Maitland Ward, best known for her role as Rachel McGuire on the hit sitcom Boy Meets World, has opened up about her unexpected career shift into the adult film industry and the surprising respect she has received as a result. The former Disney star, whose real name is Ashley Maitland Welkos, left mainstream acting years ago, but rather than fading into obscurity, she found a lucrative and fulfilling new path—one that has given her more financial success and personal freedom than she ever experienced in Hollywood.
For many actors who rise to fame in traditional television and film, stepping into adult entertainment is often seen as a risky move, one that could tarnish their reputation or lead to industry backlash. But for Ward, the opposite happened. Not only did she not face the level of criticism she anticipated, but she was also met with overwhelming support, something she describes as both shocking and empowering.
She has spoken candidly about how people, including those within the entertainment industry, have responded to her transition. Rather than being written off or vilified, she has noticed that she is treated with more respect, something that might surprise those who assume mainstream Hollywood would look down on such a career choice.
Her journey from sitcom star to adult film actress was not something she had planned from the start, but it became clear to her that the mainstream industry had its limitations. Hollywood, while glamorous on the surface, often left her feeling boxed in. Roles were restrictive, creative freedom was rare, and financial stability was unpredictable.
Ward has stated that the move to adult films gave her a level of control over her career that she never had before. She emphasized that she now has full ownership of her content, her image, and her decisions, which she says is rare for women in traditional entertainment. Unlike the Hollywood system, where actors are often at the mercy of producers, networks, and directors, in the adult industry, Ward found a space where she could shape her own brand on her own terms.
The financial aspect of the transition has also been a revelation. In 2022, she revealed that she was making ten times more in the adult industry than she ever did during her Hollywood years. While she acknowledges that she was paid well for her time in television, it was nowhere near the level of financial independence she has now.
But beyond money, Ward insists that what truly surprised her was the positive response she received. In an interview, she admitted that she had been prepared for public backlash, expecting to be judged, criticized, or even ostracized. Instead, the overwhelming reaction was one of support and admiration.
She recounted how friends and colleagues were initially skeptical, assuming she would face a wave of negativity for stepping into a controversial industry. Instead, she received encouragement from both fans and industry professionals alike, and many people—even within Hollywood—showed a new level of openness and acceptance toward her career choices.
What struck her the most was how many people, particularly those in creative fields, respected her boldness. Rather than viewing her decision as a downfall, many admired her willingness to step outside the box and take control of her own narrative.
Hollywood, for all its progress, still comes with many barriers for women, especially those who do not conform to traditional industry norms. Ward pointed out that in adult entertainment, she has found a space where she can explore her creativity and artistry in a way that was never available to her before. She has worked on full-length films, collaborated with female directors, and participated in projects that she feels truly passionate about—something she struggled to achieve during her time in mainstream television.
She has also spoken about how the experience has given her a new level of self-confidence, particularly in embracing her body. Being comfortable in her own skin, she says, has been a journey of empowerment rather than exploitation. The industry, she explains, isn’t what many outsiders assume it to be. On set, she describes a professional and highly communicative environment, where discussions about comfort levels and boundaries are prioritized before filming even begins.
Beyond her current work in adult films, Ward has also been expanding her reach into other areas of entertainment. She revealed that she is currently pitching her memoir as a TV series, and the response from industry professionals has been incredibly positive.
She has found that younger generations, in particular, have been much more open-minded about her journey. As conversations around personal autonomy, creative freedom, and sex positivity continue to evolve, Ward’s story has resonated with many who see her not as someone who “fell from grace,” but rather as someone who broke free from the limitations of Hollywood and forged her own successful path.
Though she still looks back on her time in Boy Meets World with fondness, she sees her current career as far more fulfilling. In her own words, she has gone from being cast in someone else’s vision to being the creator of her own destiny. She now works on projects she believes in, has complete creative freedom, and has built a brand entirely on her own terms—a level of control that she never had in mainstream Hollywood.
She stands by her decision, unapologetic and proud, knowing that she has not only reshaped her own career but also helped redefine what success looks like for women in entertainment.