Maitland Ward, a former television actress best known for her roles in the ’90s sitcom Boy Meets World and the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful, has revealed that she feels more empowered and respected in her career as a porn star than she ever did during her time in Hollywood. In a recent interview with Fox News, Ward, now 48, opened up about her journey and how her transition to the adult entertainment industry has been met with unexpected positivity and respect. She shared that people in Hollywood, particularly younger audiences and industry professionals, have been incredibly supportive of her story, even as she works on adapting her memoir into a TV format. This level of respect, she explained, is something she rarely experienced during her earlier career as a television actress.
Ward’s memoir, which she is currently pitching as a TV series, details her journey from mainstream television to the adult film industry, a path she embarked on around 2019. Despite initial concerns from her friends and colleagues, who feared she would face harsh judgment and criticism, Ward was surprised by the overwhelming positivity she received when she first entered the industry. She attributes this positive reception to her own confidence and enthusiasm about her decision. “I really got a lot of positivity overall, which shocked everyone I knew,” she said. Instead of being torn apart, Ward found that her openness and happiness about her new career path resonated with many people, helping her build a supportive fanbase.
In her 2022 memoir, Rated X, Ward describes her transition to the adult entertainment industry as nothing short of transformative. She writes about how becoming an adult actor gave her a newfound sense of confidence and autonomy, allowing her to create content on her own terms. This sense of empowerment was particularly meaningful for Ward, who had previously faced discouragement and doubt about her career choices. “The validation that I was given, especially after being told that no one would ever pay a dime to see me sexy, was soul-changing,” she wrote. Her memoir also delves into how this validation has allowed her to step into a role where she feels fully in control of her work and her brand.
One of the most surprising aspects of Ward’s story is the support she has received from her husband, Terry Baxter, whom she married in 2006. In an interview with Page Six in 2022, Ward revealed that it was her husband who encouraged her to explore her fantasies by shooting porn scenes with other men in the industry. She explained that Baxter saw a side of her that she hadn’t fully explored, and he was instrumental in helping her take the leap into this new chapter of her career. “He saw a truth in me that I wasn’t going to cross the boundary of … getting with guys, basically,” she said. Their partnership has been a cornerstone of her journey, allowing her to navigate the complexities of her new career with confidence.
Ward’s experiences highlight the stark contrast between her time in traditional Hollywood and her life as an adult entertainer. During her earlier career, she often felt undervalued and overlooked, struggling to find meaningful roles that aligned with her aspirations. However, in the adult entertainment industry, she has found not only financial stability but also creative freedom and personal fulfillment. “I’m able to create my own brand, my own content, the way I want to create it,” she explained. This sense of agency has been a defining feature of her new career, allowing her to thrive in a way that was not possible during her time in mainstream television.
In conclusion, Maitland Ward’s journey from television actress to adult entertainer is one of unexpected empowerment and self-discovery. Despite initial fears of judgment and criticism, she has been met with surprising positivity and respect, both from her fans and from industry professionals. Her memoir and her current projects are a testament to her resilience and determination to take control of her career and her narrative. Ward’s story challenges traditional notions of success and respectability, showing that sometimes, the most fulfilling paths are those that least align with societal expectations. As she continues to navigate this new chapter of her life, Ward serves as an inspiration for anyone seeking to break free from the constraints of the past and embrace their true self.
