She was born in Nashville , Tennessee , and raised in Chatsworth , California , the daughter of former Western Swing bandleader and comedian Hank Penny and his wife , Shari . An early acting appearance was on the miniseries '' The Thorn Birds '' when she was only 11 years old as young Meggie . She also appeared as Dani in '' The New Gidget '' and as a pigeon-obsessed youngster in an episode of the police series '' T. J. Hooker '' . At the age of 13 , Penny played Megan Wheeler in the Clint Eastwood western '' Pale Rider '' , released on June 26 , 1985 . For this performance she was awarded a Young Artist Award at the 7th Youth in Film Awards in December 1985
7th Youth in Film Awards
7th Youth in Film Awards
Sydney Penny