Rachel Ward became a household name after starring in the 1983 hit series The Thorn Birds. Decades later, fans are still captivated by her beauty and grace, marveling at how little she seems to have changed. But Ward’s life is more than just her Hollywood success. It’s a story of love, family, and enduring happiness, all of which began on the set of The Thorn Birds.
It was during filming that Ward met Bryan Brown, her co-star and eventual husband. While their initial connection wasn’t particularly romantic—Ward admitted it wasn’t love at first sight—their relationship quickly deepened. Just months after the series wrapped, the two were married in a ceremony held at Ward’s childhood home.
Their 40-year marriage is a rarity in Hollywood, marked by mutual respect, humor, and shared passions. Brown often jokes about their relationship, once saying that his decision to marry Ward came after a serious argument during a trip to Ireland. He figured if they were going to fight so much, they might as well do it as a married couple.
Together, Ward and Brown have raised three children: Rosie, Matilda, and Joe. Each of them has found success in the entertainment industry, with Joe gaining recognition for his acting roles, Matilda branching out into directing, and Rosie appearing in acclaimed productions like See How They Run. In 2019, their daughter Matilda gave them their first grandchild, Zan, a moment Brown lovingly witnessed despite originally having no plans to be in the delivery room.
Ward continues to inspire admiration not only for her professional achievements but also for her personal life. Fans recently celebrated her appearance at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, praising her timeless elegance and recalling her iconic role as Meggie. For Ward, however, life’s greatest joy lies in her family.
