Rachel Ward Addresses Ageism After Makeup-Free Video Sparks Debate
The Thorn Birds star reflects on online comments following a viral video of herself at 68.
Actress Rachel Ward, known for her role in the 1980s miniseries "The Thorn Birds," recently shared a makeup-free video of herself at 68, which ignited a public discussion about aging and appearance. Ward, who posted the video on her farm in New South Wales, Australia, acknowledged that the unfiltered footage led some online commenters to perceive her as having "let herself go."
Despite the commentary, Ward stated that the remarks did not affect her. The actress has maintained a presence in the public eye since her breakout role in "The Thorn Birds" alongside Richard Chamberlain and Bryan Brown in 1983. She also starred in films such as "Against All Odds" in 1984.
The public reaction to Ward's unadorned appearance highlights ongoing societal pressures and debates surrounding aging, particularly for women in the public eye. Ward's response suggests a personal resilience and a detachment from external judgments regarding her appearance as she ages.