Rachel Ward, the former star of the iconic miniseries *The Thorn Birds*, has recently addressed the negative scrutiny she faces regarding her appearance as she embraces the natural process of ageing. Now 68, the actress and model shared her thoughts during a candid interview with ABC News and on her social media platforms, where she aims to inspire other women to accept their wrinkles and grey hair.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Rachel-Ward-052526-tout-5e2b9ca3e2fb41d3b994f401374d510a.jpg)
In the interview, Ward highlighted the societal pressures that dictate how women should look as they grow older. She expressed frustration at the notion that women must maintain a youthful appearance, stating, “Why do we feel we’ve got to pretend that we’re still 40 when we’re 68?” Her remarks resonate with many who feel burdened by unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by society and the media.
Ward’s perspective on ageing is refreshingly positive. She revealed that she has never felt happier, attributing this contentment to embracing her true self. In a light-hearted moment, she noted the irony of gaining more attention on social media as her appearance changed. “The more wretched I looked, the more followers I have,” she commented, adding that her grey hair had surprised some followers, leading them to reflect on what ageing really looks like.
Despite the backlash from some online trolls, Ward believes it is essential to confront issues of beauty with honesty. She spoke about a recent video she shared regarding her farming venture, FarmThru, which drew significant attention, not all of it positive. In response to critiques about her look, she recorded a separate message urging her followers not to fear the ageing process. “Dear those of you who responded to the brouhaha over the trolls criticising my appearance, I have tried to do a little better today,” she said. “But anyways, just to say, do not fear aging.”
This openness garnered a wave of support from fellow celebrities, including Kyle Richards and Sharon Stone, who have also championed the importance of embracing age with dignity and grace. Ward’s candidness in confronting these issues is rare in an industry often focused on youth and beauty.
Reflecting on her experiences in the entertainment industry, Ward discussed the heavy emphasis placed on sexuality and physical appearance, particularly during the early 1980s when she first gained fame. “It’s very empty, and it’s very unsatisfying,” she stated, illustrating the journey she underwent to realise her worth beyond physical attributes. This journey, she noted, was fraught with anxiety, as societal expectations led many women to feel pressured to maintain an unrealistic image.
Ward’s willingness to share her journey reveals a sense of empowerment that comes with age. “I’m so past caring about what people think about one’s appearance or age,” she said. Her priorities have shifted towards more meaningful pursuits, such as ensuring the well-being of her livestock, as she concluded with a light-hearted note: “All I want to hear is, ‘Actually, Rachel’s cows are looking pretty good.’”
By speaking out, Rachel Ward hopes to inspire other women to embrace their age and celebrate themselves as they are, free from societal judgments and expectations. As she navigates this new chapter of her life, her message of acceptance is both timely and relevant, serving as a reminder that beauty can be found in authenticity and self-love.