Rachel Ward stole hearts in the 1983 miniseries The Thorn Birds—and decades later, she’s still doing it. At 65, the actress continues to impress fans not just with her timeless beauty, but also with the enduring love story she shares with her co-star-turned-husband, Bryan Brown.
Their iconic on-screen chemistry blossomed into a real-life romance during filming, but Ward admits their connection wasn’t instant. “It wasn’t love at first sight,” she once shared. Still, their attraction quickly grew, and just months after filming wrapped, the two said “I do” at Ward’s father’s estate.
Four decades later, they’re still going strong.
A Romance That Stood the Test of Time
Ward portrayed the leading lady in The Thorn Birds, while Brown played her love interest. What began as a “basic” spark between two actors turned into a marriage that’s lasted more than 40 years.
The relationship had its quirks early on. During a trip to Ireland, the couple had such a heated argument that Brown figured they might as well get married. “If we’re going to fight like this, let’s do it properly,” he quipped.
That sense of humor has been key to their longevity.