The characters Father Ralph and Maggie, played by Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward, respectively, were brought to life in the hit 1983 movie “The Thorn Birds.”

Father Ralph was played by Golden Globe Award winner Chamberlain, while Maggie was portrayed by then-aspiring actress Rachel Ward. It’s interesting to note that while filming, Ward fell in love in real life with Bryan Brown, who portrayed Maggie’s husband, Luke.

Rachel Ward and Bryan Brown’s on-screen chemistry developed into a real relationship outside of the filming location, which resulted in marriage and the raising of three children. Richard Chamberlain, who is now 89 years old, still graces the screen with his presence despite the years passing.

But Rachel Ward made a different decision, declaring in 2014 that she was retiring from acting.

Views on the stars’ looks developed as fans lately got a peek of them. While some commenters express disappointment in Ward, saying that she “stopped taking care of herself” and that “Maggie let herself go,” others compliment Chamberlain for looking “gorgeous for his age.”

Audiences are enthralled by “The Thorn Birds'” lasting influence and the actors’ remarkable metamorphosis.

How do you feel about the way they’ve evolved throughout time?

Please share your thoughts.