THE THORN BIRDS 1983 Cast Then and Now 2023, What Happened To The Cast After 40 Years?

"The Thorn Birds 1983 Cast Then and Now 2023" is a brief article that reflects on the popular television series "The Thorn Birds" and explores what has happened to the cast members after 40 years. It discusses their personal and professional journeys, highlighting their transformations and achievements since the show aired. The article aims to evoke nostalgia while providing updates on the cast's lives and careers.
Welcome to the exciting world of "The Thorn Birds" tv series! Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most iconic stars of the show. Let's see how the "The Thorn Birds" stars appear now compared to when they were on the show! You'll be amazed at the changes in their looks and their careers.
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[@sylviacarlson3561]

I absolutely loved this mini series when it came out in 1983. Couldn't get enough. It was so forbidden and so romantic!!

[@PigeonsPie1]

You should read the book. Not kidding here.

[@birdsfan57]

​@@PigeonsPie1Yes, read it as a 20 year old when it was first released...a VERY long read, but worth EVERY page...

[@garrydunbarr2912]

​@@birdsfan57l

[@suebritton6660]

I sobbed and sobbed watching the Thornbirds Best mini series ever

[@francesswenson1763]

4:26 4:27

[@francesswenson1763]

4:26 4:27

[@NannyFlo]

Loved this series from beginning to end ❤ 😢all the cast were superb ♥️

[@now591]

Rachel Ward looked the part but I thought her acting to be rather wooden.

[@jennyli9651]

When this movie was first time in South Vietnam in 1988, including book which was translated into Vietnamese, I was a 1st year University student at age of 18. I cried so much when I watched it and then I read this novel again and again. Then I came to Australia to study, I still watched this movie sometimes until now. It touches my deep heart with this forever romantic and loyal love. Thanks to all actors and actresses had created the forever and romantic movie.

[@GalateaPolifemo]

Richard was my favorite actor. In his cleric “outfit”, he looked extremely attractive.

[@kathrynmolesa1641]

What a long illustrious career Barbara Stanwyck had. Great actress deserved an Oscar.

[@AidaJof]

I agree, she was a much better actress than Bette Davis or Joan Crawford and she should have won for Double Indemnity

[@MAAivoges]

No Bette Davis was the ultimate acting queen.

[@lnl3237]

Phenomenal actress. Realistically played both dark and malevolent characters as well as funny and mischievous ones. "The Lady Eve" and "Christmas in Connecticut." Had a hard-scrabble childhood who never forgot it-she always admired and praised the crews that made her look so good.

[@ria1636]

All three were fabulous and equal in their own right.

[@angieleonard7444]

I loved the Thornbirds can't believe its 40 years ago

[@roberthurley6860]

The book was wonderful and then seeing the actors they cast for the series was just as wonderful. Each were just as I had pictured them to be reading the book.

[@SMtWalkerS]

This show was SO big back in the day. a passionate love story and I watched it with my mom. She loved seeing the older stars: Barbara Stanwyke, Richard Kiley, Chrostopher Plummer, Piper Laurie.

[@Anne-Crosby2020]

I first saw the series on the TV when I used to (often) pay a visit to my mother-in-law way back in the mid 1980’s. Woe betide anyone who entered her flat whilst she was watching it! No replay or pause buttons at that time, so I had to sit & watch it until the end of the episode with my then 2yr something as she was riveted to the screen and we were shushed until the credits rolled! Obviously, after a few more sightings I was definitely drawn in by the drama, the tragedy & everything else which made TTB so outstanding. Much later on I watched the full series and only then did I realise and understand the intensity with which my MIL gravitated to the story which universallyportrayed the human condition, with all its trials and tribulations, good and bad….Sorry for long comment 😌! But this post jogged me back to a few decades ago and couldn’t resist relating this little personal anecdote 😊 (it’s S “Mt Walker”S’s fault for mentioning her Mum😅❤️

[@SMtWalkerS]

@@Anne-Crosby2020 Haha! It brought back so many happy memories for me, too. A fun time that I shared with my (very much missed) mom.

[@Shanny7852]

Die beste Serie die es jemals gab! Ich liebe diesen Film! Habe so mitgelitten mit Meghan. Der Charakter von Meggie Cleary war der beste!

