When The Thorn Birds aired in 1983, audiences around the world were captivated by its sweeping story of love, loss, and faith. At the heart of the miniseries was the talented Rachel Ward, who brought Meggie Cleary to life and became a household name overnight.
Today, the British actress and filmmaker continues to inspire — not only for her work on screen but for her lifelong passion for storytelling and social causes.
A Rising Star with a Unique Journey
Rachel Ward was born on September 12, 1957, in Oxfordshire, England. She attended Hatherop Castle School before briefly studying art in London. However, at 16, she decided to follow her heart and pursue modeling. Her natural grace and charm soon landed her on the covers of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Harper’s & Queen.
Her early success in modeling eventually opened doors to acting. After appearing in commercials and small roles, she made her television debut in Christmas Lilies of the Field in 1979. But a few years later, a single role would transform her career forever.
Becoming Meggie Cleary
When producers began casting The Thorn Birds, they struggled to find an actress who could portray Meggie from her teenage years to adulthood. More than 200 women were considered for the part before Rachel Ward was chosen.
Producer Stan Margulies later said, “She needed to show a lifetime of change — from innocence to heartbreak to wisdom. Rachel had that rare emotional range.”
Though she was relatively new to acting, Ward impressed the team with her natural performance. “My audition wasn’t perfect,” she once recalled with a laugh, “but I had a sense of humor about it — maybe that’s what helped.”
A Role that Changed Everything
When The Thorn Birds premiered, more than 30 million Americans tuned in. The ten-hour series, based on Colleen McCullough’s best-selling novel, became one of the most beloved dramas of its time. Ward’s portrayal of Meggie earned her a Golden Globe nomination and international recognition.
Critics praised her chemistry with co-star Richard Chamberlain, who played Father Ralph. Behind the scenes, however, it was another co-star — Australian actor Bryan Brown — who would change her life forever.
Finding Love on Set
Brown played Luke O’Neill, Meggie’s husband in the series. As the cameras rolled, Ward and Brown’s connection deepened off-screen too. “What happened on set was happening in real life,” Ward once said. “That’s probably why our scenes felt so real.”
The two married just months after filming ended and have remained together ever since — a rare love story in Hollywood. They went on to have three children: Rose, Matilda, and Joseph.
Life Beyond Hollywood
Following The Thorn Birds, Ward continued acting in both film and television, including Fortress, The Big House, and On the Beach, which earned her another Golden Globe nomination. But she also found her voice behind the camera, writing, producing, and directing projects in Australia.
In 2005, she was awarded the title of Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her work promoting social justice and supporting young people in need.
A New Chapter — Family and Legacy
Today, Rachel Ward and Bryan Brown live in Australia, where they continue to work in film and television. Their daughter, Matilda Brown, has followed in their footsteps as both an actress and filmmaker.
In 2019, Ward became a grandmother when Matilda welcomed her first child, a son named Zan. “Having both my parents with me during the birth was incredibly special,” Matilda shared. “Mum was crying and cheering me on.”
Recently, Ward shared photos of her new granddaughter on social media, delighting fans who still remember her from her days as Meggie Cleary.
Still Passionate, Still Creating
Even after decades in the industry, Rachel Ward remains as creative and dedicated as ever. She continues to act and direct while mentoring younger filmmakers — proving that her talent and spirit are timeless.
As she once said, “Stories are what connect us. They remind us that every stage of life has beauty and meaning.”
Rachel Ward will always be remembered for her unforgettable role in The Thorn Birds, but her real-life story — filled with love, resilience, and creativity — is just as inspiring.
