It wasn’t certain that Rachel Ward was going to get the role of her lifetime, as she starred as Meggie Cleary in the classic mini-series The Thorn Birds.
The British actress and model has had a long and varying career, spanning decades. Now, she’s settled in Australia with her husband, whom she fell in love with on set.
So what really happened on The Thorn Birds? And why did the mini-series become such a huge success?
This is Rachel Ward today, at 65.
If you were to debate which television series is the best of all time, you’d probably get a different answer from every person you talk to. Firstly, there are so many different kinds of series, and of course, we all like different things.
But usually, the most popular television series are those that aired for many years, broadcast on television with several seasons and many strong and independent characters.
Bonanza, Little House on the Prairie, Friends, Sopranos or Twin Peaks. The answer to which one reigns supreme will probably never be decided, and to be honest, that is also one of the most fantastic things about television.
The Thorn Birds
There will always be a series that sticks closer to the heart than others.
Even though we have more established series that last for years, there are several examples of miniseries that weren’t meant to stick around long, but still reached cult status.
One of those was The Thorn Birds, starring Richard Chamberlain, Rachel Ward, and Bryan Brown.
It was first broadcast in March 1983, and over 30 million people in the US watched the ten-hour miniseries, based on Colleen McCullough’s 1977 Australian novel The Thorn Birds.
The mini-series gained huge interest and was praised by both the audience and critics, winning several awards, both for its story as well as the actors’ performances.
Rachel Ward
Ten hours long and spread over five nights, The Thorn Birds is still to this day considered a classic that will live on for many years to come.
Rachel Ward starred as Meggie Cleary in The Thorn Birds, but at the time, it was pretty much a surprise when she got it. It turned out that the producers had difficulties in finding the perfect person for the role, but in the end, Ward was the perfect choice.
Not only did Ward get her big breakthrough by starring in the television mini-series, she also found the love of her life on set.
This is the story of Ward – and how she travelled the world to keep her passion for films and television series alive.
Rachel Ward – early life
Born on September 12, 1957, in Cornwell, Oxfordshire, England, Ward studied at the Hatherop Castle School in Hatherop before attending the Byam Shaw School of Art in London. However, at just 16 years of age, she left school to pursue a career in fashion.
Ward became a fashion and photography model, appearing on covers for Vogue, Cosmopolitan, as well as Harper’s & Queen. She slowly made her way into the acting scene after she was featured in several commercials.
Years later, in 1995, she would earn her Graduate Diploma of Communications and a Graduate Certificate in Writing from University of Technology, Sydney, Australia.
In 1979, Rachel Ward appeared in her first television movie, Christmas Lilies of the Field. In the years that followed she would have a number of smaller roles, but in 1983, she would become a well-known actress all over the US.
Casting ‘The Thorn Birds’
Stan Marguiles was one of the producers on The Thorn Birds. But casting the right people to appear in the show wasn’t the easiest task.
In 1982, he explained the difficulty.
However, when they saw Rachel Ward, they were sure that they’d found the right one for the role of Meggie Cleary.
“She has to go from 18 to her early 50s. From a rather naïve, overly romantic young girl to a bitter woman in her 30s, to a woman who finally understands where she took the wrong turn when she reaches her 50s. There’s an enormous range of emotions and colors,” he said.
“They first started to age me, it was kind of scary,” Ward recalled. “I had these endless double chins. I sort of had a body suit underneath the clothes, I remember liking it when I grew older, I liked the outfits, there was slightly more masculine than they were in the beginning.”
Over 200 women were considered for the role of Meggie Cleary, and a total of 40 actresses auditioned.
Speaking with the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Ward recalled her audition.
“My audition was quite light and I had a sense of humor” she said. “I remember I was taking it seriously but I wasn’t acting with a capital A. It is so subjective, performances pieces, and I was probably spot on the first time. I got like 10/10 for looks and 4/10 for acting.”
Golden Globe nominated
They sent Ward to work with an acting coach, and it was a great match. Starring alongside Richard Chamberlain as Father Ralph, Ward became a beloved actress, praised by viewers as well as critics.
In 1982, she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television.
Chamberlain received a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television. The show itself won four Golden Globes, including Best Miniseries, as well as six Emmy awards.
“It was the absolute top of the heat of a soap opera,” Chamberlain said. “I am often surprised when I think about how it remains so successful, because there was one tragedy after another, after another, after another. Nobody came out on top of that show. It was so sad but had such wonderful characters”
Rachel Ward: “Felt terribly”
Ward wasn’t an actress that crafted her skills through school, but rather she learned as time went by. As the show aired, she saw herself as the weaker link. She suffered from insecurity for years after she received some negative reviews (The New York Times said she was “miscast”).