[@denisebrown1678]

I watched The Thorn Birds with my mom as well. We were glued to the tv when it aired. She’d already read the book.

[@julielucia3930]

Mee too!!

[@joanies6778]

My favorite back then was Richard Chamberlain and I was just wondering about him the other day. It's nice to know he is alive and well! 😍 Of course, I was a huge fan of both Christopher Plummer and Barbara Stanwyk. I grew up with them, especially Barabara in westerns, which I loved watching. Christopher Plummer stole my heart in Sound of Music. The whole cast was amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed the series.

[@SuzyQ334]

Rachel Ward and Bryan Brown have been married in real life for around 40 years and have three grown-up children. They live in the same part of Sydney as me. Rachel is still gorgeous.

[@raulikalervo]

Thank you.❤

[@jennyli9651]

At age 18, I watched this movie in Vietnam, in 1988. I love Rachel Ward so much, just because of her very honest, very loyal, very innocent, very deep and forever love for the Priest. I remember, the last episode when Maggie said " I love you Ralph and I never stop loving you.." and the priest died on her hand...I cried so much.....Forever love Movie.

[@hbennett5640]

​@@jennyli9651Same❤

[@rebeccaboch1552]

"Love. Unattainable. Forbidden. Forever." The Thorn Birds wrecked me, ripped my heart out & tore it to shreds. I felt every ounce of pain & sorrow Meggie suffered. And that ending left me mourning for a long long time. I was an impressionable 20 yr old -- The Thorn Birds was so real to me.

[@user-wm4on4wg8p]

I felt the same. I couldn't get enough of the movie. Forbidden 💕 love. One of the best movies around at that time. When the ending came, I wanted it to continue. It's hard to find movies anymore that offer such great actors and storylines. Well done.

[@yoya4766]

I was younger and it haunted me for many years. On reflection I wish I'd never watched it, as it had a lot of disturbing themes too toxic for impressionable young people.

[@johnliszewski6742]

I was 20 years old also.... It absolutely broke my heart! ❤

[@clairestephens4916]

I was 12 and just beginning to feel the twinges of falling in love. This movie captured me like no other and that porch scene looking out over the ocean that they had made love in saying goodbye left me in the fetal position weeping on the floor. I still love the movie and watch it every time I feel like I need a good cry.

[@TLovetoDance012]

Me too!

[@spenfor1598]

Wow The Thorn Birds was such a great mini series!!!!!! 🖒 The cast was unbelievable!!!! 😊 Always liked Richard Chamberlain (Dr. Kildare)!!!! Watched with my Mom and really enjoyed the time together!!!! 💞 She is no longer with us so brings back wonderful memories!!!! 😕💕

[@Lulusvideos1]

Same here, watched with my mom who is no longer with us, she had read the books and was excited to see the series,so I watched with her. My favorite mini-series.

[@JoeMartinez-vh5cv]

What an amazing cast. The Thorn Birds was one of my favorite mini series. Rachael Ward and Richard Chamberlain wow steamy chemistry. Barbra Stanwyck was phenomenal as the rich patriarch.

[@helenefrench4275]

Phenomenal is the word Joe. Superb dresses as well.

[@kimmarievan-ever6599]

I remember Barbara doing an interview with Michael Parkinson afterwards when she did that scene with Richard Chamberlain where he has just come out of the shower and is naked..she said she didn't know where to look ..she mentioned the same to Richard after filming apparently..and he asked her if she had enjoyed herself and she responded with the fact it had been so long since she had seen a nice young man that yes she did enjoy herself and Richard nonchalantly good I wouldn't have made such an effort for anyone else..the director apparently said just to hold the towel in front of himself but as Barbara Stanwyk had to shout about something passionately he thought it was a idea just to help get her senses heightened...

[@shellyalexander2585]

I was just a kid when this mini series came out. I became obsessed with it, especially the character of Meggie!!! I watched it every year when it reaired on TV. The Thorn Birds became synonymous with my childhood, and my forever romantic heart. I could rewatch it a million times and never tire of this story. Over my life so far, I have already rewatched it countless times❤ A classically great and epic mini series!!!

