Rachel Ward, the multi-talented actor, director, and cattle farmer, recently opened up about her experience with online trolling concerning her appearance and the broader societal implications of aging. In a heartfelt conversation with The Weekly, she reflected on the unsolicited criticism following a seemingly innocent Instagram video where she expressed gratitude to friends and neighbors. The backlash from some online users pointedly commented on her age, stating things like, “She has aged really bad,” which prompted her daughter, Matilda Brown, to defend her mother passionately.
Matilda’s response brought attention to how crucial it is to challenge the stigma around aging, especially for women. She shared photos of Rachel with her grandchildren and spoke about the need to embrace natural aging rather than succumb to unrealistic societal standards. The support flooded in for Rachel, with fellow actors like Alec Baldwin and Viola Davis praising her beauty and resilience.
Rachel approached the negativity with a refreshing perspective, stating, “I actually don’t think I’m part of this equation.” She emphasized the importance of allowing people to age naturally without the pressure to remain youthful, advocating for a more accepting society regarding the aging process.
Born in the UK, Rachel rose to fame in the entertainment industry before moving to Australia, where she now manages a regenerative beef cattle farm. Her transition to farming in her 60s embodies her philosophy of living authentically and embracing change at any age. In her candid remarks, Rachel acknowledged the emotional journey of self-acceptance, stating, “What I’ve learned is that I’m much happier out of the entertainment business.”
Rachel, who has openly battled depression, highlighted the joy she finds in her current life on the farm, where she stays active and engaged. She is determined not to adhere to the societal pressures that often dictate standards of beauty and youth. “If you’ve built an identity on youth, beauty, wanting to be attractive… that is frightening for people,” she said, “But for the majority of people my age, the expectations of youth and beauty are gone.”
Her journey is an inspiring reminder that aging can be a celebration of life and that one can continually redefine their identity regardless of societal expectations. Ultimately, Rachel Ward embodies a hopeful message: true beauty is timeless and rooted in authenticity and self-acceptance.