“I felt terribly like I’d disappointed,” she told Closer. “I felt that despite me it was a success.”
However, years later, her grown daughter watched The Thorn Birds, and told her mother, “‘Mom, you were fabulous,’” Ward recalled. “That was, for me, the most important response that I could’ve ever had.”
”It was soap opera. I think of it differently now,” Ward said. “Acting styles have changed and mine was always quite natural. And I think they tried to make me something that I wasn’t naturally. So that’s the excuse that I’ve made for myself.”
Her performance in the 1983 miniseries The Thorn Birds was of course a very important step for Ward, career wise. However, the production of the show became much more important for her, since she met the love of her life.
Rachel Ward and Bryan Brown
During her work on The Thorn Birds, Rachel Ward and Chamberlain’s characters Meggie and Father Ralph had great passion between them, which kept the viewers coming back.
Chamberlain recalled that it was difficult filming specific scenes.
“There’s a microphone hidden in the armpit… and you’re trying not to smear her lipstick,” he told Closer.
Even though Ward and Chamberlain were in love on camera, the great love story was actually when the cameras were turned off.
Bryan Brown starred as Meggie’s husband Luke O’Neill, and while shooting, they fell in love.
“What happened on screen was happening off it – that’s why our love scenes were so believable,” Ward told the UK’s Daily Express.
“Everyone on set realized they were falling for each other. “I’ve never seen two people more in love,” Chamberlain said, adding that Brown even helped Ward calm her nerves before shooting. “She seemed to get happier and happier and her work got better and better.”
Married months later
Ward and Brown obviously had “sexual chemistry” on set. She really fancied him, however, when asked who made the first move, she made sure to throw her beloved husband under the bus.
‘He as slow as a wet week. Really took forever. I think I probably did,’ she said.
Brown, however, insisted that he was just being a “cunning Aussie bloke” not approaching her at once.”
“And before they know it, they’re hooked!” the legendary actor joked.
Rachel Ward and Brown got married months after the filming of The Thorn Birds wrapped.
The couple went on to have three children, Rose, Matilda and Joseph.
So what happened to Ward following The Thorn Birds?
She and Brown moved to Australia, where Ward starred in several films and television series.
Rachel Ward – this is her today
In 2001, she was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television following her performance in the film On the Beach.
Her other credits include The Big House, Martha’s New Coat and television series Rake, Devil’s Playground and The Straits.
Ward also went into producing and directing,
Besides being an actress, wife, mother, and now grandmother, Ward also made sure to contribute to society.
Therefore, in 2005, she was awarded the A.M (Member of the Order of Australia for “raising awareness of social justice through lobbying, mentoring and advocacy for the rights of disadvantaged and at-risk young people.”
Work with daughter Matilda
Both Matilda’s parents were present when she gave birth, which was truly special for her.
“When I was pushing Zan out at the end, dad was stroking my head and mum was cheering me on, crying, saying, ‘Come on, Till! He’s so close,’” Matilda said. “It was pretty special that both my parents got to be with me through such a monumental time in my life.”
Just days ago, Ward got to see her newborn granddaughter, which she shared on her Instagram.
And on another note, isn’t Matilda just the spitting image of her mother!
Ward and her daughter Matilda both chose acting as their job.
However, when Matilda first said she wanted to become an actress, her mother wasn’t that excited.
Spitting image of her mother
“Mum definitely said ‘don’t be an actress,’” Matilda recalled. “She encouraged me to go to film school and get behind the camera, which I did and I’m very glad I did.”
In 2016, they teamed up in the film The Death and Life of Otto Bloom. Rachel and Matilda play the same character at different stages of her life
“We look alike so obviously there’s a great bonus in that we share physical similarities and mannerisms,” Rachel Ward said. “Plus, as we know, women over the age of 40 are basically invisible in the media and in film … It’s a treat when something comes along where it’s ok to be in your 50s.”
Rachel Ward was wonderful as Meggie Cleary in The Thorn Birds, and we’re so happy to see that she still is as passionate today.
My Daughter, 5, Brought Me a Picture from Her Dad’s Suitcase, but When I Saw It, I Fainted
My Daughter, 5, Brought Me a Picture from Her Dad’s Suitcase, but When I Saw It, I Fainted
When Emma found a mysterious ultrasound in her dad’s bag, it unveiled a secret that would shatter her mother’s world, leading to a dinner revelation that changed the fabric of their family life forever.
