White Chicks actress ditched fame for grownup trade after Hollywood ‘hell’
EXCLUSIVE: Former White Chicks actress Maitland Ward swapped Hollywood for a much saucier career in the adult industry, and she’s been candid about her journey, as she saw “hell” during her time as an actress
Maitland Ward ditched fame for the adult industry (stock image)(Image: Robert F. Smith, Getty Images for Webstar Marketing Group, Inc.)
A former Hollywood actress has admitted she abandoned her screen career to pursue a far racier profession. Maitland Ward, 49, has been candid about her career transformation in recent years, acknowledging it has enabled her to discover her authentic self.
The ex-actress has spoken candidly during her participation in the latest series of Investigation Discovery’s Hollywood Demons, currently available on HBO Max. The programme returns with five fresh episodes exploring the sinister truths lurking behind celebrity status.
Maitland, recognised for her performances in The Bold and the Beautiful, Boy Meets World and White Chicks, appears in the new series as the show examines the enduring impact of early public exposure, offering her insights into the journey that took her from youthful performer to adult entertainment star.
The LA-based star described participating in the documentary series as an unprecedented experience. She said: “I have to say, being on a docuseries like that is a personal experience like no other.
“You sit down and discuss at length experiences in your life that are emotional and raw. I’d say it’s a lot like when I wrote my memoir, Rated X, in how cathartic the experience was. It really makes you sit with yourself and reflect.
“And I think it’s important to expose the good, the bad and all things about Hollywood and young stardom, especially the years when I was first coming up in it. So much was hidden in the past and I’m thankful there are real conversations being had now. I hope hearing about my experiences can be helpful to people.”
She also revealed it prompted her to reflect on past situations and relationships, truly helping her “see them for what they were”. Maitland observed there was no sugar-coating whatsoever, which transformed it into a genuinely therapeutic journey.
Despite having a rather risqué career now, she revealed it’s the most vulnerable she’s ever been on camera. Looking back at her acting days, she acknowledged there were both difficult and wonderful periods.
“I am always extraordinarily grateful and happy I was a part of such iconic, landmark productions,” added Maitland. “And I’ll include my time on The Bold and The Beautiful in there too.
“I love performing and those projects gave me such an incredible opportunity to do so. I really got to make such an amazing connection with each of the fandoms.
“If it wasn’t for the fans, I’d never have the success I have today. I definitely talk about some bad experiences on Hollywood Demons.
“How studios controlled the young actors, and especially the young women was toxic. The 90s and early 2000s were hell for young girls in Hollywood.
“And there were some personal relationships on set, that should’ve have been dealt with, that were really a struggle for me. A 25-year-old guy doing provocative love scenes with a 16-year-old and taking advantage of the situation was troubling to say the least.”
These days, Maitland said she possesses far greater self-awareness. She understands who she aspires to be much more clearly than during her younger years.
During her teenage years and early twenties, Maitland confessed she “wanted everyone to love her”. This is no longer the situation, as she feels significantly more at ease with herself.
Over time, she has developed into her true self, and takes pride in the woman she has become. She said: “From the outside, I’m sure people from when I was growing up think I’ve changed the most. They all think of me as a blonde virgin!”
When questioned about what guidance she would offer anyone hoping to launch a Hollywood career, she responded: “Don’t! Just kidding. Well kind of.
“Hollywood has changed so much since I got in at 16. Now people get discovered on social media and grow followings there.
“If possible, I’d tell young actors to go to college. Study drama and the arts and then pursue it after.
“Your range as an actor and having it on your resume will really help you, plus you’ll have something to fall back on with your degree in lean times. I always think an actor who has trained in theatre has a more solid foundation to start from.”
Several of Maitland’s previous employers have been approached for comment.
