- Bryan Brown and Rachel Ward married 1983
- They've been together for 40 years
- They have three children
It's the kind of love story that would make even the most seasoned scriptwriters swoon! Bryan Brown (75, actor) and Rachel Ward (64, director and actress), the beloved stars from the iconic TV series 'The Thorn Birds,' have proven that their off-screen romance is as enduring as the most timeless tales.
While their characters' on-screen love triangle kept viewers on the edge of their seats, it was the real-life chemistry between Bryan and Rachel that stole the show. The pair tied the knot shortly after filming wrapped up in 1983, and they've been inseparable ever since. Bryan gushes, "You cannot underestimate how huge the show was all over the world, but my marriage and family are what I'm most grateful for."
From palm readings to parenthood
Their love story has all the makings of a Hollywood plot, complete with palm readings on set that predicted their future as parents to three children. Bryan recalls with a chuckle, "I didn’t say they would be mine!" Turns out, his playful prophecy was spot on!
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Bryan's Hollywood journey has been star-studded, with roles in hits like 'Cocktail' and 'Gorillas in the Mist.' Meanwhile, Rachel has transitioned from acting to directing, with her work behind the camera earning critical acclaim.
The pecs that launched a thousand ships
Rachel admits her initial attraction to Bryan was quite "basic"... it was his pecs that caught her eye! Even Jean Simmons, their co-star, noticed the sparks flying and nudged the two together. Richard Chamberlain, another co-star, observed that he had never seen "two people more in love."
Their decision to wed came after a fiery argument in Ireland, proving that sometimes, love truly does conquer all. They exchanged vows at Rachel's childhood home, a Georgian mansion in Oxfordshire, and later settled down in Sydney, where their family remains close-knit.
Now grandparents, Bryan and Rachel cherish their time with the little ones and share a passion for horse riding, planning trips around the globe and indulging in British TV shows like "Vera" and "Midsomer Murders."
The secret to marital bliss
When asked about the secret to a lasting marriage, Bryan offers a cheeky yet sage piece of advice: "Say 'Yes' to your wife and 'It's my fault' when things go awry."
More about 'The Thorn Birds':
She played young "Meggie"
Sydney Penny: THIS Is "Meggie" From 'The Thorn Birds' Today!
An Australian family affair!
'The Thorn Birds' Star Rachel Ward Directed A Movie Starring Her Husband & Her Daughter
A look at his career after the successful mini series!
As they continue to explore new horizons, both on horseback and on-screen with Bryan's latest project "Darby and Joan," it's clear that this couple's love story is one for the ages.
