Australian actress Rachel Ward’s daughter has spoken out in defence of her mother after a recent social media video went viral drew widespread comment about the star’s appearance.
Ward, who was born in England and became an Australian citizen in the 1990s after marrying actor Bryan Brown in 1983, is known for roles in The Thorn Birds and On The Beach, and later for directing films including Beautiful Kate and Palm Beach.
Now 68, she lives mostly out of the spotlight, running a regenerative farm in rural New South Wales with her family.
A video Ward posted about life on the farm gained attention over the holiday season and attracted thousands of comments, with many of them focusing on how she looks now, more than a decade after her last major acting role.
Some comments were critical, including: “What the hell happened to her. Wow!! She has aged really really bad,” and “Oh my goodness I am in shock.. Did not recognize you until you said your name.”
As the post spread, others moved to defend Ward and praise her openness about ageing.
“Thank you Rachel for reminding women all around the world that it’s entirely possible to age peacefully and not be in a constant war with our bodies until our last breath,” one supporter wrote.
Another added: “This wonderful woman doesn’t fear ageing, enjoys the true joys of life: family, friends and the life in her home.”
Ward’s daughter, actress Matilda Brown, also responded publicly, sharing her own Instagram post addressing the online reaction.
“My mum put up this video of herself, and these were some of the comments about her appearance,” Brown said in a video, before highlighting examples from strangers calling her mother “ravaged” and urging her to “fix yourself, there’s still time.”
“If aging naturally at 69 is so shocking then prepare to be SHOCKED,” she wrote, alongside clips of Ward spending time with family, laughing with Brown and cuddling her grandchildren.
The post drew strong support from followers and industry peers.
Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin, who appeared with Ward in the 2006 film Running With Scissors, commented that she was “still an exquisite beauty.”
Australian actress Bridie Carter added: “Amen to REAL WOMEN. That’s me. What you see is what you get.”
Recent Golden Bachelor contestant Jane de Graff also praised Ward, writing that she was “BEAUTIFUL in every way that matters. The love radiating out of her in those hugs!”
Images: Instagram
