She was a Hollywood star, a gorgeous beauty who graced magazine covers and illuminated television screens. But after leaping to stardom, she took the shocking decision to leave it all behind, swapping the glamour of Hollywood for a tranquil life in a faraway nation. Discover how this renowned actress has evolved over the years.
This actress rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s, capturing viewers with her outstanding performances and irresistible screen presence. Born on September 12, 1957, in England, she did not merely dabble in Hollywood; she dominated it, cementing her reputation as a diverse genius.
The famous actress circa 1980 | Source: Getty Images
Her breakthrough moment came when she played Maggie Cleary in the drama miniseries “The Thorn Birds.” Her depiction of a troubled young lady in love with a priest gained her significant recognition, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television in 1984.
However, that was simply the beginning of a prosperous career. Riding the tide of “The Thorn Birds” popularity, the actress continued to score prominent parts, demonstrating her talent in a variety of genres.
“The Thorn Birds” promo photo | Source: Getty Images
She added energy to the criminal thriller “Sharky’s Machine,” embarked on action-packed escapades in “Against All Odds,” and gave a noteworthy performance in the compelling drama miniseries “Rain Shadow.”
With every new venture, she left a lasting impact, proving that she was more than just a stunning appearance; she was a formidable presence. IMDb confirms that her impressive filmography continues to grow. This diva also experimented with production and writing, expanding her artistic horizons. And her success extended beyond 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 attractiveness also made her a popular choice for magazine covers. Among the numerous highlights, gracing the cover of Vogue demonstrated her eternal attractiveness.
Not only did “The Thorn Birds” propel her profession to new heights, but it also introduced her to something even more life-altering: her soulmate. She met Bryan Brown, an Australian actor, on the set of the series. He quickly became the love of her life.
Bryan Brown and the actress on the set of “The Thorn Birds” in 1983 | Source: Getty Images
Sparks flared between the two co-stars, and in 1983, they married, marking the start of a long and joyful union.
Their love story has endured throughout the years, which is unusual in Hollywood. They’ve created a lovely family with three children: Rosie, Joe, and Matilda Brown. Despite their disparate upbringings, they struck the right balance.
The Hollywood star mayying her husband Bryan Brown at her father’s estate in 1983 | Source: Getty Images
The actress grew up in the picturesque Cotswolds as part of England’s upper class, surrounded by opulence and luxury. On the other hand, Bryan grew up in a humble, working-class household in Sydney’s gritty southwest. Their different origins did not separate them; rather, they drew them closer together.
“It was definitely opposites attract because we could not have been more opposite,” the actress once said. She described growing up in a hedonistic milieu, surrounded by money but unclear of her family’s morals
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 defined by his strong moral compass, deeply rooted in his Catholic religion, and his down-to-earth attitude towards life. “He had very strong values, from his mom, from being Catholic, from voting Labor; he was a very moral man, and I loved that,” she shared with me.
Bryan couldn’t stop gushing about what had drawn him to her. “She made me laugh a lot,” he said, reflecting on their early days. But it wasn’t simply her sense of humor that drew him in.
Bryan Brown and the actress at the 1984 Golden Globe Awards | Source: Getty Images
Bryan believes her unquenchable curiosity made her extremely unique. This combination of characteristics—his firm ideals and her curious nature—resulted in a friendship that has kept them together for almost four decades.
Despite her initial impression that Australia was “exotic and fabulous,” adjusting to life there was not as easy as she had hoped. Splitting their time between the hectic streets of Los Angeles, where she pursued her job, and the relaxed atmosphere of their new Australian home presented its own set of obstacles.
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 revealed she was still looking for her “real place” in Australia. “It’s not easy not to live where you come from,” she admitted openly.
The distance from her roots in England sometimes left her feeling disoriented. But anytime those sentiments erupted, Bryan was her rock, providing constant support.
The actress and her husband Bryan Brown at the “Staying Alive” premiere in 1983 | Source: Getty Images
And his support helped her through her worst career times. Despite gaining popularity and notoriety with “The Thorn Birds,” the series presented a complex challenge for the actress.
While the drama captivated spectators all around the world, it also drew severe criticism. She acknowledged that she really took the slaughter to heart. “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 if the negative criticism came as a surprise, the impact on her self-esteem proved the most difficult to overcome. “As an actress, you obviously need some talent,” she said. “I think you need enormous guts to have a go at it.”
The inner fortitude to resist criticism and scrutiny in the spotlight was her problem, not the guts to face the camera. “I think you need self-confidence, which I didn’t have,” she told me.
The encounter had a lasting impact. Despite being happy to have been a member of “The Thorn Birds,” the emotional toll made her hesitant of repeating the experience. “I feel honored to have been a part of it,” she explained. “But I didn’t want to repeat the experience.”
So, at the height of her career, she chose a gentler route that included stepping away from the spotlight and focusing on family life.
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Today, she lives a life far apart from the Hollywood frenzy that originally propelled her to stardom, finding joy in the simple pleasures of everyday life with Bryan on their Australian farm. But that is not all. She is now a devoted grandma who shines with delight when she sees her increasing family.
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She now spends her days tending to her farm. Her commitment to practicing and promoting sustainable agricultural and animal farming practices is evident.
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This actress is none other than Rachel, who is now 67. Although she left the Hollywood spotlight many years ago, her memory and ageless beauty continue to captivate her devotees.
Are you curious about the transformation of the former star from her dazzling days in the 1980s to the present? look at Rachel Ward’s astonishing metamorphosis throughout the years and see how she continues to shine even outside of the spotlight.
Rachel Ward on the set on “The Thorn Birds” on March 30, 1983 | Source: Getty Images
Rachel Ward in 1989 | Source: Getty Images
Rachel Ward at the Seventh Annual MTV Video Music Awards on September 6, 1990, in California. | Source: Getty Images
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
Rachel Ward at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 22, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Rachel departed Hollywood, but she has not fully disappeared from the public eye. In 2020, social media fans remarked on how beautiful the actress still seems in one of her pictures. One admirer admitted to having a crush on her during her “The Thorn Birds” days.
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“From the Thornbirds to Against All Odds, I had a huge crush on you. You are the best,” a man wrote. Another said, “You’re gorgeous.”
Rachel may have left Hollywood, but her influence on television and unwavering grace continue to reverberate with admirers. Her legacy carries on, from her meteoric climb to her current calm existence on the farm.