Maitland Ward

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Maitland Ward bigraphy, stories - Actress

Maitland Ward : biography

February 3, 1977 –

Maitland Ward (born Ashley Maitland Welkos on February 3, 1977 in Long Beach, California) is most commonly known as Rachel McGuire from the hit prime time series, Boy Meets World.

Career

She starred as Jessica Forrester on The Bold and the Beautiful, where she appeared from 1994 to 1996. She landed that role, which was only her second major audition, when she was 17 and still a junior in high school. Although acting has always been her lifelong passion, Maitland did not actually pursue a professional career until that time. In an interview with Olivia Wilder in August 2010, Ward expressed a desire to revisit the character of Jessica if asked to return.

After graduating from high school, Maitland attended Cal State University at Long Beach, where she was a member of Sigma Kappa sorority, and continued to focus on her acting. Maitland landed guest-starring roles on USA High and the final season of ABC’s Home Improvement; and co-starred with Jay Thomas and Mario Lopez in the dramatic movie, Killing Mr. Griffin.

Her character of Rachel McGuire was added to Boy Meets World in 1998, at the beginning of the sixth season, as a main cast member. This role lasted until the series ended in 2000.

After her stint on Boy Meets World, she appeared in the independent film, Dish Dogs, a romantic comedy in which she co-stars with Brian Dennehy, Matthew Lillard and Sean Astin. Later, Ward appeared in the 2004 comedy film White Chicks with Shawn and Marlon Wayans.

Filmography

Film and television
Year Title Role Notes
1994-1996 The|Bold and the Beautiful}} Jessica Forrester Recurring role
1997 Killing Mr. Griffin Candice Lee TV film
1998 USA High Tina Episode: "Buddies"
1998 Home Improvement Christy Episode: "The Old College Try"
1998-2000 Boy Meets World Rachel McGuire Main role (45 episodes)
1999 A|Bold Affair|nolink=1}} Eleanor
2000 Dish Dogs Molly Video
2002 Boston Public Rachel Newman Episode: "Chapter 43"
2004 White Chicks Brittany Wilson
2005 Out of Practice Staci Episode: "Pilot"
2007 Rules of Engagement Dani Episode: "Young and the Restless"

Awards and nominations

Soap Opera Digest Awards

  • 1995: Nominated, "Outstanding Female Newcomer" – The Bold and the Beautiful

Young Artist Award

  • 1995: Won, "Best Performance by a Youth Actress in a Daytime Series" – The Bold and the Beautiful
  • 1996: Nominated, "Best Performance by a Youth Actress in a Daytime Series" – The Bold and the Beautiful

Personal life

The New York Times reported that she married real estate agent Terry Baxter on October 21, 2006.