Maitland Ward, whose full name is Ashley Maitland Welkos, first became widely recognized for playing Rachel McGuire on the popular Disney ABC sitcom Boy Meets World.
However, after stepping away from traditional acting roles, she eventually transitioned into the adult film industry—a decision that she says has brought her an overwhelmingly positive response.
She emphasized that making money was never her primary focus when creating content, explaining, “I was just showing myself and showing who I am.”
She also expressed how important it is for her to have complete control over her career, deciding exactly what she produces and shares with her audience.
Despite concerns from others that she would face backlash and harsh criticism for moving into adult films, Ward told Fox News Digital that the reaction was quite the opposite—she was met with a wave of positivity and support.
Ward went on to say that the respect she receives now has only grown, with people treating her far better than they did before.
“Especially in Hollywood,” she added, before hinting at the reception to her latest projects.
“They’re so positive about my story, especially younger people and different people that I speak to in Hollywood and stuff. They’re just much more receptive to the story. And I really feel like I have a lot of positivity around it,” Ward said.
She also reiterated a point she has made before about the importance of creative independence, adding: “I’m able to create my own brand, my own content, the way I want to create it.”
Speaking in a 2022 interview with Fox News Digital, she described her experience on the sitcom as overwhelmingly positive.
However, she now finds greater fulfillment in her work, creating full-length films that she feels deeply passionate about.
She emphasized that on-set discussions are a major part of the creative process, ensuring that all involved feel completely comfortable. For Ward, her journey in the adult film world has been about self-empowerment.
She concluded: “To be able to stand in my own skin, to be able to create projects that I want to create and be proud of, to go against the mold and do something that other people haven’t done or have been too scared to do and to have the courage and confidence to do that. When you succeed at it, it’s like you feel so much more confident, because you’ve done something like nobody else has done.”
