience. *The Thorn Birds* defined her career, but her real legacy lies in love, family, purpose, and thriving authentically far from Hollywood’s glare.