Rachel Ward, the acclaimed actress known for her role as Meggie Cleary in the classic miniseries The Thorn Birds, has responded to recent online criticism about her appearance as she embraces aging naturally. In a candid Instagram video, the 68-year-old actress expressed her views on growing older, asserting that it is a fulfilling stage of life.
Ward’s Empowering Message on Aging
Following a wave of comments suggesting she looked older than her years, Ward took to social media to address the negativity with grace. “Dear those of you who responded to the brouhaha over the trolls criticizing my appearance, I have tried to do a little better today,” she stated. She encouraged her followers to embrace aging, saying, “It’s a wonderful period of life, in your 60s. I am more fulfilled than ever and I have no regrets, leaving my youth and beauty behind.”
In her heartfelt message, she emphasized that later years should be celebrated rather than feared. “You wait until you get there. They have so many other gifts to bestow that you have no idea what they are until you get there,” she said. Ward also noted that she recognizes the societal pressures regarding youth, urging her audience to “let it go.”
Life on the Farm and Community Initiatives
Ward, alongside her husband Bryan Brown, 78, operates a beef cattle farm in Australia. The couple, who met on the set of The Thorn Birds in 1983, has maintained a close partnership both personally and professionally. In her Instagram post, she mentioned her farm’s new initiative, @Farmthru_, where customers can purchase organic products, including steaks, eggs, and pork.
Ward expressed her enthusiasm for promoting local farming, stating, “I would crawl under a rock but very keen to promote my new initiative where you can buy delicious regen steaks, chooks, eggs, pork, and lamb at a curb side hub in the Northern Beaches.” Her commitment to sustainability and health is evident as she encourages support for farmers who prioritize animal welfare and environmental balance.
The actress’s reflections on aging resonated with many fans, who flooded her comments section with supportive messages. One follower remarked, “STILL one of the most beautiful women in the world. Period,” while another noted, “Aging is an honour and a privilege that not everyone gets to experience, and you are doing it with such grace.”
Ward’s openness about aging also struck a chord with women in their 60s and 70s, with one fan praising her articulation of the joy that comes with growing older: “It’s a privilege to age whilst maintaining good health and fitness of mind body and soul.”
In addition to her advocacy for aging gracefully, Ward and Brown celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in 2023. They share three children: Rosie, Matilda, and Joe. Reflecting on their long-lasting marriage, Ward previously shared insights on maintaining a successful partnership, suggesting, “The main thing is to say yes to your wife all the time, and if anything goes wrong say, ‘It’s my fault.’”
Ward’s positive outlook on aging, combined with her dedication to family and community, showcases her multifaceted life beyond the screen. As she continues to inspire others through her words and actions, her message of acceptance and joy in the face of aging remains a powerful reminder of the beauty of life’s later stages.
In a poignant tribute earlier this year, Ward remembered her The Thorn Birds co-star, Richard Chamberlain, who passed away at the age of 90. She acknowledged his impact on her life, stating, “There are only a few people you come across in a lifetime that change the direction of your life. You were one of them and a lovely bloke to boot.”
As Rachel Ward navigates her journey through life, her story continues to resonate with many, promoting a narrative that celebrates aging with dignity and grace.
