In 1983, the film “The Thorn Birds” became a sensation, bringing to life the characters Father Ralph and Maggie, portrayed by Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward, respectively.
Chamberlain, a Golden Globe Award winner, embodied Father Ralph, while Rachel Ward, then an aspiring actress, took on the role of Maggie. Interestingly, Ward developed a real-life romance with Bryan Brown, who played Maggie’s husband, Luke, during the filming.
Beyond the movie set, Rachel Ward and Bryan Brown’s on-screen connection blossomed into a genuine relationship, leading to marriage and the upbringing of three children. Despite the passing years, Richard Chamberlain, now 89, continues to grace the screen with his presence.
However, Rachel Ward chose a different path, announcing her retirement from acting in 2014.
As fans recently caught a glimpse of the stars, opinions surfaced on their appearances. Some praise Chamberlain for looking “gorgeous for his age,” while comments about Ward express disappointment, stating, “Maggie let herself go,” and suggesting she “stopped taking care of herself.”
The enduring legacy of “The Thorn Birds” and the transformation of its stars continue to captivate audiences.
What are your thoughts on how they’ve changed over the years?
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