The Thorn Birds is a popular miniseries that aired in 1983, based on the bestselling novel by Colleen McCullough. The series became a cultural phenomenon, attracting a massive audience and earning several Emmy Awards. The cast of The Thorn Birds featured many talented actors and actresses who captivated viewers with their portrayals of complex and compelling characters. In this article, we will take a look at where the cast of The Thorn Birds is now, providing an update on their careers and personal lives.
The Importance of the Thorn Birds Cast
The Thorn Birds was a groundbreaking miniseries that tackled controversial themes such as forbidden love, ambition, and sacrifice. The cast played a significant role in bringing these themes to life, delivering powerful and emotional performances that resonated with audiences. The series also launched the careers of several of its stars, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their talents and establish themselves as household names.
Richard Chamberlain as Father Ralph de Bricassart
Richard Chamberlain played the lead role of Father Ralph de Bricassart, a Catholic priest who becomes entangled in a passionate love affair with Meggie Cleary. Chamberlain was already an established star when he took on the role, having appeared in numerous films and television shows. After The Thorn Birds, he continued to enjoy a successful career, appearing in movies such as The Slugger’s Wife and King Solomon’s Mines, as well as television shows like The Dresden Files and Broken Trail.
Where is Richard Chamberlain Now?
Richard Chamberlain is still active in the entertainment industry, although he has shifted his focus to stage work in recent years. He has appeared in several Broadway productions, including My Fair Lady and The Sound of Music. In 2019, he starred in the play The Father at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. Chamberlain is also an accomplished author, having written several memoirs and novels.
Rachel Ward as Meggie Cleary
Rachel Ward played Meggie Cleary, the young woman who falls in love with Father Ralph de Bricassart. Ward was a relative newcomer when she was cast in The Thorn Birds, having only appeared in a few film and television roles. The miniseries was a breakout role for her, and she went on to enjoy a successful career in both film and television.
Where is Rachel Ward Now?
Rachel Ward has continued to work in the entertainment industry, primarily in Australia. She has appeared in numerous films, including The Umbrella Woman and Black Robe, as well as television shows like Monarch Cove and Anzac Girls. Ward has also directed several short films and television episodes. In addition to her work in entertainment, she is an advocate for environmental and social causes.
Barry Bostwick as Luke O’Neill
Barry Bostwick played Luke O’Neill, Meggie Cleary’s first love interest. Bostwick was already an established star when he appeared in The Thorn Birds, having starred in the hit musical Grease and the television series Spin City. After The Thorn Birds, he continued to enjoy a successful career, appearing in numerous films and television shows. (See Also: Where Do Dead Birds Go)
Where is Barry Bostwick Now?
Barry Bostwick is still active in the entertainment industry, primarily in television. He has appeared in several popular shows, including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Scandal, and The Magicians. Bostwick is also an accomplished stage actor, having appeared in numerous Broadway productions, including The Robber Bridegroom and The Lieutenant of Inishmore. In addition to his work in entertainment, he is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness.
Conclusion
The Thorn Birds was a groundbreaking miniseries that featured a talented cast of actors and actresses. The cast members went on to enjoy successful careers in the entertainment industry, with many of them becoming household names. While some have shifted their focus to other pursuits, such as stage work or activism, they all remain a part of the legacy of The Thorn Birds, a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
Thorn Birds Cast: Where Are They Now?
The Thorn Birds is a miniseries based on Colleen McCullough’s novel of the same name. It first aired in 1983 and quickly became one of the most popular miniseries of all time. The show starred an all-star cast, including Richard Chamberlain, Rachel Ward, and Christopher Plummer. Here’s a look at where the cast of The Thorn Birds is now.
Richard Chamberlain (Father Ralph de Bricassart)
Richard Chamberlain played the lead role of Father Ralph de Bricassart in The Thorn Birds. He was already a well-known actor before taking on the role, having starred in the popular TV show Dr. Kildare. After The Thorn Birds, Chamberlain continued to have a successful career in both film and television. He starred in several mini-series, including Shogun and The Bourne Identity. He also appeared in numerous films, such as The Towering Inferno and King Solomon’s Mines. In recent years, Chamberlain has turned to stage acting and has appeared in several Broadway productions. He is still active in the industry and continues to act in films and television shows.
Rachel Ward (Meggie Cleary)
Rachel Ward played the role of Meggie Cleary, the main female character in The Thorn Birds. Before starring in the miniseries, Ward was a model and had only appeared in a few films. After The Thorn Birds, Ward’s acting career took off, and she starred in several films, including The Umbrella Woman and After Dark, My Sweet. She also appeared in several TV shows, such as Palomino and On the Beach. In recent years, Ward has focused on directing and producing and has directed several short films and documentaries. She is still active in the industry and continues to act in films and television shows.
