‘Thorn Birds’ Star Rachel Ward Turns Heads at 65 – Still Radiant, Still in Love, and a Proud Grandma

Rachel Ward stole hearts in the 1983 miniseries The Thorn Birds—and decades later, she’s still doing it. At 65, the actress continues to impress fans not just with her timeless beauty, but also with the enduring love story she shares with her co-star-turned-husband, Bryan Brown.

Their iconic on-screen chemistry blossomed into a real-life romance during filming, but Ward admits their connection wasn’t instant. “It wasn’t love at first sight,” she once shared. Still, their attraction quickly grew, and just months after filming wrapped, the two said “I do” at Ward’s father’s estate.

Four decades later, they’re still going strong.

A Romance That Stood the Test of Time

Ward portrayed the leading lady in The Thorn Birds, while Brown played her love interest. What began as a “basic” spark between two actors turned into a marriage that’s lasted more than 40 years.

The relationship had its quirks early on. During a trip to Ireland, the couple had such a heated argument that Brown figured they might as well get married. “If we’re going to fight like this, let’s do it properly,” he quipped.

That sense of humor has been key to their longevity.

Family First

Together, the couple raised three children—Rosie, Matilda, and Joe—all of whom followed their parents into the world of acting. Rosie has appeared in Black Mirror and See How They Run, Matilda has added directing to her resume, and Joe is known for his role in Rake.

In 2019, Rachel and Bryan became grandparents when Matilda gave birth to a baby boy named Zan. Brown, ever the doting granddad, was present in the delivery room—though unintentionally.

“No one told me to leave,” he joked. “So I stayed.”

The couple had been out to dinner with Australia’s Prime Minister when Matilda went into labor, prompting a rushed drive to the hospital. Since then, the two have embraced grandparenthood with open arms and full hearts.

Ageless and Radiant at 65

In February 2023, Ward attended the premiere of her documentary Rachel’s Farm at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, posing alongside Daryl Hannah and Hilary Shapiro. Fans were quick to shower her with compliments, calling her “stunning,” “goddess-like,” and “absolutely fantastic.”

To many, she will always be Meggie from The Thorn Birds. But Ward has since built a rich life beyond that role—balancing her artistic passions, family, and love.

What’s Their Secret?

As their careers slowed, Ward and Brown embraced a slower pace, often riding horses together across the globe—from Israel to Bulgaria and back home to New Zealand. Brown picked up riding during The Thorn Birds, while Ward had loved it since childhood. The hobby became one of many shared passions.

When they’re not horseback riding, the couple enjoys cozy nights in, watching their favorite British dramas.

Brown once jokingly shared his marriage advice: “Always say yes to your wife. And if something goes wrong, just say, ‘It’s my fault.’ Life’s easier that way.”

Their affection is evident across Ward’s social media, where she often posts photos of her husband—sometimes poking fun at him, always with love. In one cheeky post, she wrote, “I’ve got my complaints, but I wouldn’t change a thing.”

And judging by the smiles, the laughter, and their growing family, it’s safe to say this Hollywood couple has figured out something truly special.