Rachel Ward, the beloved Thorn Birds star, has responded to harsh criticism of her appearance after promoting her ethical meat initiative, Farmthru, on social media.
The 68-year-old actress, known for her iconic role as Meggie Cleary, shared a heartfelt post on Instagram last month thanking customers for their support of her Australian beef cattle farm throughout 2025.
Unfortunately, her words of gratitude were met with a wave of unkind comments from some followers.
Cruel Comments on Social Media Spark a Response
It didn’t take long for Rachel’s post to attract a flurry of negative remarks.
One user, seemingly shocked by her appearance, commented, “I read she’s 68.
Looks way older! I’m 62 and can’t believe she’s only a few years older than me.”
Another person wrote, “OMG, what the hell happened to you? You were so pretty???” A third commenter took aim at Rachel’s aging process, accusing her of “years of neglect.”
The cruel comments clearly didn’t go unnoticed.
However, Rachel wasn’t one to let the negativity slide.
Her fans quickly jumped to her defense, with one commenter saying, “For God’s sake, horrible comments—she was, is beautiful and doing an incredible job.”
In response to this, Rachel shared her thoughts, writing, “I just feel sorry for those poor souls who fear aging so much.
They will learn that it’s ultimate freedom as a woman to let youth and beauty go.”
Embracing Aging with Grace
Rachel’s reply was a poignant reminder that she embraces the changes that come with age.
She reflected on how beautiful youth can be, but also on the greater joys and wisdom that life brings as we grow older.
“It was lovely while it lasted, but so much more to life,” she said. “You can’t know its pleasures until you get there.”
In her response, Rachel reminded us all that aging isn’t something to be feared, but rather something to be celebrated.
For her, it’s a chance to find a deeper sense of freedom.
A Glimpse Into Rachel and Bryan’s On-Screen Chemistry
As for her personal life, Rachel shared some light-hearted memories from the set of The Thorn Birds, where she met her husband, Bryan Brown.
The couple, who tied the knot in 1983 after meeting on set, portrayed husband and wife on-screen—Luke O’Neill and Meggie Cleary—and went on to build a life together.
They’ve since had three children: Rosie, 42, Matilda, 39, and Joe, 34.
Speaking about their chemistry during filming, Rachel couldn’t help but reminisce about the undeniable spark between her and Bryan.
“He had nice pecs. I mean, you know, it’s pretty chemical, isn’t it? It’s pretty basic,” she said with a laugh.
“There’s not much thought that goes into it. I fancied him. That was about it.”
Bryan’s Slow Start to Romance
When it came to who made the first move, Rachel was quick to tease Bryan, saying, “He was slow as a wet week. Really took forever. I think I probably did.”
Her playful comments about their early romance serve as a reminder of the easy, fun dynamic they’ve shared over the years.
Farmthru and Rachel’s Passion for Ethical Farming
Away from the spotlight, Rachel and Bryan now focus on their farm, Farmthru, where they’re dedicated to producing ethical, sustainably sourced beef.
Running the farm has been an important project for the couple, and Rachel is proud of the work they do.
Through this venture, she’s found a new sense of purpose and fulfillment, and it’s clear her fans respect her for it.
Rachel’s farm initiative is a far cry from the world of acting, but it’s a testament to her commitment to living a meaningful life in the real world, beyond the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry.
Whether it’s promoting ethical meat or sharing her thoughts on aging, Rachel remains unapologetically herself—and that’s what her fans love about her.
The Power of Aging Gracefully
Rachel’s stance on aging and beauty strikes a chord with many.
She serves as an example that aging is not something to fear, but an inevitable, beautiful process that brings wisdom and freedom.
In a world where so much focus is placed on maintaining youth and physical appearance, Rachel’s confidence and positive attitude stand out as a refreshing reminder to embrace the changes that come with time.
By speaking out against the online trolls, Rachel has shown that true beauty comes from within and that it’s okay to be proud of the life you’ve lived and the wisdom you’ve gained along the way.
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