After a promising career in the entertainment industry, Rachel Ward seemingly disappeared from the public eye. Rather than chasing fame, she chose to focus on her 39-year marriage to Bryan Brown and their growing family. Now, she’s a devoted grandmother to two grandchildren.
At the height of her career, around the time she met Bryan Brown, Ward was named one of the ten most beautiful women in the world. She was a rising star, having been nominated for a Golden Globe and graced the cover of UK Vogue. Her co-star in *The Thorn Birds*, Richard Chamberlain, was captivated by her beauty. Reflecting on their time together, he admitted that their love scenes were a joy to perform, but despite his feelings for her, Ward’s heart belonged to someone else—Bryan Brown.
Chamberlain once revealed that Ward was falling for Brown during filming, describing her as a romantic, though unfortunately not for him. Nevertheless, he admired her infectious enthusiasm, especially since they were portraying a couple in love. He even joked that it was easy to believe she was in love with him, thinking to himself, “I must be the one!” But, it was Brown who truly captured her heart.
Ward herself admitted to being strongly attracted to Brown, describing the connection as “chemical.” She was drawn to him instantly, even though it took Brown a little longer to express his interest. For Ward, this was just a challenge she eagerly accepted. Once Brown decided he was ready, the 35-year-old bachelor, known for his aversion to commitment, was ready to settle down, and it was clear that Ward was the one for him.
Despite his background in a broken home, Brown never expected to get married. In fact, he used to tell his mother he would never wed. But just nine months after meeting Ward, they were married. Their marriage came about under unusual circumstances. While Brown was working on a project in London with Paul McCartney, he and Ward got into a heated argument. Brown later said, “I just thought we may as well get married if we’re going to argue like that.” They tied the knot that year in Oxfordshire, where Ward grew up, and eventually settled in Sydney, where they raised their three children: Rose, Matilda, and James.
Before *The Thorn Birds*, Ward had been the star of several productions. Although the mini-series she starred in with Chamberlain in 1983 was well-received, harsh criticism of her performance led her to step away from acting. She admitted, “I took being slaughtered very seriously. After that, I never really regained my confidence.” Despite this setback, *The Thorn Birds* brought her the love of her life. Brown once read her palm on set, predicting she would have three children, a prophecy that later came true.
Ward continued acting, but her focus shifted to her family. She moved to Australia with Brown and concentrated on raising their children. When asked about the secret to a long-lasting marriage, Brown advises, “Say yes to your wife all the time, and if anything goes wrong, say ‘it’s my fault.’ Men would be happier if they knew that.”
Their three children have followed in their parents’ footsteps, each finding success in the entertainment industry. Matilda, born in 1987, is known for her roles in *Lessons from the Grave*, *How God Works*, and *Let’s Talk About*. Rosie is recognized for *Black Mirror*, *Inside No. 9*, and *Gangs of London*, while their only son Joe has appeared in *Let’s Talk About* and *Rake*.
The family has also worked together on projects, like when Brown and Matilda starred in *Palm Beach*, a film directed by Ward. Their collaboration highlighted their close family ties.
In 2019, Ward and Brown became grandparents for the first time when Matilda welcomed her son, Zan Neathway Gooding. Although Brown was excited to be a grandfather, he found the title “grandfather” a bit unsettling, as it reminded him of his age. Nevertheless, he quickly grew attached to his grandson and cherished their time together.
After Zan’s birth, Matilda married Scott Gooding, becoming a stepmother to his teenage son. Their wedding, originally planned for Ward and Brown’s property in New South Wales, had to be relocated to Sydney due to the threat of wildfires. Despite the change in venue, the wedding was a joyful occasion, with Gooding’s son playing an active role.
The couple has since welcomed a second child, and Ward and Brown have embraced their roles as grandparents, sharing glimpses of their grandparenting adventures on Instagram. Ward is often seen gardening with Zan or spending time with the family’s horses. When her second grandchild arrived, Ward ensured she spent equal time with him, capturing precious moments with her daughter Matilda and her new grandson.
The family grew even more when Rosie became engaged to Andrew Cameron in 2020. After two years, Rosie and Andrew moved into a beautiful new home in New South Wales, surrounded by nature. Cameron, an Australian regenerative farmer, shares Ward’s passion for sustainable living, making him a perfect fit for the Brown family.
Throughout their journey, Ward and Brown have maintained a close-knit family, celebrating holidays and special occasions together. Ward reflects that if she had married an American and moved to Hollywood, she might have been on her third husband by now. Instead, she enjoys a fulfilling life with Brown, balancing her family, marriage, and occasional returns to her acting career.
Ward still cherishes her acting career and continues to pursue projects she loves. Despite living in Australia, she stays connected to Hollywood and travels there when needed. She frequently shares her life on Instagram, offering insights into her sense of humor and daily activities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she humorously debunked rumors about her whereabouts and health.
While Brown is busy filming *Darby and Joan*, Ward remains active on their farm, where they run The Good Farm Shop, selling organic, ready-made meals. Together, they have built a life filled with love, family, and shared passions, continuing to enjoy each other’s company as they navigate the next chapter of their lives.
