She was a Hollywood sensation — a stunning beauty who dominated magazine covers and lit up television screens. But after skyrocketing to fame, she made a surprising decision to walk away from it all, trading in the glitter of Hollywood for a quiet life in a far-off land. See how this beloved actress has transformed over the years.
This actress became a household name in the ’80s and ’90s, captivating audiences with her incredible performances and undeniable screen presence. Born on September 12, 1957, in England, she didn’t just dabble in Hollywood — she conquered it, solidifying her status as a versatile talent.
The famous actress circa 1980 | Source: Getty Images
Her breakout moment came when she took on the role of Maggie Cleary in the drama miniseries “The Thorn Birds.” Her portrayal of a tormented young woman in love with a priest earned her widespread acclaim, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television in 1984.
But that was only the start of a flourishing career. Riding the wave of “The Thorn Birds” success, the actress continued to land major roles, showcasing her talent in diverse genres.
“The Thorn Birds” promo photo | Source: Getty Images
She brought intensity to the crime drama “Sharky’s Machine,” took on action-packed adventures in “Against All Odds,” and delivered a memorable performance in the gripping drama miniseries “Rain Shadow.”
She left an indelible mark with each new project, proving that she was more than just a pretty face — she was a powerhouse. Per IMDb, her impressive filmography doesn’t stop there. This star also tried her hand at producing and writing, adding even more strings to her creative bow. And her success wasn’t just limited to the big screen.
The actress on the set of the 1984 action movie, “Against All Odds” in Los Angeles, California, July 1983. | Source: Getty Images
Her talent and beauty also made her a favorite for magazine covers. Among the many highlights, gracing the cover of Vogue was a testament to her timeless appeal.
Not only did “The Thorn Birds” elevate her career to new heights, but it also led her to something even more life-changing — her soulmate. She crossed paths with Bryan Brown, an Australian actor, on the set of the series. He soon became the love of her life.
Bryan Brown and the actress on the set of “The Thorn Birds” in 1983 | Source: Getty Images
Sparks flew between the two co-stars, and in 1983, they sealed their romance with a wedding that marked the beginning of a long and enduring marriage.
Over the years, their love story has stood the test of time, a rarity in Hollywood. Together, they’ve built a beautiful family, welcoming three children: Rosie, Joe, and Matilda Brown. Despite their different upbringings, they found a perfect balance.
The Hollywood star mayying her husband Bryan Brown at her father’s estate in 1983 | Source: Getty Images
The actress, raised in the comforts of England’s upper class in the idyllic Cotswolds, came from a world of privilege and luxury. On the other hand, Bryan hailed from a modest, working-class family in Sydney’s gritty southwest. Their contrasting backgrounds didn’t pull them apart; it brought them closer together.
“It was definitely opposites attract because we could not have been more opposite,” the actress once shared. She recalled growing up in a hedonistic environment, surrounded by wealth but feeling unsure about her family’s values.
The actress attending the 54th Annual Academy Awards on March 29, 1982, at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Then Bryan entered her life — a man shaped by his strong moral compass, deeply rooted in his Catholic faith, and with a down-to-earth approach to life. “He had very strong values, from his mum, from being Catholic, voting Labor, he was a very moral man and I loved that,” she said.
Bryan himself couldn’t help but gush about what drew him to her. “She made me laugh a lot,” he revealed, reminiscing about their early days. But it wasn’t just her sense of humor that caught his attention.
Bryan Brown and the actress at the 1984 Golden Globe Awards | Source: Getty Images
According to Bryan, her insatiable curiosity made her truly special. This mix of traits — his steadfast principles and her inquisitive spirit — created a bond that has kept them together for over four decades.
Adjusting to life in Australia wasn’t as seamless as she had imagined, despite initially finding the country “exotic and fabulous.” Splitting their time between the bustling streets of Los Angeles, where she pursued her career, and the laid-back charm of their new Australian home, posed its own set of challenges.
The actress and her husband Bryan Brown at the “Staying Alive” premiere in 1983 | Source: Getty Images
Even after raising their children there, the actress admitted she still struggled to find her “real place” in Australia. “It’s not easy not to live where you come from,” she reflected candidly.
The distance from her roots in England often left her feeling adrift. But whenever those feelings surfaced, Bryan was her rock, standing by her side with unwavering support.
The actress and her husband Bryan Brown at the “Staying Alive” premiere in 1983 | Source: Getty Images
And it was his encouragement that helped her navigate some of the toughest moments in her career. Despite achieving fame and recognition with “The Thorn Birds,” the series also became a double-edged sword for the actress.
While the drama captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, it also brought her harsh criticism that cut deep. “When I got slaughtered, I really took it to heart,” she admitted. “I never really got my confidence back after that.”
The actress on the set of “The Thorn Birds” on March 27, 1983 | Source: Getty Images
Even though the negative feedback came as a shock, the impact on her self-esteem proved the hardest to overcome. “As an actress, obviously you need a bit of talent,” she explained. “I think you need enormous guts to have a go at it.”
For her, the courage to face the camera was not the issue — it was the inner strength to withstand the judgment and scrutiny that comes with being in the public eye. “I think you need self-confidence, which I didn’t have,” she added.
The actress at The Directors Guild of America in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
The experience left a lasting impression. Although proud to have been a part of “The Thorn Birds,” the emotional toll made her wary of repeating the experience. “I feel honored to have been part of it,” she shared. “But I didn’t want to repeat the experience.”
And so, at the peak of her career, she chose a quieter path that involved stepping out of the limelight and focusing on family life.
Today, she lives a life worlds apart from the Hollywood frenzy that first made her a star, finding fulfillment in the simplicity of everyday moments with Bryan on their farm in Australia. But that’s not all. Now a doting grandmother, she beams with pride at the sight of her growing family.
Her days are now filled with tending to her farm. The actress-turned-farmer dedicated herself to practicing and promoting sustainable methods in crop cultivation and animal farming.
This actress is none other than Rachel, now 67. Although she stepped away from the Hollywood spotlight many years ago, her legacy and timeless beauty still leave a lasting impression on her fans.
Curious to see how the former star has evolved from her dazzling days in the 1980s to the present? Take a look at her incredible transformation through the decades, and witness how Rachel Ward continues to shine, even outside the limelight.
1980s
Rachel Ward on the set on “The Thorn Birds” on March 30, 1983 | Source: Getty Images
Rachel Ward in 1989 | Source: Getty Images
1990s
Rachel Ward at the Cannes Film Festival in May 1990, France | Source: Getty Images
Rachel Ward at the Seventh Annual MTV Video Music Awards on September 6, 1990, in California. | Source: Getty Images
2000s
Rachel Ward poses during Studio shoot on August 31, 2005, in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
Portrait of Rachel Ward at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival on September 11, 2009, in Toronto, Canada. | Source: Getty Images
2010s
Rachel Ward at the 66th Sydney Film Festival Program Launch on May 8, 2019, in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
Rachel Ward at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 22, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
2020s
Although Rachel left Hollywood, she hasn’t completely been out of the public eye. In 2020, social media users commented on how stunning the actress still looks in one of her posts. One fan even confessed to having a crush on her during her “The Thorn Birds” days.
“I had such a crush on you from the Thornbirds to Against All Odds. Your the best[sic],” the person wrote. Another gushed, “You’re [sic] gorgeous ❤️🏝🎄🥂.”
Rachel may have stepped away from Hollywood, but her impact on television and enduring grace continue to resonate with fans. From her rise to stardom to her now quiet life on the farm, her legacy lives on.