It has been over four decades since the epic miniseries The Thorn Birds captivated audiences worldwide, becoming a defining television event of the 1980s. The sweeping saga, based on Colleen McCullough's 1977 novel, earned 16 Emmy nominations and won six awards, securing its place as the second most-watched miniseries of its era. The story followed the Cleary family's trials and passions from the 1920s to the 1960s after their move from New Zealand to the Australian outback.
While the on-screen drama centred on a love triangle involving Meggie Cleary (Rachel Ward), Father Ralph de Bricassart (Richard Chamberlain), and Luke O'Neill (Bryan Brown), the most enduring love story blossomed off-camera. As we look back, we explore what became of the beloved ensemble, tracing journeys from Hollywood fame to quiet retirement, and remembering those we have lost.
Enduring Love and Life in Australia
The most famous legacy of The Thorn Birds is undoubtedly the real-life romance between its stars, Rachel Ward and Bryan Brown. Playing the star-crossed lovers Meggie and Luke, their on-screen chemistry ignited a genuine spark. The couple married just months after meeting and have now been together for over 40 years.
They raised three children—Rosie, Matilda, and Joseph—and have since become grandparents. Today, they reside on a beef cattle farm in New South Wales' Nambucca Valley. Rachel, 68, has largely stepped back from acting, focusing on regenerative farming and documenting the journey in her film Rachel's Farm. Bryan, 78, continues his acting career with recent roles in projects like Anyone But You and has authored his debut novel, The Drowning.
Remembering the Departed Stars
Tragically, many of the series' key cast members have passed away. Most recently, the entertainment world mourned the loss of Richard Chamberlain, who died in March 2025 at the age of 90 from complications following a stroke. The actor, famed as the 'king of the miniseries,' delivered a career-defining performance as the conflicted priest Father Ralph. He won a Golden Globe for his role and was a major heartthrob of the 1960s and 70s.
The esteemed British actress Jean Simmons, who played matriarch Fiona 'Fee' Cleary and won an Emmy for her performance, died in 2010 from lung cancer at age 80. The legendary Barbara Stanwyck, who won an Emmy for her role as the formidable Mary Carson, passed away in 1990 at 82.
Other notable losses include Richard Kiley (Paddy Cleary), the celebrated Broadway star who died in 1999; Piper Laurie (Anne Mueller), the Oscar-nominated actress who died in 2023; and Earl Holliman (Luddie Mueller), who passed away in 2024 at the age of 96.
Where Are the Remaining Cast Members Now?
Mare Winningham, who portrayed Justine O'Neill, has enjoyed a highly successful career post-Thorn Birds. A two-time Primetime Emmy winner and Tony Award nominee, she has appeared in Grey's Anatomy and The Affair. In her personal life, she secretly married longtime friend and actor Anthony Edwards in 2021.
Philip Anglim, who played Dane O'Neill, is best known for his stage and television work as John Merrick in The Elephant Man, a role that earned him a Tony nomination. He used his earnings from the miniseries to purchase a farm in Tennessee, leading a notably private life away from the spotlight.
Ken Howard, who played Rainer Hartheim, had a prolific career in film, TV, and theatre until his death in 2016. He served as President of the Screen Actors Guild and was instrumental in its merger with another union.
The legacy of The Thorn Birds endures not only through repeats and streaming but through the poignant and varied lives of its cast—a testament to a production that created timeless drama both on and off the screen.