[@InHitchWeTrust]

Same here. I was obsessed with Richarld Chamberlain and little Maggie. I watched it when I was 10, 11. My full name was Magdalena. To this day, I go by nickname Maggie. It was also a symbol of my childhood. I used to write love letters to Richard Chamberlain as little girl. Living in Poland back then. When I was 18, I moved to the US, where I live to this day.

[@patmillspaugh5176]

I’d love to see this series again! Wonderful!

[@nanniecarper9002]

Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward burning up the screen

[@heatherfruin5050]

And Bryan Brown and Rachel Ward burning up off screen and still happily married all these years later.😊

[@juneburns1565]

They were fantastic ❤

[@judypasqualone3819]

Yep..best love scenes ever!!!

[@judypasqualone3819]

I can’t choose any one character…love them all. I think to this day I’d have to say Mare Winningham…Richard Chamberlain…Piper Laurie…oh heck I can’t choose…every one in the cast was outstanding. ❤️

[@whosaidthat4299]

Ooooo had the biggest crush on Richard ❤.

[@Atom-56]

Loved it, the characters, the music and the romance between gorgeous Meggy and Father Ralph was portrayed perfectly by Rachel Ward and Richard Chamberlain.

[@geramerix2753]

superbly ... yessssss .... I secretly wished that Fr. Ralph would leave the church after "their time" at that beach ..... one CAN love God AND another human being at the same time ... it broke my heart Ralph could not combine this. but still impregnated Meggie who ended up having to lose both of them ....I remember how very much that hurt me ..... catastrophic ....

[@nineangels7572]

I loved this era in TV & movies. I admired Rachel Ward , especially in "Sharkey's Machine." I was 23 back then & I'm 63 now. It seems like yesterday. I loved the 70's and 80's. Thank you!

[@melanielisle9339]

Great program grew up with this film loved it

[@andreaweber842]

For me it was one of the best movie ever made Couldn't wait to see the next episode. Didn't miss one. All of the actors played excellent 👏A true fascinating love story❤️

[@glorilenavasquez3848]

No series, though

[@cattailer1077]

Can't tell you how many times I watched it on reruns! Me, my cats, a glass of burgundy, and the TBirds! Perfect🥰

[@joettamcqueen1954]

This was the most impactful mini-series in my 28-year-old life. I re-lived my own sorrow through Meggie's. I was often in tears watching her and her priest. It weighed heavy on my heart when I tried to sleep. Richard Chamberlain was phenomenal. It still hurts, forty years later.

[@martinehermans6661]

Every time I feel a scream like that she comes to mind…

[@kaynethersole8106]

Richard Chamberlain was gorgeous in the film.

[@annettedavies616]

@@kaynethersole8106He sure was, haven’t heard much about him since.

[@maryannharrison9162]

What a good movie it was!❤😊❤

[@sarahsmith1116]

This and Shogun were the best shows on TV. Thank you

[@maryhayes3680]

Loved the Beach scene with Fr Ralph wearing a cream suit.

[@irisfuchs6951]

🙈

[@brendagilson934]

I wouldn't have run away. I would let him catch me😂❤

[@romystumpy1197]

​@@brendagilson934it was the chase that was exciting

[@geramerix2753]

me tooooo ....

[@carmenrodriguez8814]

This series had me nail biting from week to week! Absolutely wonderful story. My fave is Meggie. Strong minded and determined.❤❤❤

[@beechnut8779]

Loved this mini-series when it came out, and still love it today! Funny how back then nobody cared that the actors all had different accents, and only one (Bryan Brown) actually sounded like he was from Australia. Today, this would be mercilessly skewered in our toxic judgmental society. What a happier, more innocent time that was!

[@Leoviliti1]

The thorn birds and Roots were my favourite ..when in my late teens.

[@touchedbyfire99]

This was the best book I had ever read when I was about 16 in 1977. I was over the moon to get a mini-series of it. What attracts me is the various ways the characters torment others and torture themselves throughout the film. I see new aspects every time I watch it, which is every couple of years.

[@user-rz8bu6vl8x]

I also read the book before watching the mini series. Excellent book and movie!

[@michadawn234]

The miniseries was wonderful the chemistry between Maggie and Father Ralph was fire. The book is fantastic too.

