Rachel Claire Ward AM (born 12 September 1957) is a captivating English-Australian actress, director, and former model whose career has spanned continents and genres. Her early days as a model saw her grace the covers of high-fashion magazines like Vogue and Cosmopolitan. Moving to the U.S. in 1977, she quickly became a familiar face in iconic ads, including those for Lincoln Mercury and Revlon.

Ward’s acting career skyrocketed in 1981 when she earned a Golden Globe nomination for her role in *Sharky’s Machine*. She further dazzled audiences in *Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid* and became a household name with her unforgettable portrayal of Meggie Cleary in the 1983 miniseries *The Thorn Birds*. This role not only earned her another Golden Globe nomination but also solidified her status as one of the world’s most beautiful women. Her performance in *Against All Odds* (1984) showcased her versatility, but after *Fortress* (1985), she took a hiatus to hone her craft.

In 2001, Ward was back in the spotlight with a Golden Globe nomination for *On the Beach* and celebrated multiple wins for her short film *The Big House*. Honored as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2005 for her dedication to social justice and the arts, she made a powerful directorial debut with *Beautiful Kate* in 2009. Married to actor Bryan Brown since 1983, Ward is also a proud mother of three, continuing to inspire both on and off the screen.