Welcome to our interview series, where we speak with fascinating people from diverse backgrounds. Today, we are joined by Maitland Ward, an actor, author, and adult entertainment personality who has had an unconventional career path.
From her acting roles in mainstream Hollywood to her current work, Maitland’s journey explores themes of empowerment and self-expression. We had a great discussion about her experiences, perspectives, and upcoming creative projects.
A Career Shift Worth Talking About
Chad: You’ve had an interesting journey transitioning from mainstream television to the adult film industry. Can you tell us more about what inspired this career shift?
Maitland Ward: People think I made a rash decision to make the jump overnight, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It really started by me exploring my sexuality and taking my fans along for the authentic, in real time journey on my social platforms. I loved sexual performance and realized that I was good at it! It was something I never dreamed I could do and yet found myself thriving in it.
Art in All Spaces
Chad: How does your experience in television acting compare with your experience in adult film?
Maitland Ward: Honestly, I’ve done a lot of dark, serious roles. The adult industry gave me an opportunity to play dark, twisted things that nobody in Hollywood would let me. I had been typecast as the light girl next door due to my roles on shows like Boy Meets World. In pornography, I’m given the chance to truly flex my acting muscles.
A Retrospective View
Chad: Looking back, is there anything you would do differently in your career?
Maitland Ward: I would’ve been more assertive and voiced what I wanted. It was when I entered the adult space that I started claiming my own power and realized how I wanted to express that.
Dealing with Stigma
Chad: How do you navigate the stigma around adult entertainment, especially given your past in more mainstream media?
Maitland Ward: I have had a great experience in the adult industry. My friends and family see how happy and alive I am in what I’m doing that for the most part I’ve been embraced.
The Unseen Picture
Chad: In your opinion, what are the biggest misconceptions people have about the adult film industry?
Maitland Ward: The common assumption is that it’s all a chaotic drug-infested environment, but that’s completely false. It’s perhaps the sexually cleanest group of people, since we have to get tested every two weeks. No drugs are allowed on set, and any group activities are fully negotiated.
The Past and Lessons from It
Chad: Tell us about your experience on the set of “Boy Meets World.” Did you learn anything from that role that you still carry with you today?
Maitland Ward: I learned so much from the show, most importantly, comedy. It was a switch from heavy drama to comedy and laid the foundation for much of my career going forward.
Memorable Moments
Chad: Can you share any memorable moments or funny stories from your time on “The Bold and The Beautiful”?
Maitland Ward: I got the contract role when I was a junior in high school. The people at the show prepared me for my senior prom and cheered me on at graduation.
Work-life Balance
Chad: How do you manage to maintain a balance between your professional and personal life?
Maitland Ward: I’m able to leave work at the set or the shoot. At home, I enjoy my time with a book, my pets, and my husband.
Diverse Interests
Chad: If you were not an actress, what other profession would you have pursued?
Maitland Ward: I’d be a writer, a psychologist, or an archaeologist. Writing my memoir last year really pushed me into writing more.
Personal Insights
Chad: Can you describe how you prepare for a role in a film? Does the preparation differ between television and adult film roles?
Maitland Ward: For adult scenes, there are specific physical preparations that are very different from the mainstream. Performance-wise, I focus on being familiar with the script but then let myself dive right in.
Duels of Success
Chad: You’ve won awards in both mainstream television and adult film. Can you tell us about these experiences and how they compare?
Maitland Ward: Nothing will compare to that first awards season when I won for both my acting and my adult work. When celebrated for it, it felt like winning a million times over.
Future Projects
Chad: Do you have any upcoming projects or roles that you’re excited about?
Maitland Ward: I’m working on two book projects—one fiction and one nonfiction, which I’m really excited about. Also, there are adult projects where I’m involved in writing and directing.
Some Sage Advice
Chad: What’s the best piece of advice you have been given in your career?
Maitland Ward: The best advice I received was to do what I think is right and trust my gut.
A Preferred Art
Chad: Which do you prefer: acting in dramatic roles or comedic roles, and why?
Maitland Ward: I enjoy both, but I was denied playing more dominating roles for a long time, so I’ve been enjoying getting to do that more.
A Personal Touch
Chad: On a lighter note, can you share any of your favorite things or pastimes that your fans might not know about?
Maitland Ward: I’m a huge reader, and I love good romance and smut. I love video games, but mostly the cozy ones. I’m a trained yoga teacher, and I can say all fifty states in order super fast.
Looking Ahead
Thank you, Maitland, for taking the time to share your experiences and perspectives with us today. It’s been fascinating learning more about your multifaceted career and outlook.
Readers who want to keep up with Maitland’s latest creative projects can find her on Twitter @MaitlandWard and Instagram @maitlandward. We look forward to seeing what she takes on next as she continues to challenge assumptions and norms.