[@pedinurse1]

the author hated the series, dont know why

[@bevcovich7861]

I still have it on DVD and watch it at least once a year. Absolutely love it still after all these years.

[@marybarratt2649]

Me too. Love it.

[@AidaJof]

Hoping for a different ending?

[@jenniferbaker3707]

Where did you buy that DVD? Tks.

[@marybarratt2649]

@@AidaJof Oh yes, there could have been lots of endings. Richard could have given up the cloth and popped over to the U.K. and had afternoon tea with me and chatted about his life. Or perhaps dear old Barbara could have had her wicked way with him after all because I agree with her, you can still admire a young Adonis when you are older and invisible. My friend fell in love with a priest around the same time as this series came out, which was ironic. Took her ages to shake off the total infatuation bless her. I dont think he ever knew. Funny old life eh?

[@angie_texas7986]

Great mini series!

[@Carlabo]

Chamberlain💋 e Rachel 💋 Love is Love ❤ love scenes..very very wonderfull 💋

[@cynthiasmith4130]

Love The Thorn Bird's !!!! I couldn't wait for it to come on....❤️❤️❤️❤️....

[@lyndacaira1735]

Nothing will ever come close to The Thorn Birds --ever!! I need to watch it again! My mom loved it too, it was her favorite series and favorite book! She is gone now, but I do have her book! And Richard Chamberlain always was, and always will be my favorite!!

[@kimcat7320]

Loved the book and the show!

[@cherylsuds7882]

I bought the VHS set of this show, I loved it so much. 🇨🇦💕👍

[@italiangemrose]

When I was a teenager I fell in love with the thornbirds and all the actors and actresses did a phenomenal job performing. It was the best.

[@jenniferbaker3707]

Me too !!

[@lolly2222aa]

Why don’t they air this series? Gorgeous

[@SuZ3945]

They really really made the best TV mini series back in the day! I would call it the golden age of TV. Loved ALL of the mini series that were produced back then, really miss that kind of programming but we live in different times now.

[@maritazoto9788]

My favorite mini series ever! Loved it!

[@karenbenz8106]

I loved The Thorn Birds. My grandmother watched it as well. I would call her to remind her to watch and she would call me the next day to dicuss that episode. We both loved Richard Chamberlain. He was a very handsome man.

[@geramerix2753]

Richard at age 90 is STILL handsome and will ever be that ...

[@sharongoodsell9341]

Barbara stanwick loved her on Big Valley ! I would watch it again ❤❤❤

[@karenconnor6682]

The Thorn Birds is one of the classics - loved it and still do ❤

[@mellie3s121]

I enjoyed this movie very much. My grandmother and I watched it together and I remember looking forward to the next episode coming on TV. Whole cast was wonderful. And Sydney Penny did great job too.

[@lilliewalter6974]

Loved all...

[@trujustice8628]

Well done. Time passes doesn't it. We all enjoyed the series at the time and loved the characters. Barbara S and many other elders were a pleasure to see in the series and many came out of retirement to do the series. Thank you for taking us down memory lane.

[@kathleenburke7233]

Best mini series ever! Oh, how I wish they'd re-play it!! I don't even care if it's not touched up to today's level of clearness and such. The acting was superb and totally believable! Thank you so much for posting this short video! I enjoyed it very much and I still sigh when I see anything regarding The Thorn Birds!

[@carolsmart5223]

Loved the thorn birds- thanks for showing this - loved all the cast

[@jwb4503]

Watching this video makes me want to see The Thornbirds again. It was one of the best mini-series I've ever seen. Thanks for posting.

[@elizabethannegrey6285]

The best ever tv mini series. All the cast were superb.

[@kimaglioti7775]

Thanks for sharing. Brilliant series. Fabulous memories of that time period too.

[@MariaAparecida-nh8dr]

Richard e.Rachel lindos e talentosissimos ❤❤❤

[@sjordan9586]

Where is Sydney Penny? She played young Meggie and was important to the story.

[@dammar117]

Cute little girl, but poorly chosen a a younger Rachel Ward. You don't get lighter as you grow up. She was also very small. They should have chosen someone who resembled Rachel.

[@nez9751]

My mum watched this religiously when I was a kid.