As the front door creaked open, the familiar silhouette of my husband, Jack, filled the entryway. He looked worn from his travels, his shoulders sagging under the weight of exhaustion, yet there was a faint relief in his eyes as he stepped into the familiarity of our home.
Jack returning home | Source: Midjourney
The chaos of his return was evident in the disarray of suitcases, briefcases, and various items spilled by the doorway, a jumbled testament to his recent business trip. His coat dangled precariously from one suitcase, while a tangle of charging cables peeked out from another, each object telling a silent story of his hurried transitions between airports and meetings.
Jack and Emma together by the suitcases | Source: Midjourney
In the midst of this scattered landscape, our daughter Emma’s bright eyes sparkled with the uncontainable excitement that only a child’s innocence can hold. At four years old, her world was one of wonder and discovery.
Emma playing with the suitcase | Source: Midjourney
The return of her father was an event marked by the joyous anticipation of stories and perhaps a hidden treasure from his travels. Her small, delicate hands often explored the world around her, seeking out new mysteries to unravel, her curiosity as boundless as the sky.
Jack unpacks his suitcase with Emma by his side | Source: Midjourney
Emma’s playful laughter echoed through the house as she darted between the suitcases, her tiny feet barely making a sound on the soft carpet. Her blonde curls bounced with each step, a lively contrast to the stillness of Jack’s weary demeanor. She was the heartbeat of our home, filling each corner with light and life, her presence a constant reminder of the love that had once been the foundation of our family.
Emma playing | Source: Midjourney
As I watched her, a mix of affection and apprehension stirred within me. Emma’s innocence shielded her from the complexities of adult emotions and the unspoken tensions that had crept into our marriage. Yet, in her unguarded joy and exploration, she was about to stumble upon a secret that would unravel the carefully maintained facade of our family life.
Mary watching her daughter warily | Source: Midjourney
The stage was set in the most ordinary of scenes: a tired husband returning home, the chaotic remnants of his journey littering our entrance, and our daughter, the embodiment of childlike wonder, innocently navigating through the clutter.
Little did we know that this ordinary day was about to take an extraordinary turn, revealing truths hidden just beneath the surface of our daily lives, truths that would challenge the very foundation of what we had built together.
Mary unknowing of the storm that was coming | Source: Midjourney
Then, amidst the jumble of business paraphernalia and souvenirs, Emma’s hand closed around something unexpected. Her eyes widened, a gleam of triumph and curiosity dancing within them as she pulled out a slender piece of paper.
“Mommy, you’ll never guess what I found!” she exclaimed, her voice a mixture of wonder and mischief, as she approached me with a secretive delight, holding her find behind her back.
Emma approaching Mary | Source: Midjourney
As she stood before me, her small hands revealed the object of her discovery—an ultrasound image. The black and white picture was stark against her tiny, pale fingers. It depicted a tiny, unborn child, its features barely discernible yet unmistakably human. Below the image, a caption read, “Hi Daddy, I’m coming soon. T ,” a message that felt like a cold blade slicing through the warm fabric of our family life.
Ultrasound photo | Source: Pexels
My heart plummeted into an abyss of shock and disbelief. The room seemed to tilt and sway as I took in the image, every line and curve of the ultrasound burning itself into my memory. The date stamped on it was just last week, a time when Jack was supposedly engulfed in meetings and corporate dealings. The reality of what I was seeing clashed violently with the world I thought I knew.
Shocked Mary | Source: Midjourney
A torrent of emotions crashed over me like a relentless wave. Betrayal, confusion, and a piercing sadness intertwined, forming a choking knot in my throat. My mind raced, trying to piece together the fragmented truths and half-lies that had colored our recent conversations about his trip. The implications of this ultrasound image were clear, yet my heart rebelled against accepting them.
Mary holds Emma trying to process the photo | Source: Midjourney
Emma, oblivious to the storm of emotions her discovery had unleashed, looked up at me with eyes full of innocence and expectation, waiting for my reaction. Her face, usually a source of joy and comfort, now mirrored the image of an unfamiliar reality that I was not prepared to face. In that moment, our lives, entwined in love and daily routines, seemed to fracture, revealing a hidden layer of deception that threatened to engulf everything we held dear.
