Rachel Ward of The Thorn Birds Claps Back at Trolls Criticizing Her Looks

Rachel Ward addressed trolls who criticized her look at the age of 68, emphasizing that aging is empowering — and she embodies this truth.

The Thorn Birds actress, famed for her role as Meghan “Meggie” Cleary in the 1983 miniseries, remarked that her age is a mark of greatness after “a few fearful trolls decided to attack my rather unkempt appearance before Christmas.”

In a video shared on Instagram on Thursday, January 15, Ward mentioned that she has moved away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and is now thriving as a farmer, stating, “but I really should do my hair and put on some lipstick before appearing on social media.”

“To those who reacted to the fuss over the trolls criticizing my appearance, I attempted to look a bit better today. I ran my fingers through my hair, etc. Just to say, do not fear aging,” she stated in the clip, exclaiming that her sixties have been a “wonderful period of life.”

“I feel more fulfilled than ever and have no regrets about leaving my youth and beauty behind,” she added. “I may not be youthful, but I am a very happy camper.”

Ward, who oversees a 350-head beef cattle farm with husband Bryan Brown in Nambucca Valley, Australia, pointed out that youth is fleeting, and aging brings numerous blessings, including wisdom about what truly matters in life. (The couple celebrated 40 years of marriage in 2023. Brown and Ward tied the knot in April 1983 and are proud parents to Rosie, Matilda, and Joe.)

“Later years should be celebrated and embraced. Just wait until you get there,” shared the actress with her social media followers. “They offer so many gifts that you won’t realize until you reach that stage.”

She expressed gratitude to fans who came to her defense. “Don’t worry about me. I understand that we all have some anxiety about losing our youth and may resort to drastic measures to cling to it, but let it go,” Ward advised.

In her Instagram caption, the former Vogue model humorously mentioned that she “would crawl under a rock but [is] very eager to promote my new initiative,” referencing FARMTHRU, which is exploring a novel approach to purchasing regenerative food and groceries that are better “for your family and the planet.”

“Check it out and support farmers who balance land, animals, and your health,” she concluded her caption. “Wait until you taste the difference. Bulk buy prices.”

Ward’s husband previously revealed the secret to their long-lasting marriage, telling The Mirror, “The main thing is to always say yes to your wife, and if anything goes awry, say, ‘It’s my fault.’ If men understood that, they’d be happier.”

The lovebirds first met in 1983 while casting as husband and wife in The Thorn Birds. He even performed a palm reading on set and accurately predicted she would have three children. Brown remarked, “Yes, I did say that, but I didn’t say they would be mine!”