It was far from guaranteed that Rachel Ward would land the role that would define her career. When she was cast as Meggie Cleary in the iconic television miniseries The Thorn Birds.
Few could have predicted the lasting cultural impact the project would have—or how profoundly it would change her personal life.
At the time, Ward was still early in her acting journey, transitioning from a successful modeling career into film and television. Yet The Thorn Birds would not only establish her as an international star but also lead her to love, family, and a new life on the other side of the world.
Decades later, Rachel Ward remains closely associated with the role of Meggie Cleary, a character whose emotional depth and resilience resonated with millions of viewers around the globe.
A Miniseries That Became a Cultural Phenomenon
If you ask a group of people to name the greatest television series of all time, you are likely to receive a wide range of answers. Television history spans countless genres and eras, and personal taste plays a significant role in how audiences remember their favorites.
Long-running series like Bonanza, Little House on the Prairie, Friends, The Sopranos, and Twin Peaks are often mentioned because they shaped entire generations of viewers. However, not all unforgettable television stories run for years.
Some of the most powerful narratives ever broadcast were told in miniseries—limited projects never meant to extend beyond a few nights, yet powerful enough to leave a lasting impression. The Thorn Birds stands firmly among these rare successes.
The Thorn Birds: A Story That Captivated Millions
First broadcast in March 1983, The Thorn Birds was a ten-hour television miniseries adapted from Colleen McCullough’s 1977 bestselling Australian novel.
The story followed the life of Meggie Cleary and her lifelong, forbidden love for Father Ralph de Bricassart, played by Richard Chamberlain.
Airing over five consecutive nights, the miniseries became an instant sensation. More than 30 million viewers in the United States alone tuned in, making it one of the most-watched television events of its time.
Audiences were drawn to its sweeping emotional storyline, complex characters, and lush Australian landscapes. Critics praised both the adaptation and the performances, and the series went on to win numerous awards, including multiple Golden Globes and Emmy Awards.
Even decades later, The Thorn Birds is still regarded as one of the most memorable television miniseries ever produced.
Rachel Ward: An Unexpected Choice for Meggie Cleary
Rachel Ward’s casting as Meggie Cleary was not an obvious decision at first. Producers spent months searching for the right actress, fully aware that the role required extraordinary range.
Meggie Cleary had to age from a romantic and innocent young woman into a hardened, reflective figure shaped by loss, sacrifice, and regret. According to producer Stan Margulies, the role demanded emotional versatility rarely found in a single performer.
“She has to go from 18 to her early 50s,” Margulies explained at the time. “From a naïve young girl to a bitter woman, and finally to someone who understands where her life changed course.”
More than 200 women were considered for the role, and around 40 actresses auditioned. When Ward finally auditioned, she didn’t approach it with theatrical exaggeration. Instead, her performance was understated and natural.
“I remember taking it seriously without acting with a capital A,” Ward later said. “It’s so subjective. I was probably just right in that moment.”
Though producers initially rated her acting lower than her appearance, they saw potential. Ward was sent to work with an acting coach, and the transformation proved successful.
From Model to Actress: Rachel Ward’s Early Life
Born on September 12, 1957, in Cornwell, Oxfordshire, England, Rachel Ward came from a well-connected family but chose a creative path early on. She attended Hatherop Castle School and later studied at the Byam Shaw School of Art in London.
At just 16 years old, Ward left school to pursue modeling. Her striking features and natural poise quickly gained attention, leading to appearances in leading fashion magazines such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Harper’s & Queen.
While modeling brought financial success, Ward sought something more fulfilling. Acting gradually became her focus, beginning with television commercials and small roles.
Her first television film appearance came in 1979 with Christmas Lilies of the Field, followed by several minor roles that helped her gain confidence in front of the camera.
The Thorn Birds and Global Recognition
Ward’s performance in The Thorn Birds marked her true breakthrough. Acting alongside Richard Chamberlain, she portrayed Meggie Cleary with vulnerability, strength, and emotional authenticity.
In 1982, Ward received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television. Chamberlain won the corresponding award for Best Actor, while the series itself earned four Golden Globes and six Emmy Awards.
Chamberlain later reflected on the show’s enduring success, noting that its emotional weight and tragic themes resonated deeply with audiences.
“It was tragedy after tragedy,” he said. “No one really won—but the characters were unforgettable.”
Self-Doubt Behind the Success
Despite public praise, Ward struggled privately with self-doubt. She had not followed a traditional acting school path, and some critics questioned her casting. A review from The New York Times described her as “miscast,” a criticism that deeply affected her.
“I felt terribly like I’d disappointed everyone,” Ward later admitted. “I felt the show succeeded despite me.”
Years later, her perspective changed. When her grown daughter watched The Thorn Birds and told her, “Mom, you were fabulous,” it became one of the most meaningful validations Ward ever received.
Looking back, Ward acknowledges that acting styles have evolved and that her natural approach may have clashed with expectations at the time.
Love Found Behind the Scenes
While Meggie’s great love story unfolded on screen with Father Ralph, the real romance happened off camera.
Bryan Brown, who played Meggie’s husband Luke O’Neill, and Rachel Ward fell in love during filming. Their chemistry was undeniable, both on set and behind the scenes.
“What happened on screen was happening off it,” Ward later explained. “That’s why it felt so real.”
Crew members noticed immediately. Richard Chamberlain recalled how Brown supported Ward emotionally during filming, helping calm her nerves and boosting her confidence.
Marriage, Family, and a New Life in Australia
Ward and Brown married just months after filming wrapped. Together, they built a life in Australia and raised three children: Rose, Matilda, and Joseph.
Australia became more than a filming location—it became home. Ward continued acting in both film and television, while also expanding her creative pursuits behind the camera.
A Career That Continued to Evolve
In 2001, Ward received another Golden Globe nomination for her role in On the Beach. Her later work included films such as Martha’s New Coat and television series including Rake, Devil’s Playground, and The Straits.
She also transitioned into directing and producing, finding fulfillment in shaping stories from behind the scenes.
In recognition of her advocacy work for disadvantaged youth, Ward was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2005.
A Legacy Shared With Her Daughter
Ward’s daughter Matilda Brown followed her parents into the film industry. Initially hesitant, Ward encouraged Matilda to study filmmaking rather than acting alone.
In 2016, mother and daughter worked together in The Death and Life of Otto Bloom, portraying the same character at different stages of life.
“We look alike,” Ward said. “And women over 40 are often invisible in film, so roles like this are rare and meaningful.”
Rachel Ward Today
Now in her mid-60s, Rachel Ward remains respected not just for The Thorn Birds, but for a career defined by growth, resilience, and creative honesty.
Her journey—from model to actress, from England to Australia, from self-doubt to self-acceptance—reflects the very themes that made Meggie Cleary unforgettable.
The Thorn Birds may have been the role of her lifetime, but Rachel Ward’s life beyond it proves that sometimes, the most meaningful success comes not from fame—but from love, purpose, and staying true to oneself.
