The Thorn Birds Actress Traded Hollywood Glamour for Farm Life, Photos of Her Stunning Transformation
She was once a Hollywood sensation — a dazzling beauty who graced magazine covers and lit up television screens. Yet, after skyrocketing to fame, she made a bold and unexpected decision: she walked away from the glitter of Hollywood to embrace a quieter life in a distant land. Now, we look back on how this beloved actress has evolved over the years.
Rising to fame in the 1980s and 1990s, this actress captivated audiences with her unforgettable performances and undeniable screen presence. Born on September 12, 1957, in England, she didn’t just dip her toes into Hollywood — she conquered it, establishing herself as a versatile and talented star.
Her breakout role came when she portrayed Maggie Cleary in the acclaimed miniseries The Thorn Birds. Her portrayal of a young woman torn between love and faith earned her widespread praise, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television in 1984.
But The Thorn Birds was just the beginning. Building on her success, the actress continued to land major roles in a variety of genres. She brought intensity to the crime drama Sharky’s Machine, embraced action-packed adventures in Against All Odds, and delivered a gripping performance in the miniseries Rain Shadow. With each new project, she proved she was more than just a pretty face; she was a force to be reckoned with. Beyond acting, she also ventured into producing and writing, further expanding her creative repertoire. Her influence wasn’t confined to the screen either.
Her beauty and talent made her a favorite for magazine covers, and gracing the cover of Vogue was a testament to her enduring appeal.
While The Thorn Birds propelled her career to new heights, it also brought something life-changing — her soulmate. On the set of the series, she met Australian actor Bryan Brown, who would soon become the love of her life. Sparks flew between the co-stars, and in 1983, they married, beginning a long and lasting partnership.
Their love story has endured through the years, a rare gem in the often tumultuous world of Hollywood. Together, they’ve raised three children: Rosie, Joe, and Matilda Brown. Despite their contrasting upbringings — she from a privileged background in England, and Bryan from a working-class family in Sydney — their differences only brought them closer.
“I guess opposites attract because we couldn’t have been more different,” the actress once said, reflecting on their bond. Growing up in the affluent Cotswolds, she was surrounded by wealth but struggled with her family’s values. In contrast, Bryan, a man of strong moral principles shaped by his Catholic faith, offered her a grounding presence. “He had strong values,” she recalled, “and I loved that.”
Bryan, in turn, was drawn to her wit and curiosity. “She made me laugh a lot,” he fondly reminisced about their early days. “But it was her curiosity that really got me.” These traits — his solid moral compass and her inquisitive spirit — created a bond that has lasted more than four decades.
Though she initially found Australia “exotic and fabulous,” adjusting to life there wasn’t as smooth as she had hoped. The contrast between bustling Los Angeles, where she pursued her career, and the laid-back charm of their Australian farm posed its own challenges. Even after raising her children there, she admitted that she still felt disconnected from her English roots. “It’s not easy not to live where you come from,” she confessed. But in those moments, Bryan was her unwavering support, helping her through the toughest times.
Despite achieving fame with The Thorn Birds, the success also brought harsh criticism that took a toll on her. “When I got slaughtered, I really took it to heart,” she admitted. “I never really got my confidence back after that.” The emotional impact was deep, and while she was proud of her role, she admitted that the experience made her wary of repeating it. “I feel honored to have been part of it,” she said, “but I didn’t want to repeat the experience.”
And so, at the peak of her career, she made the decision to step away from the limelight, choosing instead to focus on her family life.
Today, she lives a peaceful, fulfilling life far removed from the Hollywood frenzy. On her farm in Australia, she tends to her crops and animals, dedicated to sustainable farming methods. Now 67, she is also a doting grandmother, delighting in her growing family.
Although she left the Hollywood spotlight years ago, Rachel Ward’s legacy still resonates with fans. Her timeless beauty and incredible transformation over the decades continue to inspire. Take a look back at her journey, from her dazzling days in the 1980s to her present life, and witness how Rachel Ward continues to shine — even outside the limelight.
1980s
Rachel Ward on the set of The Thorn Birds in March 1983 | Source: Getty Images
Rachel Ward in 1989 | Source: Getty Images
1990s
Rachel Ward at the Cannes Film Festival in May 1990 | Source: Getty Images
Rachel Ward at the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards | Source: Getty Images
2000s
Rachel Ward in a studio shoot, August 31, 2005, Sydney, Australia | Source: Getty Images
Rachel Ward at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival | Source: Getty Images
2010s
Rachel Ward at the 66th Sydney Film Festival on May 8, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Rachel Ward at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 22, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
2020s
Though Rachel has stayed out of the Hollywood spotlight, her social media presence continues to captivate fans. In 2020, followers marveled at her timeless beauty, with one fan even recalling their crush on her from her The Thorn Birds days.