Richard Chamberlain: The ‘Father Ralph’ from ‘The Thorn Birds’ Who Captivated Millions

He made millions of women swoon with his masculine charm. Through the 1980s TV series ‘The Thorn Birds,’ everyone saw Richard Chamberlain as the ideal man and was inspired by the great television romance between ‘Ralph’ and ‘Meggie.’ Set in 1983, the TV series ‘The Thorn Birds’ captivated millions of viewers with the forbidden love story between Meggie, played by Rachel Ward, and Richard Chamberlain as Catholic priest Father Ralph de Bricassart. Although the series took place in Australia, filming lasted five months in California. Chamberlain quickly won over the producer and his wife but faced resistance from other cast members. Despite this, he celebrated his casting at a famous Los Angeles restaurant. Similarly, Rachel Ward, then 25, was chosen for her vulnerability and innocence compared to other contenders like Michelle Pfeiffer, Kim Basinger, and Olivia Newton-John. Her intense on-screen chemistry with Bryan Brown led to their real-life marriage. As for Chamberlain, he often clashed with the director and producer about his role, envisioning it as more romantic and sensitive than they intended. The series aired on ABC from March 27-30, 1983, based on the 1977 novel by Colleen McCullough. It remains one of the highest-rated miniseries of all time.