Where Is Rachel Ward Now? The Thorn Birds Star Breaks Silence After Viral ‘Then and Now’ Debate

Rachel Ward, best known for her iconic role in The Thorn Birds, has responded to renewed public attention after a recent video sparked widespread discussion about aging, beauty standards, and life beyond Hollywood. The 68-year-old actress found herself trending online when viewers began comparing her present-day appearance to her glamorous screen image from the 1980s.

Unlike many Hollywood figures still immersed in the industry’s obsession with youth and perfection, Ward has long stepped away from the spotlight. She currently lives in New South Wales, Australia, where she and her husband, actor Bryan Brown, run a regenerative beef cattle farm. A promotional clip shared from the farm during the holiday season unexpectedly went viral, drawing both praise for her natural look and criticism from those questioning her choice to age without cosmetic intervention.

According to People, Ward was taken aback by the scale of the reaction. On January 15, 2026, she shared a follow-up video thanking supporters who defended her and used the moment to encourage a healthier conversation around aging. Addressing the criticism directly, she said:

“Do not fear aging. It’s a wonderful period of life. I am more fulfilled than ever, and I have no regrets leaving my youth and beauty behind. Later years are to be exalted and welcomed. They have so many other gifts to bestow.”

Ward’s current life stands in sharp contrast to her years as one of television’s most recognisable faces. In 2023, she documented her transition from actress to environmental advocate in the film Rachel’s Farm, highlighting her commitment to regenerative agriculture and sustainability. Though she has largely withdrawn from Hollywood, she remains active in social and environmental causes.

Born on September 12, 1957, in England, Ward rose to international fame as Meggie Cleary in the 1983 miniseries The Thorn Birds, earning a Golden Globe nomination. Her acting career included films such as Against All Odds, Sharky’s Machine, and Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid, before she later shifted toward directing and screenwriting.

In her personal life, Ward has been married to Bryan Brown for over four decades. The couple met while filming The Thorn Birds, married in 1983, and share three children. Today, they continue to live a quiet, grounded life in Australia—far removed from Hollywood, but firmly rooted in purpose.