Maura West, born Maura Jo Snyder on April 27, 1972, is an accomplished American actress celebrated for her captivating portrayals of complex characters in daytime soap operas. With a career spanning over two decades, she has become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, earning accolades and admiration for her performances.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, Maura West is the youngest of four children. She embarked on her acting journey in 1995 when she was cast as Carly Tenney on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns.
As the World Turns (1995-2010)
West's portrayal of Carly Tenney on As the World Turns marked a significant milestone in her career. She joined the cast on April 11, 1995, and remained with the soap until its series finale on September 17, 2010. During her tenure, she garnered critical acclaim and established herself as a prominent soap opera actress.
The Young and the Restless (2010-2011)
Following her departure from As the World Turns, West joined the cast of The Young and the Restless in August 2010. She took on the role of Diane Jenkins, becoming the third actress to portray the character. However, her time on the show was relatively short-lived, as she departed in August 2011.
General Hospital (2013-Present)
In 2013, West joined the cast of General Hospital as art dealer Ava Jerome, a role that has further solidified her reputation as a versatile and compelling actress. She continues to captivate audiences with her portrayal of the intriguing villainess.
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The Complexity of Ava Jerome
Maura West offers insights into embodying Ava Jerome, a character renowned for her complexity and morally ambiguous nature. West embraces Ava's imperfections, including her penchant for med-swapping and questionable alliances. These traits often keep fans engrossed and at the edge of their seats. West herself does not believe that redemption is necessary for a bad girl or borderline villain. She says, "Ava does not exist to be nice and friendly and get along with everybody and be like, ‘Hi, Carly! How’s life?’ No, I’m here to be the bad girl."
Recent Storylines and Relationships
Ava's recent storylines have been packed with drama, including betraying her former best friend Nina, clashing with Alexis and Joss, and raising concerns among Sonny's family about her influence on him. These developments, coupled with Sonny's erratic behavior, have led to speculation that Ava may be set up to take the fall in a classic "Who Done It?" scenario. West acknowledges the intensity of Ava's recent experiences, describing it as a case of "piling on." However, she also expresses her preference for such dynamic storylines over stagnation.
One particularly intriguing development was the potential romantic connection between Ava and Sonny. While Sonny's flirtation with Natalia seemed to put an end to that possibility, West believes that this pairing could still have potential. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive working relationship with her co-star Maurice Benard, ensuring that they reconnect as friends after portraying tense or unpleasant scenes.
Amidst the drama, Ava's relationship with Trina provides a sense of grounding and is one of her least complicated relationships. West cherishes the opportunity to play these scenes and appreciates the fresh perspectives that Trina's portrayers, Tabyana Ali and Sydney Mikayla, bring to the role.
Bryan Craig's Return
The return of Bryan Craig to General Hospital stirred excitement among fans. Craig, who previously played Morgan, shared a photo from the set on his Instagram story, leading to speculation about his character's fate. It was confirmed that Craig would return for one episode, potentially as a ghostly dream sequence.
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Personal Life
Maura West has been married twice. Her first marriage was to director Jonathan Knight from 1995 until their divorce in 1999. She has been married to former As the World Turns co-star Scott DeFreitas since January 22, 2000. West has five children from her two marriages: Benjamin (born in 1996) from her marriage to Knight, and Joseph (born 2000), Katherine (born 2002), Basil (born 2007), and Birdie (born 2009) with DeFreitas.
Empty Nest Syndrome
West's eldest child, Benjamin Knight, is now 27, and her youngest, Birdie and Basil, are 15 and 17, respectively. Her daughter Kate, 22, recently graduated with a BFA in acting, and her son Joe, 24, has worked on Broadway. West expresses joy and enthusiasm for her children's accomplishments and endeavors.
To combat empty nest syndrome, West has found fulfillment in various activities. She enjoys spending time with her new dog, Foxy, hiking six times a week, and participating in a book club. She jokingly expresses her desire to keep her children close, envisioning a large family home where everyone stays together.
Accolades and Recognition
Maura West has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including Daytime Emmy Awards for her outstanding performances. Her talent and dedication have earned her widespread recognition and respect within the industry.
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