Rachel Ward wasn’t guaranteed the role that would change her life, but her portrayal of Meggie Cleary in the classic 1983 mini-series The Thorn Birds made television history. At the time, producers struggled to find the right actress for the emotionally complex role, but Ward ultimately proved to be the perfect choice, earning widespread praise and a Golden Globe nomination.
The ten-hour mini-series, based on Colleen McCullough’s bestselling novel, captivated more than 30 million viewers in the United States and won multiple Golden Globes and Emmy Awards. Ward starred alongside Richard Chamberlain and Bryan Brown, and while her on-screen romance with Chamberlain drew viewers in, it was Brown who captured her heart behind the scenes. The pair fell in love during filming and married shortly afterward, later welcoming three children together.
Born in England in 1957, Ward began her career as a successful fashion model before transitioning into acting. Although she initially struggled with self-doubt after receiving mixed reviews, she later embraced her performance and career journey. Over the years, she continued acting while also becoming a producer and director, building a respected career in Australia, where she and her husband settled.
Today, Rachel Ward remains passionate about storytelling and social causes. Honored with the Order of Australia for her advocacy work, she is now also a proud mother and grandmother. More than four decades after The Thorn Birds, her performance as Meggie Cleary is still remembered as one of television’s most iconic roles, cementing her legacy as a beloved actress whose career and love story began on one unforgettable set.