Rachel Ward’s journey from her iconic role in “The Thorn Birds” to her enduring love story with Bryan Brown and her continued success in Hollywood is an example of resilience, dedication, and timeless beauty. As she moves gracefully into her mid-60s, Ward remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with her talent and charm. Beyond his professional achievements, Ward’s personal life is a testament to the power of love and family. With a marriage spanning more than four decades, Ward and Brown have built a solid foundation based on mutual respect, understanding, and shared experiences. Their children, Joe, Rosie, and Matilda, followed in their footsteps, embracing acting and filmmaking while adding to the family legacy. Now grandparents, Ward and Brown cherish every moment spent with their growing family, finding joy in simple pleasures like horseback riding and cozy evenings at home. As they continue to inspire others with their enduring love and zest for life, Rachel Ward and Bryan Brown remain the epitome of timeless elegance and unwavering dedication.
After her appearance in “The Thorn Birds” in 1983, American actress Rachel Ward became famous.
Although she is already over sixty, viewers do not believe that anything has changed about her since the premiere of the series.
Ward gained both fame and admiration from the series. On the set of the production, Ward and her husband first bonded and their romance soon grew.
But according to the actress, it wasn’t love at first sight.
Bryan Brown portrayed the main character of the series, Ward, and she was married to him. Despite initially having a “core” interest, their relationship developed into a love affair that led to the couple’s marriage in real life.
After forty years of marriage, Brown and Ward are still as in love as they were in the beginning. A few months after filming on “The Thorn Birds” ended, they got married.
Although Ward acknowledges that the show has given her numerous job opportunities and other significant experiences, her continued marriage to Brown is what she is most grateful for and proud of.
On one occasion, Brown offered to read Ward’s palm while the couple was on set. He informed her that she would have three children if she consented. He then joked:
“Yes, that’s what I said. I didn’t claim ownership of them though.”
Brown gave a somewhat unusual explanation for why she wanted to marry Ward. When they fell out, it was because the two went to Ireland together to meet Brown to film “Give My Regards to Wall Street.”
According to Brown, the fight was quite serious, and he decided that since they were so at odds with each other, it would be best if they married.
They married at Ward’s boyhood home before relocating to Sydney, Australia.
On April 16, 2023, the couple marked their 40th wedding anniversary and revealed the keys to their long and happy union. At 65, Ward also flaunted her timeless beauty.
What kind of family does Ward have and what does he look like at 65?
On February 18, 2023, Ward posted a photo of herself at the premiere of her film “Rachel’s Farm” at the Santa Barbara Film Festival alongside Hilary Shapiro and Daryl Hannah.
While some fans were excited to see Ward in the movie, others were amazed at how amazing she still looked at 65 years old.
Some referred to her as a “goddess”, while others called her “fantastic”.
Some admirers commented that Meggie from ‘The Thorn Birds’ will always be in their thoughts, with one fan gushing:
“Rachel, you are absolutely amazing!”
When Ward wasn’t producing movies or building her reputation in Hollywood, she was raising a family with her husband. The couple have a son named Joe and two daughters, Rosie and Matilda.
All three children adopted acting careers similar to those of their parents. Although Joe, 31, is known for his roles in ‘Let’s Talk About’ and ‘Rake’, there are no other films that we know of that he has starred in.
In addition to acting, Matilda (36) broadened her horizons to include directing. In addition to starring in “Let’s Talk About,” she has credits in “How God Works” and “Lessons from the Grave.” Rosie, Ward’s oldest child, is 39 and has appeared in “Black Mirror,” “Luther” and “See How They Run.”
The couple, Ward and Brown, are very happy with all their children, and in 2019 their daughter Matilda gave them their first grandchild. Zan, a small child, was born in a room with his grandfather present. When asked why he chose to stay and witness the birth, Brown replied:
“No one in the delivery room told me to get out, so I didn’t.
Only Ward was supposed to be in the room when Zan was born, so his grandparents were surprised by his birth. While dining with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the pair received distressing messages from Matilda.
The couple rushed to the hospital after realizing she was in labor.
When they got there, Brown stood behind his daughter and soothed her head. He thought he should be present at the birth of his grandson as he had witnessed the birth of all his children.
The couple now have more grandchildren and cherish every opportunity to spend time with them. When Brown is forced to spend time apart from his family, as he did while filming the movie during COVID, he experiences intense longing.
However, Brown and Ward cherish every moment they get to spend with their family and are thankful that everyone is doing well.
Fans often wonder how they managed to stay happy and in love for so long, given the beauty of their family. Each time, the couple answers the question with ease.
What is the key to Ward and Brown’s marriage?
As their children have settled down and their jobs have slowed down, Brown and Ward now have fewer responsibilities and more time to spend together.
Horseback riding allows Ward and Brown to fully enjoy their newfound independence.
The couple shared a common interest in horse riding, as Brown took up the sport while filming “The Thorn Birds” and Ward had been riding horses since childhood.
Brown and Ward planned horseback riding trips closer to home in New Zealand, in addition to riding in Bulgaria, Canada, and Israel.
The couple likes to curl up in front of the TV and watch their favorite British series when they are not traveling the world on horseback. But besides watching TV and riding horses, there are other things that keep their marriage intact.
Brown jokingly discussed what he believed contributed to the couple’s long marriage:
“The most important thing is to always say yes to your wife and take responsibility for any mistakes you make. Men would be happier if they knew that.
The couple often appear on Ward’s Instagram page, looking happy and very much in love, so Brown’s concept seems to be working. In 2019, Ward posted a picture of her husband sitting in a cozy chair in the middle of greenery, pointing at her.
I’m glad he’s still fully clothed, she said as she filmed her husband’s middle finger for the Women’s Weekly Centre.
She also uploaded a ton of photos of herself and her husband from major occasions.
On social media, Ward likes to brag about Brown. He once shared a picture of Brown with his shirt unbuttoned, his hair unkempt, and a semi-precious necklace. She joked: “I have my complaints, but I wouldn’t change a thing.” What an amazing couple!
In addition to embodying the essence of enduring love, Rachel Ward and Bryan Brown’s journey serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration in a world often filled with uncertainty. Their unwavering devotion to each other, coupled with their commitment to nurturing a loving family, exemplifies the profound impact of true connection and mutual respect. As Ward and Brown navigate life’s highs and lows, Ward and Brown’s ability to find joy in each other’s company and embrace new adventures together underscores the importance of fostering a strong emotional bond built on trust, communication, and unwavering support.
Additionally, Ward’s continued presence in the spotlight at 65 serves as a reminder that age is just a number and true beauty transcends the superficial limitations of youth. Her grace, poise, and timeless elegance not only defy societal expectations but also challenge the perception of aging in an industry that is often biased toward youth. Through her professional and personal journey, Ward inspires individuals of all ages to embrace their unique qualities, celebrate their journey through life, and find fulfillment in relationships and experiences that bring meaning and joy.
Rachel Ward and Bryan Brown’s enduring love story and Ward’s continued success ultimately serve as a testament to the transformative power of love, resilience, and authenticity. As they navigate the complexities of marriage, parenthood, and grandparenthood, their unwavering bond reminds them that true happiness lies in the simple moments shared with loved ones. In a world marked by constant change and uncertainty, Ward and Brown’s unwavering commitment to one another offers a beacon of hope and a timeless reminder of love’s enduring power to overcome all obstacles.