Who Is Rachel Ward? Age, Biography and Wiki
Rachel Ward, born on September 12, 1957, is a well-known English actress and film director with a notable career spanning several decades. As of 2025, Rachel is 67 years old. She gained fame in the 1980s for her roles in films such as "The Thorn Birds" and "Sharky's Machine." Her talent behind the camera is equally impressive, having directed several successful films and projects throughout her career.
| Occupation | Screenwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 12, 1957 |
| Age | 67 Years |
| Birth Place | Cornwell, Oxfordshire, England |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | England |
Popularity
Rachel Ward's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), Rachel Ward maintains a graceful presence. While specifics regarding her weight and measurements are not publicly available, her commitment to health and fitness is evident in her enduring career and stunning appearances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Rachel Ward was previously married to actor and director Bryan Brown, with whom she shares three children: Rosie, Matilda, and Joe. The couple, who have been together since 1983, often showcase their loving dynamic, celebrating milestones and family events together. As of 2025, Rachel continues to nurture her family while balancing her professional life.
She reappeared in 1987 playing opposite her husband, Bryan Brown (whom she met on the set of The Thorn Birds), in The Umbrella Woman. In 2001, she was again nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film for her role in On the Beach (2000).
Also in 2001, Ward won the Australian Film Institute Award for Best Short Fiction Film for The Big House, and Best Australian Film at Flickerfest. The film also won the Film Critics Circle of Australia award, as did her 2003 film Martha's New Coat. That film also won the 2003 ATOM Award.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Rachel Ward's estimated net worth is around $10 million. This wealth is attributed to her successful acting and directing career and various endorsements and partnerships. Her broad portfolio in film, television, and theater contributes significantly to her financial success, making her one of the respected figures in the arts industry.
Career, Business and Investments
Rachel's career started with modeling before transitioning into acting, where she quickly rose to prominence. Beyond acting, she has made a name for herself as a talented director and screenwriter. In 2025, Rachel continues to work on new projects, potentially exploring themes of empowerment and social issues in her film ventures.
In addition to her entertainment career, Rachel has engaged in various business endeavors, focusing on investments in the arts sector and sustainable initiatives. Her entrepreneurial spirit reflects her dedication not only to her craft but also to making a positive impact on society.
During her modelling career, she was featured on the covers of Vogue, Harper's & Queen, and Cosmopolitan magazines. After moving to the United States in 1977, she appeared in television advertisements such as the Lincoln Mercury "Cougar Girl" and Revlon's "Scoundrel Girl".
In 1981, she received a Golden Globe Award nomination for "New Star of the Year" for her role in the film Sharky's Machine starring with Burt Reynolds. The following year, she starred in Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid with Steve Martin.
Her big break came in 1983, when she starred opposite Richard Chamberlain as the lead role portraying Meggie Cleary in the television miniseries The Thorn Birds, for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film.
Ward assigns much of the credit for this breakthrough performance to acting coach Sandra Seacat, first for simply helping her get the job (after her disastrous first reading) and then for the quality of the finished performance, assembled over the course of a gruelling five-month shooting schedule, while undergoing a simultaneous and no less gruell
ing makeover programme at the hands of Seacat.
Also in 1983, U.S. audiences voted Ward one of the world's 10 most beautiful women. In 1984, she played Jess in the film noir remake Against All Odds, with Jeff Bridges. After filming Fortress in 1985, Ward then disappeared from film for a few years to study acting.
Social Network
Rachel Ward maintains a presence on social media, connecting with fans through platforms like Instagram and Twitter. While she is relatively private about her personal life, she often shares glimpses of her projects and creative process, engaging with her audience and fellow artists.
Education
Though specific details about her education may not be publicly documented, Rachel's experiences in the entertainment industry have served as her primary schooling in the arts. Her practical knowledge and insight into film and theater have shaped her into the respected actress and director she is today.
Peter Alistair Ward. Her grandfathers were William Ward, 3rd Earl of Dudley and the cricketer Giles Baring. Ward is also the great-granddaughter of William Ward, 2nd Earl of Dudley, Governor-General of Australia 1908–11, and sister of environmental campaigner and former actress Tracy Louise Ward, Duchess of Beaufort.
She attended Hatherop Castle School, Hatherop, Gloucestershire, then the Byam Shaw School of Art in Kensington, West London. She left school at age 16 to become a fashion and photography model. She briefly dated David Kennedy, son of Robert F. Kennedy.