[@wendyhannan2454]

I love Brian Brown and Rachel Ward, they are my very favourites. However there were many fabulous actors in that show, all so very talented.

[@KimikoCat]

Brown and Ward married after The Thorn Birds wrapped, and they’re still married. They made career sacrifices to stay in Australia rather than be separated for long stretches abroad, but evidently they prioritized their family life.

[@JoelStim-lj1hg]

Enjoyed!!!!! My fav. Characters were, # Meggie#& #Christopher Plummer#;!!;;!;!

[@carsb121]

I still have & treasure my VHS set of this series. It's a compelling story that was beautifully told in remarkable settings. LOVE!!💗

[@rocker76m88]

Omg my mother and I used to watch this in the 80s. I miss her terribly 😔

[@oldwoman5942]

Loved this show! Read the book too.

[@brunovilma9587]

Il film più bello di tutti i tempi Richard e Rachel fantastici!🤩😍

[@jacquiwood3399]

It was such a moving series...watched it with my daughter...so powerful...Rachel Ward so beautiful..

[@soapwonder2284]

I have the great bock, read it many times AFTER watching the mini Series, what a masterpiece! Loved all the actors! It was very successful on german TV when I was like 10!

[@dorismoses6845]

Yes was watching it! Beautiful story!

[@irenetanti9877]

Best mini series ever.Love the Thorn birds...Thank God i have it on dvd

[@KatieReadsKoziesAndMore]

Brian Brown and Rachel Ward were fabulous. Actually, the entire cast was beautiful/handsome, talented and had a terrific script to work from. For those who have passed, may they rest in peace. For those still living, I pray they continue with happy lives.

[@maggiesmith856]

They fell in love while making the miniseries and apparently are still together forty years later !.

[@heatherfruin5050]

Bryan not Brian😊

[@birnuraktan5105]

I was 21 years old when I watched the series, it is a really high quality and unforgettable series..

[@ifkatatar9225]

💙💙💙💙💙💙💙The Book And Series’s,The Australians And England,Still Have The Best Series’s,Finally We Got One Yellowstone ❗️

[@user-nf5ui1wi7k]

I absolutely loved the book, as well as the mini-series. I watch it often again on Prime. Knowing the ending, I still bawl like a baby. 😢

[@patriciasanders2942]

A great series, have watched it many times and can honestly say I never tire of doing so.EVER.

[@londonengland1231]

Loved the book & the mini series & your video!!

[@olderandwiser78]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the mini series when it first came out and recently watched it again. I loved watching these good actors who had great chemistry, especially between Chamberlain and Ward. I have always been drawn to Richard Chamberlain and tonight I realized why. We both are great grandchildren of two great grandfathers who came to New England in the 1600s. That makes us 1st. cousins 9x removed.

[@montsesr2809]

Fué una serie fantástica,lleno de amor imposible de Rachel y ralf.

[@user-wm4on4wg8p]

Wonderful series, amazing cast! Acting was great! Very popular show back then! Loved The Thorn Birds! I couldn't get enough of it! Wish there were more movies like The Thorn Birds today!😊

[@lidamartin2539]

It's about an impossible love, that they both struggled with . Until they give in with the incredible beach scene ,The chemistry was brilliant !! I was disappointed to find out that Richard is gay , The only thing I would say is that he was obviously a great actor x

[@treehugger47]

So sorry he disappointed you by being gay 😂

[@Chicasueca79]

One of the BEST series of the 1980’s!!!

[@monique363]

I love love love The Thorn Birds. The whole cast are brilliant actors especially Richard Chamberlain and Rachael Ward. I’d love it if they could do a remake with different actors with the same surroundings. My mom who never watches movies in her life- loved the Thorn Birds. When she visit me we watch it together. Please do a remake!!

[@dammar117]

A remake in 2024 would be a disaster. Such intensity and raw feelings are lost now. They couldn't recreate what they don't know about. Not to mention that a love story that starts with a little girl and moves on to a passionate kiss between a 17 year old and a much older man... These things wouldn't fly today. They would have to rewrite and tear apart the book. It's already bad enough that they ruined it with a bad sequel. I'd rather just enjoy the original.

[@tonia6441]

Thanx for all of this ! Ralf was my best character !