Emma looking up at her upset mom | Source: Midjourney
In the solitude of our bedroom, I sat with the ultrasound image clutched in trembling hands, a tempest of hurt and anger swirling within me. My mind was a battlefield, torn between an immediate confrontation with Jack and the gnawing need to craft a plan that would unveil the true extent of his deceit. The urgency to scream and shatter the facade of normalcy was overwhelming, yet a part of me craved a more calculated approach, a way to gauge the depth of his betrayal.
Mary deep in thought | Source: Midjourney
The image of Emma’s innocent face, juxtaposed against the stark reality of the ultrasound, fueled my resolve. I needed to know if there was any remorse in Jack, any sliver of the man I once loved, or if that, too, had been a mirage. With a heavy heart, I decided on a plan that would expose the truth of his loyalty and truthfulness.
Mary formulating her plan | Source: Midjourney
I returned the original ultrasound to where Emma had found it, ensuring it lay amidst Jack’s belongings, a silent sentinel waiting for its moment. Then, with a resolve that felt both empowering and devastating, I crafted a counterfeit scene, one that would mirror the revelation Emma stumbled upon, but with a twist. I printed a fake ultrasound image, mimicking the one Emma found, but with my initial, crafting a narrative that would force Jack into the open.
Mary thinking about her daughter | Source: Midjourney
The evening was set, the table adorned with candles and the aroma of a carefully prepared meal wafting through the air, creating an ambiance of deceptive normalcy. As Jack walked in, his face lit up with a smile, anticipating a romantic reunion, oblivious to the storm brewing beneath the surface.
Mary setting the table | Source: Midjourney
The tension in my chest mounted as dinner progressed, each course a step closer to the impending climax. Finally, with a feigned tenderness, I presented the fake ultrasound, mirroring the words, “Dear, soon there will be four of us.” The air thickened as the words hung between us, a baited trap awaiting its prey.
Mary preparing to reveal the news | Source: Midjourney
Jack’s initial expression of joy and surprise morphed into one of utter confusion and then horror as the reality of the situation dawned on him. His face crumbled, tears welling up in his eyes as he stammered, “Dear, you know everything, it was a mistake. I don’t love her. I’ll stay with you and we’ll raise our newborn together.”
Stunned Jack | Source: Midjourney
His words, steeped in desperation and guilt, were meant to be an appeal for mercy, but they only served to cement the painful truth of his infidelity and the fragility of our shared past.
As Jack’s confession spilled out, a bitter symphony of words that sought absolution, my world was irrevocably altered. His tears, once a symbol of our shared joys and sorrows, now flowed from a well of deceit.
Jack with tears in his eyes | Source: Midjourney
My heart, once a haven of love and trust, was now a fortress of betrayal and anger. His pleas for forgiveness, his claims of a solitary mistake, echoed hollowly in the chasm between us.
“I didn’t mean for this to happen, it was just a moment of weakness,” Jack implored, his voice breaking under the weight of his own words.
Jack trying to convince Mary | Source: Midjourney
“A moment of weakness?” I countered, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside. “Is that what you call it? A moment that shatters years of trust, that disregards the very foundation of our family?”
He reached out, seeking the comfort of a touch that had once soothed and united us, but I recoiled, the distance between us now more than just physical. “I thought we were past the hurdles, Jack. That we were strong enough to face anything together. But this?” I gestured to the fake ultrasound still clutched in his trembling hands, “This is a hurdle too high, a breach too deep.”
Mary angry with Jack | Source: Midjourney
His attempts to justify his actions, to paint them as fleeting lapses, only served to deepen my resolve. The man before me, wreathed in remorse and desperation, was a stranger, his once-familiar features marred by the shadows of lies and irresponsibility.
As the reality of his betrayal fully settled in, the finality of my decision took root. “I can’t forgive this, Jack,” I stated, the clarity of my conviction piercing the fog of emotional turmoil. “Our marriage, our family, was built on trust and respect, and you’ve shattered both.”
Mary breaking up with Jack | Source: Midjourney
The room was heavy with the unspoken, with the remnants of a life we would no longer share. I stood, gathering the fragments of my dignity and resolve, preparing to navigate the ruins of our shared past and the uncertainty of my future with Emma.
In the silence that followed, I packed the essentials, each item a piece of the life I was leaving behind, a life marred by betrayal but not defined by it. Emma, still untouched by the harsh realities of adult complexities, remained my beacon of hope, her innocence a reminder of the pure love that still resided within me.
Mary leaving the house with Emma | Source: Midjourney
As I closed the door behind me, the finality of the act was a solemn testament to the end of our marital bond. Ahead lay a path of healing and rediscovery, for both myself and Emma, a journey towards a future built on the solid ground of integrity and responsibility.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
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