Christopher Plummer (Archbishop Vittorio Contini-Verchese)
Christopher Plummer played the role of Archbishop Vittorio Contini-Verchese in The Thorn Birds. Plummer was already a well-established actor before taking on the role, having starred in several films, including The Sound of Music and The Man Who Would Be King. After The Thorn Birds, Plummer continued to have a successful career in both film and theatre. He won several awards for his performances, including a Tony Award for his role in Barrymore and an Academy Award for his role in Beginners. Plummer was one of the most respected actors in the industry and worked until his death in 2021. (See Also: What Birds Make Noise At Night In Florida)
Barry Corbin (Paddy Cleary)
Barry Corbin played the role of Paddy Cleary, Meggie’s father, in The Thorn Birds. Corbin was already a well-known character actor before taking on the role, having appeared in several TV shows, including Dallas and Northern Exposure. After The Thorn Birds, Corbin continued to have a successful career in both film and television. He appeared in several films, including No Country for Old Men and Urban Cowboy. He also appeared in numerous TV shows, such as The Closer and Anger Management. Corbin is still active in the industry and continues to act in films and television shows.
Bryan Brown (Luke O’Neill)
Bryan Brown played the role of Luke O’Neill, Meggie’s first love interest, in The Thorn Birds. Brown was already a well-known actor before taking on the role, having appeared in several films, including Breaker Morant and Cocktail. After The Thorn Birds, Brown continued to have a successful career in both film and television. He appeared in several films, including F/X and Two Hands. He also appeared in numerous TV shows, such as The Straits and Love My Way. Brown is still active in the industry and continues to act in films and television shows.
Mare Winningham (Justine O’Neill)
Mare Winningham played the role of Justine O’Neill, Meggie’s sister, in The Thorn Birds. Winningham was already a well-known actress before taking on the role, having appeared in several films, including St. Elmo’s Fire and
Thorn Birds Cast: Where Are They Now?
1. What happened to Richard Chamberlain, who played Ralph de Bricassart?
Richard Chamberlain continued his successful acting career, appearing in numerous films, TV shows, and stage productions. Some of his notable roles include playing Count Dracula in the 1974 TV movie, Jason Bourne in the 1988 TV miniseries “The Bourne Identity,” and Emperor Charles II in the 1979 TV miniseries “The Scarlet Empress.” He also starred in the TV series “The Thorn Birds: The Missing Years” (1996) and “The Thorn Birds: The Sands of Time” (1991). In recent years, he has focused more on stage work and has appeared in various theater productions.
2. Where is Rachel Ward, who played Meggie Cleary, now?
Rachel Ward continued acting in both film and television after “The Thorn Birds.” She appeared in various movies such as “Against All Odds” (1984), “The Umbrella Woman” (1987), and “Dead Men Don’t Die” (1990). In addition, she starred in TV series like “Noble House” (1988), “On the Beach” (2000), and “Mystery Road” (2018). Ward has also directed several short films and the TV movie “Mary: The Making of a Princess” (2001). She has been married to actor Bryan Brown since 1983. (See Also: What Do Birds And Mammals Have In Common)
3. What became of Christopher Plummer, who played Father Columbo?
Christopher Plummer had a long and distinguished career in film, television, and theater. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in “Beginners” (2011) and was nominated for several other Oscars. Plummer worked in various films, including “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country” (1991), “12 Monkeys” (1995), “The Insider” (1999), and “Inside Man” (2006). He also appeared in TV shows such as “American Dreams” (2003) and “The Sound of Music Live!” (2013). Plummer remained active in the industry until his death in 2021.
4. Is Barbara Stanwyck, who played Fee Cleary, still alive?
No, Barbara Stanwyck passed away in 1990. She was an accomplished actress known for her work in film, television, and theater. Stanwyck won three Emmy Awards and was nominated for an Academy Award. She appeared in various films, such as “Double Indemnity” (1944), “Sorry, Wrong Number” (1948), and “The Lady Eve” (1941). In television, she starred in the series “The Big Valley” (1965-1969) and “The Colbys” (1985-1987). Stanwyck was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
5. What happened to Jean Simmons, who played Mary Carson?
Jean Simmons passed away in 2010. She was an English actress who worked in both film and television. Simmons won a Golden Globe Award and was nominated for two Academy Awards. She appeared in various films, such as “Great Expectations” (1946), “Hamlet” (1948), “Spartacus” (1960), and “Elmer Gantry” (1960). Simmons also starred in TV series like “The Love Boat” (1978) and “Hawaii Five-O” (1979). She was married to actor Stewart Granger from 1950 to 1960 and to director Richard Brooks from 1960 until his death in 1992.
