Rachel Ward became a global star after playing Meggie Cleary in the 1983 mini-series The Thorn Birds. The series, based on Colleen McCullough’s novel, became a massive success, drawing over 30 million viewers and winning multiple Golden Globes and Emmy Awards.
Ward was chosen for the role after producers searched through hundreds of actresses. Although she later admitted she struggled with insecurity and criticism over her acting, her performance became iconic.
During filming, she fell in love with co-star Bryan Brown, who played Luke O’Neill. The couple married shortly after filming ended and later moved to Australia, where they raised three children.
Now 68, Ward continues working in film and television as an actress, director, and producer, while also supporting social justice causes and enjoying life as a grandmother.