Rachel Ward rose to fame after her memorable performance in the 1983 series The Thorn Birds, a role that left a lasting impression on fans. Now in her mid-60s, Ward continues to captivate with her timeless beauty and charm. Her journey not only brought her professional acclaim but also introduced her to Bryan Brown, the man who would become her lifelong partner.
Ward and Brown first met on the set of The Thorn Birds, where Brown played the series’ lead opposite Ward. While their initial connection wasn’t exactly love at first sight, it quickly grew into something deeper. Their on-screen chemistry blossomed into real-life romance, and just months after filming ended, the couple tied the knot. Despite their rocky beginnings, with Brown joking that they decided to marry after a serious argument during a trip to Ireland, their bond has only strengthened over the years.
The couple celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in April 2023, a testament to their enduring love. Ward often credits her marriage to Brown as one of the greatest blessings of her life. Though The Thorn Birds opened countless professional doors for her, she treasures her personal life with Brown the most.
Over the years, Ward and Brown built a beautiful family. They have three children: Joe, Rosie, and Matilda, all of whom have followed in their parents’ creative footsteps. Joe has made a mark as an actor, while Matilda has expanded her career into directing, and Rosie has appeared in notable productions like Black Mirror and Luther.
In 2019, the couple became grandparents when Matilda gave birth to their first grandchild, Zan. The birth was a memorable moment, with Brown unexpectedly staying in the delivery room alongside his daughter, recalling his presence during the births of his own children. Today, with more grandchildren, the couple cherishes their growing family and embraces every opportunity to spend time with them.
Ward, who remains active in her creative endeavors, recently gained attention for her appearance at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, where she showcased her film Rachel’s Farm. Fans couldn’t help but admire her ageless beauty, with many calling her a “goddess” and reminiscing about her iconic role as Meggie in The Thorn Birds.
