Rachel Ward, the 68-year-old star of the 1983 miniseries The Thorn Birds, has responded to cruel online comments about her appearance. The former British-Australian actor, who now runs a regenerative beef cattle farm in New South Wales with her husband Bryan Brown, faced criticism after posting an Instagram video in December.
In the video, Ward thanked followers for their messages while discussing her farm work. Trolls commented that she had 'aged really badly', prompting her to address the backlash in an interview with Australian Story. 'A few trolls were a bit shocked about my grey hair, who maybe hadn't seen me since I was 24, and then went, “Oh my God, that’s what you end up looking like,”' she said. 'I’m so past caring about what people think about one’s appearance or age.'
Ward criticised societal pressure on women, particularly those in the public eye, to maintain a youthful appearance. 'That whole harping … that we still have to be sexual beings is terrifying. To have to have our bums lifted and our breasts lifted and our faces drawn back. It just becomes grotesque,' she said. 'All I can say is that it’s great to put that behind you, how you should look and be.'
In a previous Instagram response in January, Ward urged others not to fear ageing, describing it as 'a wonderful period of life'. She said she is 'more fulfilled than ever' and has 'no regrets leaving my youth and beauty behind'. 'I’m not youthful, but I am a very happy camper,' she added. 'Later years are to be exalted and welcomed.'
Ward, who also directed the 2023 documentary Rachel’s Farm about her farming journey, joked in the caption of her December video: 'I’m a farmer now but really should do my hair and apply some lippy before I go on social media. Apologies for frightening a few of you.'
