Net Worth Ranker
What Is Maitland Ward’s Net Worth?
Maitland Ward, an American actress who transitioned into the adult entertainment industry, has accumulated a considerable net worth estimated at $4 million. This financial standing is a result of her diverse career, which includes roles in mainstream television, independent films, convention appearances, social media engagement, and ultimately, her work in adult films and content creation platforms.
Early Career and Transition to Adult Entertainment
Born Ashley Maitland Welkos on February 3, 1977, in Long Beach, California, Maitland Ward demonstrated an early interest in acting. While still in high school at the age of 16, she secured a starring role as Jessica Forrester on “The Bold and the Beautiful” in 1994, appearing in the show until 1996. For her performance, she earned a Young Artist Award in 1995 for Best Performance by a Youth Actress in a Daytime Series.
Following “The Bold and the Beautiful”, she had guest roles on “USA High” and “Home Improvement,” along with a co-starring role in the 1997 television film “Killing Mr. Griffin.” She is perhaps best known for her role as Rachel McGuire in the final seasons of “Boy Meets World” (1998-2000). During this period, she also appeared in the independent film “Dish Dogs” and the comedy “White Chicks” in 2004. After this, Maitland shifted away from traditional Hollywood roles. She began attending comic conventions, cosplaying as characters such as Princess Leia and Jessica 6, often incorporating body paint into her appearances. This era marked a transition from mainstream actress to a personality more connected with fan culture and self-expression.
The turning point came with Ward’s strategic use of social media, particularly Instagram. From 2013, she began posting nude and scantily clad photos, cultivating a significant online following that would later become crucial to her success in adult entertainment. In April 2016, she posted pictures of her nude body after it had been painted for Luciano Paesani for a Los Angeles exhibition called “Living Art.”
Adult Film Career and Income Streams
Maitland Ward officially entered the adult film industry in 2019. She announced her participation in an adult film titled “Drive” on Instagram. This decision followed an approach from adult actress and director Kayden Kross, which sparked Ward’s interest in exploring this new avenue. In May 2019, she signed with Society 15, an adult talent agency, signaling her full commitment to this career change. “Drive” was released online in September 2019.
Ward’s primary income streams in the adult entertainment industry include custom content creation on OnlyFans, traditional adult film contracts, and endorsement deals. Her OnlyFans account became a significant revenue source, reportedly earning her six figures per month through subscriber-based custom content. In December 2019, Maitland told The Daily Beast that she sometimes makes $60 thousand per month through the direct pay platform OnlyFans.
She also secured a contract with Deeper.com, which contributes another six-figure income annually. Further enhancing her income, Ward has an endorsement deal with Fleshlight, generating an additional five-figure monthly income. These multiple streams of revenue have positioned her as a financially successful figure within the adult entertainment industry.
Ward’s decision to transition into adult films was driven by financial considerations and a desire for creative control. She has openly stated that her earnings in the adult industry significantly surpass what she made during her time in mainstream acting, and that she enjoys the increased autonomy and creative freedom. According to Ward, “I make so much more money. I have so much more control, and I am having so much more fun… Don’t get me wrong. I was paid well in Hollywood, but nothing near what I am making now.” She views her career choice as a savvy business decision and appreciates the opportunity to connect with new audiences through her work.
Other Ventures and Convention Appearances
In addition to her adult film work and online content creation, Maitland Ward continues to participate in conventions, often appearing in cosplay outfits. She has appeared at events such as Comic-Con and adult industry conventions, where she engages with fans and participates in panels and meet-and-greets. Her appearances at these events provide additional income and opportunities for promotion, further contributing to her net worth. She has dressed up as Princess Leia in her iconic slave bikini from the “Star Wars” films, and she also appeared as the character Jessica 6 from “Logan’s Run” and Marvel character Red Sonja. She has since begun making appearances wearing only body paint.
Personal Life and Education
In October 2006, Maitland Ward married real estate agent Terry Baxter. The couple met on set a few years prior to their marriage. Following their wedding, they relocated from California to New York. While Ward had previously pursued higher education in California, she enrolled at New York University to study writing and screenwriting, indicating her continued interest in creative pursuits beyond acting. The specifics of her degree and academic achievements are not widely publicized.
While information regarding specific real estate holdings, stock portfolios, or private investments remains private, her net worth suggests a degree of financial acumen and investment. Her choice to invest in further education also demonstrates a commitment to personal and professional development.
