43 Years After ‘The Thorn Birds’: Where Are the Stars Now?

"The Thorn Birds" is an award-winning Australian-American miniseries from 1983 set in Australia at the beginning of the 20th century. Four episodes of the series were produced and first aired in 1983. "The Thorn Birds" won six Emmys and seven Golden Globes in 1984.

In "The Thorn Birds", Richard Chamberlain played Father “Ralph de Bricassart,” who is exiled to the Australian outback. Father “Ralph” must choose between his love for “Meggie” and the Church—in the end, his devotion to God prevails. Yet Father Ralph’s and “Meggie’s” paths keep crossing again and again...

Richard Chamberlain made his big breakthrough with *The Thorn Birds*. In 1995, he appeared again in the sequel. Chamberlain also starred in many musicals. During his career, the actor won three Golden Globes, including one for *The Thorn Birds*. In 2018, he appeared in the film “Nightmare Cinema,” and in 2019 in “Finding Julia.” On March 29, 2025, the actor passed away at the age of 90.

Rachel Ward played "Meggie," who falls in love with Father "Ralph" when she is still a child. As adults, Father "Ralph" and "Meggie" have a fateful affair.

Rachel Ward was also nominated for a Golden Globe for her portrayal of “Meggie Cleary” and made her big breakthrough with “The Thorn Birds.” Today, Ward works as a director, screenwriter, and actress. In 2018, she provided the voice for a character in the film “Peter Rabbit.” Rachel is also a successful farmer in Australia. The documentary “Rachel’s Farm” was released in 2025.

Australian actor Bryan Brown played the migrant worker “Luke O’Neill.” “Luke” works on the “Cleary” family’s farm and marries “Meggie.” However, he’s only after her money. The relationship between “Meggie” and “Luke” is very cold and distant, partly because of Father “Ralph.”

Rachel Ward and Bryan Brown met and fell in love in 1983 on the set of the miniseries. The couple has three children together. Bryan Brown has appeared in countless movies and TV series. He also starred alongside Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman in the movie “Australia.” In addition, like his wife, he provided a voice in “Peter Rabbit.” He remains very active as an actor; for example, he appeared in “The Moth Effect” in 2021. Since 2022, he has been starring in the series “Darby and Joan.” In 2023, he also appeared in the Australian series “C*A*U*G*H*T.”

This is what Rachel Ward and Bryan Brown look like today—we almost didn't recognize them. The "Thorn Birds" stars come across as a super laid-back couple.

Hollywood legend Barbara Stanwyck played the landowner “Mary Carson.” Barbara Stanwyck passed away on January 20, 1990, at the age of 82. The actress was nominated for an Oscar four times and received an Honorary Oscar in 1983 for her lifetime achievement. She won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her performance in “The Thorn Birds.”

Ken Howard played “Rainer Hartheim” in *The Thorn Birds*. Howard died in March 2016 at the age of 72. His most recent film appearance was in *Joy*. Howard also appeared in TV series such as “30 Rock,” “Passions,” and “Cane.”