Do you remember Meggie Cleary from The Thorn Birds? Here’s what she looks like today at 68.

Born on September 12, 1957, in Cornwell, Oxfordshire, England, Rachel Ward came from a well-connected family but chose a creative path early on. She attended Hatherop Castle School and later studied at the Byam Shaw School of Art in London.

At just 16 years old, Ward left school to pursue modeling. Her striking features and natural poise quickly gained attention, leading to appearances in leading fashion magazines such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Harper’s & Queen.

While modeling brought financial success, Ward sought something more fulfilling. Acting gradually became her focus, beginning with television commercials and small roles.