[@pasqualinaromano5174]

Grazie bellissima Video ❤uccelli di rovo una GRANDE STORIA dAmore Ralph e Richard e Megghie Rachel indimendicabili FAVOLOSI COMPLIMENTi 👌👌💯💯🥀🥀❤❤❤😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘❤🥰

[@francesposnanski1515]

Richard Chamberlain of course. Whenever I remember Thorn Birds, he comes to mind.

[@Linda90503]

This mini-series had FORBIDDEN PASSION. ❤

[@jeannethelen3604]

My favorite book and mini series

[@CelebritiesHeritage]

Your video is impressive! Keep up the good work and keep making exciting content for your audience

[@michelemarlaire465]

Father Ralph and Fee

[@maryboone903]

Loved that mini series

[@mariannebaaba9150]

I love The Thorn Birds. Thank you for this video 👍

[@kimyoung3484]

Thank you ❤

[@julielarge6120]

A lovely series.

[@w.dossett3332]

Laurie piper looks amazing for her age, both in the film and today

[@carolynoconnor9739]

I was a high school senior in 1983, loved every minute of the Thorn Birds!!! Went to a Catholic HS, mini series was on during Holy Week, school was not happy that everyone was talking about it, actually told us not to watch it!🤣. Obviously no one listened!!

[@josephinemoyo9820]

I and my family enjoyed watching this film over and over in 1984, it's so emotional . My favourites were Maggie and Father Raphael, otherwise all of them were very good. May those who have left this world may their souls continue resting in peace ✌️ 🙏 ❤️

[@ingridwootton-mota231]

Love this story..its almost like my family history...I named my daughter after Meghan...this movie covers every emotion..Well done..all actors did extremely well ..

[@petitelapin60]

This was really fun to see! LOVE the mini-series!! One of my very favorites! Thanks so much!!

[@tvretros]

I have always loved Richard Chamberlain since i saw him in "The Slipper and the Rose" in 1976 as a little girl, I thought he was so handsome as the prince. Remember the huge hit this series was it was fantastic, wonderful cast and great memories!

[@whosaidthat4299]

I watched that when I was little, forgot about it.

[@susanp.collins7834]

That movie saved my life (long story!). I must have watched it fifteen times.

[@fathimasheikessop7560]

Favourite Character...Richard Chamberlain

[@VirginiaSpencer-bq6jx]

I loved this series it was so wonderful. Makes me cry every time I see it.

[@Mi-vz5sg]

To był wspaniały serial! Świetna gra wszystkich aktorów ! Pozdrawiam z Polski ❤

[@cattailer1077]

Hi mix from Poland👋🏼

[@tpw9099]

Just came home to the US from Poland u have a beautiful country was a wonderful trip

[@Mi-vz5sg]

​@@tpw9099Dziękuję bardzo za miłe słowa. Pozdrawiam 😃

[@geraldinekearney542]

The Thorn Birds is where Rachael Ward met her beloved husband Bryan Brown, and they live happily here in Australia, with their adult children and grandchildren ❤❤❤

[@debbiemartin2026]

When you think she was only 25 years old (my age at the time), she really carried herself well in this film even when they aged her. Nice they stayed together, Not sure if either stayed in films.

[@geraldinekearney542]

@@debbiemartin2026 yes, they both stayed in films, and they actually make their own films, as actors, writers,producers and directors, they tend to make good quality small films ❤️❤️👍👍

[@debbiemartin2026]

@@geraldinekearney542 sad I read she was criticized for her part in the Thornbirds and never acted in a film again. (Read that online after my comment)Well it turned out well for her anyway.

[@marybarratt2649]

The whole cast was well chosen. Richard of course was ideal for the part, as was Barbara. One of my most fave actors is Piper Laurie.

[@bloochoob]

‘I can see your dirty pillows’ 😂 her best line from Carrie

[@margricks]

I loved the mini series and also read the book, which was just as good.

[@cecilejoubert7933]

I loved the thorn birds movie! Please bring it back on DSTV!

[@lolly2222aa]

Just a superior film / all played so well terrific cast. Thank You

[@Bobbied100]

I miss having great mini series wahrer they cast actors of all ages instead of just young ones like they do now