Maitland Ward has been playing a character on hit NBC sitcom “Boy Meets World” for 16 years and is now making her screenwriting debut by penning a script for a film.
The Life of Maitland Ward
Maitland Ward was born on October 10, 1978 in New York City. She is the daughter of actress and singer Cheryl Ladd and actor/singer Michael J. Fox. She is best known for her role as Donna Tubbs on the popular Nickelodeon show “Boy Meets World”. Maitland has also appeared in other TV shows and movies including “Speechless” and “Boys Don’t Cry”. Maitland is also a musician and has released two albums. In 2016, she married entrepreneur David Geffen.
Boy Meets World
Maitland Ward is a one-woman “Boy Meets World” phenomenon. The actress, singer, and musician played Tracy Turnblad on the ABC comedy series from 1993 to 1998. Now in her early 30s, Ward is still looking back fondly on her time as Tracy.
“Boy Meets World” was my first big break, and it changed my life,” Ward tells The Huffington Post. “I was just so blessed to be a part of that show and have such an amazing cast and crew around me.”
Ward’s character was one of the most popular on the show. She had plenty of memorable moments with her friends Eric Matthews (Eric McCormack) and Topher Grace (Topher Grace), but she also had some tough times. In fact, Tracy’s journey from alienated outcast to supportive friend was one of the show’s enduring themes.
“It’s always been Important to me that kids can see themselves reflected on TV or in movies and feel like they can relate in some way,” Ward says about her motivation for playing Tracy. “I think that’s why people connected to Tracy so much ― she was just such a relatable character.”
Maitland Ward’s Acting Career
Maitland Ward is best known for her role as Cindy Walker on the hit sitcom “Boy Meets World” which ran from 1990-2000. Ward also starred in the spinoff series “Girl Meets World” which aired from 2003-2006. In addition to her TV work, Ward has appeared in numerous films and television commercials over the years. She most recently starred in the horror film A Quiet Place and is currently working on a new project called “The Last Black Unicorn.”
Ward was born on November 22, 1969 in Los Angeles, California. After graduating from high school, she studied acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York City. Her big break came when she was cast as Cindy Walker on “Boy Meets World.” The show ran for six seasons and became one of the most popular shows of its era.
In 2003, Ward created and starred in the spinoff series “Girl Meets World” which followed her character as she moved to an all- girls’ school after graduating from Boy Meets World. The show aired for four seasons before being canceled due to low ratings. In 2006, Ward reprised her role as Cindy Walker for a special episode of “Boy Meets World” which served as a finale to the series.
Since leaving “Boy Meets World,” Ward has appeared in a number of films and TV commercials including roles in Lord of War, Horrible Bosses 2, Tomb Raider and Jurassic World:
Her Family and Friends
Growing up, Maitland Ward was always an outsider. She was the only girl in her family and the only African American in her neighborhood. Her family was relatively affluent, but they didn’t understand Maitland or her interests. Maitland’s friends were all boys, so she felt like she had to hide who she really was.
But when Maitland turned 12, she discovered “Boy Meets World.” The show not only represented her interests, but it also connected her with other girls who felt like outsiders too. In the show, Maitland found a community and finally felt accepted.
Now that Maitland is an adult, she wants to give back to that community. She’s started a foundation that helps underprivileged kids and she’s spoken about her experiences on “Boy Meets World” at several conventions.
What is the most surprising thing in her life?
Maitland Ward, who played the role of Donna on “Boy Meets World,” reflects on her life and career. Ward was born in Los Angeles, CA, to actor/director Robert Ward and actress-singer Christine Lakin. She was raised in a theatrical family and began performing at age three. After appearing in several television commercials, Ward landed her first major role as Donna on the popular sitcom “Boy Meets World” in 1991. The show ran for seven seasons and helped make Ward a household name. In 2001, she starred in her own spinoff series, “Girl Meets World.” The show ran for three seasons before concluding in 2006. Since then, Ward has appeared in a number of films and television projects, most notably playing Dr. Connie Britton’s daughter Ellen Moore on the hit CBS series “The Good Wife.”
Maitland Ward’s Advice for Actors
If you’re an actor, Maitland Ward has some advice for you:
“Find your voice, and don’t be afraid to use it.”
Ward is best known for her role as Topanga on the popular “Boy Meets World” series that ran from 1991-2000. She says that finding her voice as an actor is essential in developing a successful career.
“You have to be willing to take risks, and not be afraid to experiment. If you can do that, you will find yourself in a much better place than if you try to stick to what everyone else is doing. And don’t forget: Have fun! Acting should be enjoyable, and if it isn’t, something is definitely wrong.”
Ward offers these tips as encouragement to actors everywhere; whether you are just starting out or have been working in the industry for awhile, she believes that following these advice will lead to success.
