Maitland Ward
Ashley Maitland Welkos, known professionally as Maitland Ward, is an American actress and model. She made her debut in the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful (1994–1996). After a series of guest appearances and commercials, Ashley got a major role in Boy Meets World (1998–2000). After retiring from mainstream acting in 2007, she began performing in risqué films in 2019.
Maitland Ward, known for her bright red hair and vivacious personality, has shaped a unique career spanning television, film, and adult entertainment industries. One of her earliest significant collaborations was with creator William J. Bell on “The Bold and The Beautiful,” where she played Jessica Forrester from 1994 to 1996. Her nuanced portrayal of the vulnerable yet resilient character helped her establish a solid foothold in the daytime soap opera circuit. From there, she leaped to primetime television, joining the iconic “Boy Meets World” team in 1998. Here, she collaborated with Michael Jacobs and April Kelly, the series creators, along with a brilliant cast that included Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel.
Ward then stepped into film, working with Danny DeVito in the dark comedy “Dish Dogs” (2000). Though not a blockbuster, her performance alongside Sean Astin and Matthew Lillard showcased her versatile acting skills and widened her acting horizon. She then transitioned into a career in adult entertainment, marking a significant shift. Ward’s entry into this new genre was marked by her collaboration with award-winning director Kayden Kross, starring in “Drive” (2019), a feature that garnered her the 2020 AVN Award for Best Supporting Actress.