Rachel Ward, 'Thorn Birds' Actress, Reunited With Richard Chamberlain

(Photo: Reuters)
Rachel Ward appeared in the 1983 hit miniseries "The Thorn Birds."

By Emma Koonse , Christian Post Reporter

July 24, 2012|3:17 pm

Co-stars on the former miniseries "The Thorn Birds" Rachel Ward and Richard Chamberlain have reunited for the first time in decades.

The popular and possibly most-loved series of all time was based on a novel by Collen McCullough and broadcast on ABC in 1983.

Reunited at PBS's "Pioneers of Television" season three presentation on Sunday, Chamberlain told Ward, "You look more beautiful than ever, by the way," reported Access Hollywood.

It had been nearly 30 years since Chamberlain, 78, and Ward, 54, had appeared on stage together, following the end of "The Thorn Birds."

Although they both worked on the made-for-television movie "Blackbeard," the two actors did not see one another.

"We were working on the same project, but we didn't have scenes together," Chamberlain explained, according to Access Hollywood. "Rachel was just leaving town and I was just coming in and we met in the airport for about 10 minutes and it was so great to see you."

Although "Thorn Birds" was short-lived, the series earned six Emmy Awards.

Also, separate from the series' critical acclaim, Ward received poor reviews for her role as Meggie Cleary. She attributed harsh critics to her becoming a director, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"When I got slaughtered, I really took it to heart," said the British-born actress. "I never really got my confidence back after that."

Despite the critic's analysis of her acting, many Twitter users commented on Ward reuniting with Chamberlain.

"Most smoldering chemistry ever," wrote Twitter user Staci Ann.

Ward continued to act after "Thorn Birds" though, and appeared in 1984's "Against All Odds," "The Umbrella Woman," and "On the Beach," among others.

In 2009, she directed the film "Beautiful Kate," which premiered at the Sydney Film Festival. Currently, Ward directs Australian television shows such as "My Place" and "The Straits."

"Pioneers of Television" on PBS also featured Ward's husband, Bryan Brown, and other veteran television stars such as Cloris Leachman, and revealed behind-the-scenes stories and facts about TV shows. The special will air on PBS in January 2013.