Maitland Ward, once a household name from the iconic '90s sitcom Boy Meets World, has found a new calling that’s proving to be much more financially rewarding. In an eye-opening episode of the Investigation Discovery series, Hollywood Demons, Ward puts her earnings on the table, comparing her paycheck from the beloved show to her current success in the adult film industry and on OnlyFans.
“On Boy Meets World, I think I made $20,000 or $25,000 an episode,” Ward, 49, revealed during the episode set to air on Monday, April 27.
Despite the seemingly solid salary from her acting days, Ward disclosed how uncertain and fleeting the Hollywood scene can be. She often felt like a "product being sold," constantly under the stress of potentially being written off.
Ward's leap into the world of adult entertainment has not only changed her bank account but also her sense of self. She now boasts a six-figure monthly income and claims a sense of empowerment she never experienced in mainstream acting. "There is also my adult film sales, and I am creating this brand," she shared. "I can make it go for as long as I want it to go.”
Her journey into adult films, which began in 2019, has allowed her to take control and shape her career in ways Hollywood never did. "I'm able to create my own brand, my own content, the way I want to create it," she noted, emphasizing the freedom that comes with her new path.
Ward, who delighted fans as Rachel McGuire in Boy Meets World, has made headlines with her candid discussions about the drastic shift in her career. The stark contrast between the "factory"-like environment of Hollywood and the autonomy she now enjoys is evident.
"I can't speak to how Hollywood is today because it's such a different animal than it was back when I was getting into it," she told Fox News. "Back then, I think they looked at these young actors as like property coming in." Now, Ward finds herself in a space where she can proudly stand in her own skin, comfortable and respected.
The upcoming episode of Hollywood Demons, titled Child Stars Gone Wild, airs Monday, April 27, on Investigation Discovery, offering a deeper dive into Ward's fascinating journey. Episodes will also be available for streaming on HBO Max.