Iconic Aussie actress, 68, reveals why she doesn’t fuss over her appearance after cruel trolls said she looked ‘old’

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Rachel Ward, 68, has explained that she no longer focuses on her appearance after receiving negative comments about it online.

Last month, the well-known 68-year-old Australian actress used Instagram to share information about Farmthru, her project focused on ethically sourced meat.

Rachel, along with her husband Bryan Brown, runs a beef cattle farm with 350 animals in the Nambucca Valley. She was recently expressing her gratitude to customers for their support during 2025.

However, the seemingly innocuous post was met with some cruel comments from followers. 

Following a widely shared reply to online criticism, Rachel used Instagram on Friday to celebrate the benefits of getting older.

Rachel playfully responded to the recent attention about online criticism of her looks, saying she made a small effort today – like running her hands through her hair.

Rachel also pointed out that growing older shouldn’t be feared, but embraced as a positive experience.

‘Anyway, just to say, do not fear ageing, it’s a wonderful period of life,’ she said.

Now in my sixties, I feel more content with my life than ever before, and I don’t look back with any regrets about growing older and losing my youth and appearance.

Rachel quoted the poet John Keats, saying that beauty belongs to the young, but she also acknowledged that growing older has its own appeal.

She quoted Keats, saying, ‘As he put it, youth is beauty, beauty is youth—that’s all there is to it,’ and acknowledged its truth.

I’m not young anymore, but I’m very content, and I believe later life is something to be celebrated. You’ll feel the same way when you reach that stage.

There are countless opportunities and blessings waiting for you that you won’t discover until you experience them firsthand.

Rachel finished her post by saying she was really touched by all the supportive messages she received after being targeted online.

Rachel acknowledged that many people fear losing their youth and sometimes try extreme methods to stay young. She advised letting go of that fear, suggesting it will ultimately lead to positive things.

She reinforced this feeling in the video’s description, playfully suggesting she needs to put more effort into her appearance before posting online.

She explained that she was deeply touched by the incredible support she received after some online bullies criticized her appearance right before Christmas.

I’m working as a farmer these days, but I probably should have fixed my hair and put on some lipstick before posting online. Sorry if I startled anyone!

Rachel’s post received a lot of positive reactions from her followers, and even celebrity chef Colin Fassnidge from My Kitchen Rules showed his support with a clapping emoji.

Former Block judge Neale Whitaker also praised Rachel for her refreshing approach to ageing.

He called her reply beautiful, kind, and well-written, adding that he completely agreed. He admitted he’d been worried about turning sixty, but is now really enjoying this stage of his life.

Someone else commented, saying they loved how naturally beautiful I looked in my last post and that I’ve always been stunning.

One person beautifully captured what many were feeling, saying, ‘Growing older is a gift, and you’re handling it with such poise and elegance.’

Rachel’s pre-Christmas post was met with some cruel comments from followers.

One person commented that they read the woman is 68, but she appears much older, especially considering the commenter is 62 and only a few years younger. Another user bluntly asked what happened to her appearance, remarking that she used to be very attractive.

Another critic claimed that Rachel’s appearance was due to ‘years of neglect’.

Rachel said she felt bad for people who were really afraid of getting older. She believed that letting go of the pressure to stay young and beautiful was actually liberating for women.

Born in the UK, Rachel relocated permanently after marrying fellow acting icon Bryan Brown in 1983.

Richard and his wife first connected while filming the TV series The Thorn Birds. They later had three children: Rosie, who is 42, Matilda, 39, and Joe, 34.

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2026-01-16 11:34