In the wake of a recent online trolling incident, actor and director Rachel Ward has shared her thoughts on aging and beauty, demonstrating a remarkable resilience in the face of criticism. The incident unfolded when Ward, also a beef cattle farmer, posted a heartfelt video on Instagram thanking her friends and neighbors for their support throughout the year. Unexpectedly, the post attracted a slew of negative comments criticizing her appearance.
The backlash was swift and harsh, with comments like, “OMG!! What the hell happened to her. Wow!! She has aged really bad.” However, Ward’s daughter, Matilda Brown, quickly came to her defense. Brown, an actor and food producer, reposted the comments and called out the absurdity of criticizing a 68-year-old woman for looking her age, adding a series of beautiful photographs of her mother with her grandchildren.
Support and Solidarity
Despite the negativity, Ward’s focus remains on the overwhelming support she received. Sitting in her kitchen, enjoying a morning cup of tea, she reflects on the positive responses from friends and fans. Notable figures like Alec Baldwin and Viola Davis expressed their admiration, with Baldwin calling her “an exquisite beauty” and Davis praising her as “beautiful in every way.”
Former editor of The Weekly, Deborah Thomas, echoed these sentiments, describing Ward as “one of the most inspiring women” she has worked with. Thomas highlighted Ward’s intelligence, compassion, and commitment to creating a better world, particularly noting her shift to regenerative farming in her 60s as a testament to her ability to reinvent herself.
“Rachel is intelligent, compassionate, competent and committed to creating a better world. She has a huge heart, she is authentic and a trailblazer for women, constantly demonstrating how you can successfully reinvent yourself at any stage of your life.” — Deborah Thomas
Reflections on Aging and Beauty
Ward’s response to the trolling is one of understanding rather than anger. She believes the comments reflect more on the commenters’ personal struggles with aging than on her own appearance. “I actually don’t think I’m part of this equation, particularly,” she explains. “I think it’s people just expressing their own defense of aging naturally.”
Her perspective is shaped by her own journey through the entertainment industry, where beauty and youth are often intertwined. As a young actress, Ward was aware of the emphasis placed on her looks but now feels liberated from those expectations. “It doesn’t touch me because it’s not important anymore,” she says.
A Life of Reinvention
Born in the UK, Ward began her career as a model before transitioning to acting. She met her husband, Australian actor Bryan Brown, on the set of “The Thorn Birds” in 1982. Together, they settled in Australia, raising their family and eventually purchasing a farm in the Nambucca Valley.
Ward’s life on the farm is a testament to her ability to adapt and thrive. She manages a 350-hectare property using regenerative farming practices, emphasizing environmental sustainability and chemical-free food production. Her Instagram posts, often featuring her farm life, resonate with fans who appreciate her authenticity.
Despite the challenges of aging in the public eye, Ward remains unconcerned with societal pressures to maintain a youthful appearance. She embraces her grey hair and focuses on staying fit and healthy through her active lifestyle on the farm.
The Freedom of Letting Go
Ward’s journey has not been without its struggles. She acknowledges a history of depression and emotional volatility but finds solace in her current lifestyle. “I really enjoy farm life. I really am much happier out of the entertainment business,” she confesses.
As she reflects on the expectations placed on women to maintain beauty and youth, Ward feels liberated from those pressures. “I think, if you’ve built an identity on youth, beauty, wanting to be attractive – if you’ve given that priority and that goes – that is frightening for people,” she observes. “But for the majority of people my age, the expectations of youth and beauty are gone. I don’t have to fulfill those expectations anymore. And that, to me, is very liberating.”
With her focus on the present and the joys of farm life, Rachel Ward continues to inspire others to embrace aging naturally and authentically, proving that beauty and strength can flourish at any age.
