If you hit puberty in the early 80's then you surely must have fond memories of Rachel Ward. She was everywhere for a while. We saw her in Sharkey's Machine, Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid, The Thornbirds, and The Good Wife. She inspired many a boner in young horndogs of that era. Including yours truly.

But alas, the good times came to an end. At least for Rachel's fans. She married Thornbirds co-star Bryan Brown and settled down in Australia to raise a family. Their marriage appears to be happy because it's lasted for more than 20 years. That's good for Rachel but it isn't always good for her fans. She returns to Hollywood every now and then for a TV movie or two but far too infrequently for my taste. But as long as she's happy then we, her fans, have to be happy for her. We always have the memories of her great beauty and talent.

Come back anytime, Rachel. You'll always have one true fan here.