Rachel Ward, renowned for her role in “The Thorn Birds,” recently found herself at the center of an online conversation about aging naturally. After posting a candid, makeup-free video on Instagram, the 68-year-old actress received a mix of reactions—some supportive and others, unfortunately, less kind.

As the discussion around her appearance unfolded, several high-profile figures stepped forward to defend Ward and celebrate her natural beauty. Among them was Sarah Jessica Parker, who at 60, joined in the chorus of support. Responding to a follow-up video shared by Ward’s daughter, Matilda, Parker declared, “She is sincerely beautiful. For real. No qualifiers. Just a beauty. I’m sure inside and out. Xxx.”

In a show of solidarity, actress Zoe Saldaña also expressed her admiration, commenting, “Your mother is stunning!!! Always has been.”

The outpouring of support highlights a growing movement to embrace aging authentically and challenges the harsh scrutiny often placed on women in the public eye. Ward’s experience serves as a reminder of the power of positivity and the importance of kindness in the digital age.

Kim Basinger joined the chat as well, calling Ward“one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen in my life,” while thanking her for being an inspiration and a “unique, rare spirit.”

“Btw u r the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen And I’ve seen them all Then Now Always,” Stone, 67, also replied to Ward’s post.

Sarah Jessica Parker wants everyone to stop making a fuss about getting older. Through the years, Parker has shared her thoughts on society’s obsession with looking young and stressed that stopping time isn’t her priority.  Like many A-listers, Parker’s journey with aging has been visible to fans through her work in TV, namely her role […]

Ward, widely known for her role as Meghan “Meggie” Cleary in the 1983 miniseries, was defended by celebrities and encouraging fans for embracing her changing looks after stepping away from Tinseltown.

Years after being nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress, she now runs a regenerative beef farm with husband Bryan Brown in Australia’s Nambucca Valley. Ward was merely sharing an update about the farm when she was bombarded with the shameful comments. (In addition to Matilda, the couple and former costars share daughter Rosie and son Joe.)

Ward spoke out about the criticism via Instagram following her Christmas update that sparked the chatter about her looks.

“Dear those of you who responded to the brouhaha over the trolls criticizing my appearance, I have tried to do a little better today. I ran my hands through my hair, etc. but anyways, just to say, do not fear aging,” the actress said in the clip posted on January 15, noting that she “really should do my hair and apply some lippy before I go on social media.”

Ward said that despite popular belief otherwise, her sixties have been a “wonderful period of life.”

Last week, Jennifer Lopez made headlines with her response to an interviewer who brought up her age. “Listen, I can’t believe it’s been 30 years since Selena. I can’t believe that 30 years we do the retrospective of this and you will be 60 by then,” Variety’s Senior Awards Editor, Clayton Davis, said on Sunday, […]

“I am more fulfilled than ever and I have no regrets, leaving my youth and beauty behind,” she pointed out. “I’m not youthful, but I am a very happy camper.”

Ward highlighted that with age comes wisdom and more “gifts to bestow,” many of which can’t be cherished until that time comes.

“Don’t worry about me,” she continued. “I do recognize that we’re all a little bit worried about losing our youth and resorting to rather drastic ways of holding on to it, but let it go.”

Ward added, “I would crawl under a rock but very keen to promote my new initiative @Farmthru_ where you can buy Delicious regen steaks, chooks, eggs, pork and lamb at a curb side hub in the Northern Beaches. Check it out and support farmers who balance both land, animal and your health. Wait until you taste the difference.”