Once celebrated for the radiant beauty that enthralled audiences in the 1983 miniseries "The Thorn Birds," the actress is now at the heart of Hollywood's ongoing debate about aging.
The Australian actress has pushed back against online trolls who focused on her looks, saying she feels happier and has no time for their negativity. She also thanked those who came to her defense and encouraged them not to fear getting older, noting that aging brings its own rewards.
The Actress at the Center of the Aging Debate
A short Instagram video she shared over the December 2025 holidays set off a conversation that has continued ever since. The 68-year-old appeared without makeup with her silver hair on display.
She spoke about her new regenerative farming venture, FarmThru, filmed from her cattle property on Australia's Northern Beaches. However, most of the attention was on her looks. The post quickly drew a flood of reactions, many of them sharply critical.
Some commenters said she looked untidy and claimed she had let herself go, while others admitted they barely recognized her. Trolls and critics alike zeroed in on her appearance, turning the moment into a wider debate about how women in the public eye are expected to age.
The Actress on Beauty, Youth, and Aging
Now the actress, who has been married to fellow actor Bryan Brown, 78, since 1983, has responded to the backlash by saying her 60s have been a wonderful stage of life.
"Dear those of you who responded to the brouhaha over the trolls criticizing my appearance, I have tried to do a little better today. I ran my hands through my hair, etc. but anyways, just to say, do not fear aging," she stated.
The movie star continued, "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."
Still, the "Fortress" actress acknowledged the idea, attributed to poet John Keats, that youth and beauty are closely linked. Even so, she said she no longer considers herself young and is perfectly content with that.
"Later years are to be exalted and welcomed. You wait until you get there. They have so many other gifts to bestow that you have no idea what they are until you get there," she noted.
The "Beautiful Kate" star wrapped up by saying she was overwhelmed by the kindness that followed after the harsh trolls attacked her "rather unkempt appearance." She emphasized that their words did not bother her.
The filmmaker urged people not to worry about her, noting that many fear losing their youth and sometimes turn to extreme measures to cling to it. She encouraged them to let it go because aging brings many rewards.
Fans Celebrate the Actress's Natural Look
The actress ended by thanking everyone sincerely, saying the support she received was extraordinary and deeply appreciated. Fans flooded her post with praise. One wrote, "You are loved by so many. My favorite actress of all time. 😍 You look incredible 😍."
Another chimed in, "More beautiful now than ever. Your courage, dignity, and class is [sic] timeless and inspirational. Stay Gold!" Appreciation continued with comments like, "You are and always will be an icon. Never change. Keep inspiring us."
One fan highlighted her natural look, "No botox and fillers, no dyed hair and heavy makeup, just being her true self. I admire her. She looks happy and healthy."
Ward Promotes Regenerative Farming
The actress at the center of the story is Rachel Ward, who has transitioned from a Hollywood star and Vogue cover model to a hands-on farming advocate in rural Australia. In the caption of her Instagram post, she urged followers to support her FarmThru initiative.
Ward encouraged them to purchase regenerative steaks, chicken, eggs, pork, and lamb from a curbside hub in the Northern Beaches. She asked people to back farmers who care for the land, the animals, and their customers. health.
Ward added that once they tasted the produce, they would notice the difference, especially with the option of bulk-buy pricing.
Ward Reflects on Early Career Challenges
The actress has come a long way to get to where she is today. Although "The Thorn Birds" was a massive hit with audiences, Ward was met with harsh criticism for her performance, a reaction that ultimately pushed her away from acting.
"When I got slaughtered, I really took it to heart. I never really got my confidence back after that," she said in a 2012 interview.
Afterward, she moved behind the camera and directed a television series. Ward explained that she did not return to acting because, in her view, the profession requires both talent and nerve.
"I think you need self-confidence, which I didn't have. I feel honored to have been part of [The Thorn Birds], but I didn't want to repeat the experience," she added.
Ward's Life Now: From Screen to Soil
Rachel Ward later turned to farming, a path that came with its own set of challenges. After her property was devastated by the catastrophic 2019–2020 Australian bushfires, she shifted her focus to regenerative agriculture. This is a journey she documented in her film "Rachel's Farm."
She has said the move into regenerative farming took time and persistence, but creating the documentary proved deeply educational and transformative for her.
Today, regenerative farming is her primary focus, and she uses her social media platforms to share and promote her work.
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