Rachel Ward, 68, Responds to Age-Shaming Critics: ‘I’m Happy, Let It Go’
Rachel Ward is making it clear she isn’t bothered by online criticism regarding her looks. The Thorn Birds star, 68, went viral over the holidays when fans noticed her natural appearance while she was promoting her Australian cattle farm with husband Bryan Brown, 78, whom she famously met on the set of the 1983 mini-series.
During the promotion, some trolls commented that Ward looked older than her age and questioned why she hadn’t tried to appear more youthful. Ward isn’t letting that bother her and took to Instagram on January 15, to respond, thanking the fans who defended her and sending a clear message to the critics.
Dear those of you who responded to the brouhaha over the trolls criticizing my appearance, I have tried to do a little better today, she joked in a video response. I ran my hands through my hair, etc. but anyways, just to say, do not fear aging.
Ward went on to share her perspective on getting older, calling it a fulfilling time of life. It’s a wonderful period of life, in your 60s. I am more fulfilled than ever and I have no regrets, leaving my youth and beauty behind, she wrote.
The actress noted that while she is no longer the youthful starlet the public remembers, she is very content with her current reality. I’m not youthful, but I am a very happy camper. Later years are to be exalted and welcomed. You wait until you get there. They have so many other gifts to bestow, she explained.
She also addressed the trolls directly, urging everyone to stop worrying about losing their youth and the pressures to maintain it. I do recognize that we’re all a little bit worried about losing our youth and resorting to rather drastic ways of holding on to it, but let it go. Let it go and much bounty will come, she added.
Her post received massive support from fellow stars like Sharon Stone and Sarah Jessica Parker. Stone commented that Ward is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, while fans praised her for being a refreshing voice for aging naturally in an industry obsessed with perfection.
Ward has largely moved behind the camera in recent years, focusing on directing and environmental advocacy. She recently directed the feature film Palm Beach and the documentary Rachel’s Farm, which explores her transition into regenerative farming on her family estate in New South Wales.
Her family remains a central part of her life and career, as she frequently collaborates with her husband and their daughter, Matilda Brown, who is also an actress and director. The couple’s other children, Rosie and Joe, also work in creative fields like interior design and graphic art.
Aside from her work on the farm, Ward and Brown have remained active in the Australian entertainment scene. Ward recently directed episodes of the hit series RFDS and served as a special guest for the Coral Futures Expedition with Australian Geographic, highlighting her commitment to conservation.
As of early 2026, The Thorn Birds has seen a resurgence in popularity after becoming available on major streaming platforms. This has introduced a new generation to Ward’s breakout performance as Meggie Cleary, though the actress herself seems far more interested in the future of her land than her past on screen.
Ward’s initiative, FarmThru, continues to grow, providing ethically raised meat to local communities in the Northern Beaches. She often jokes that being a farmer is much harder work than being a movie star, but says the rewards of working with the earth are far more lasting.
Do you think Rachel Ward’s message on natural aging is a necessary wake-up call for Hollywood, or do you think the pressure for celebrities to stay “youthful” will always exist? Share your thoughts in the comments.