Maura West Biography: TV Shows, Ethnicity, Net Worth, Children, Movies, Age, Parents, Height, Religion, Husband

Maura Jo Snyder, also known as Maura West, is a celebrated American actress and television personality best known for her iconic portrayals of Carly Tenney on As the World Turns and Ava Jerome on General Hospital.

Through her powerful performances, multiple Daytime Emmy wins, and authentic sharing of family life, she has captivated soap opera fans for decades while inspiring many with her resilience and dedication to her craft.

Quick Facts

  • Full name: Maura Jo Snyder
  • Stage name: Maura West
  • Born: April 27, 1972
  • Age: 54 years old
  • Birthplace: Springfield, Massachusetts, United States
  • Nationality: American
  • Ethnicity: American
  • Occupation: Actress, Television Personality
  • Height: 5 ft 3 ¾ in (162 cm)
  • Religion: Christianity
  • Parents: Mr. Snyder and Mrs. Snyder
  • Siblings: Peter Snyder, Andrew Snyder, Amy Snyder
  • Spouse: Scott DeFreitas
  • Children: Benjamin Knight, Joseph Peter DeFreitas, Katherine Marie DeFreitas, Basil John DeFreitas and Birdie West DeFreitas
  • Relationship: Married
  • Net worth: $5 million USD

Early Life and Education

Maura Jo Snyder was born on April 27, 1972, in Springfield, Massachusetts, United States.

She was raised by her parents Mr. Snyder and Mrs. Snyder in Ludlow, Massachusetts, where she grew up as the youngest of four children alongside her siblings Peter Snyder, Andrew Snyder, and Amy Snyder.

She developed a passion for performing arts from a young age and pursued formal training, attending Boston University where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

She later continued studies at Carnegie Mellon University before launching her acting career in daytime television.

Career

Maura Jo Snyder began her acting career in 1995 when she was cast as Carly Tenney on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns, a role she played until the show’s end in 2010 and which earned her multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress.

She briefly joined The Young and the Restless as Diane Jenkins before originating the complex role of Ava Jerome on ABC’s General Hospital in 2013, a character that has become one of her most acclaimed performances and brought additional Emmy recognition.

Known for her intense emotional range and versatility, Maura has also appeared in guest roles and other projects while balancing a demanding filming schedule.

Her dedication to daytime drama has made her one of the most respected actresses in the genre, with a career spanning over three decades of compelling storylines, fan-favorite moments, and industry accolades in the competitive world of soap operas and television entertainment.

Personal Life

Maura Jo Snyder was previously married to director Jonathan Knight from 1995 until their divorce in 1999; they share one son, Benjamin Knight (born 1996).

She met actor Scott DeFreitas while working on As the World Turns and married him on January 22, 2000; the couple has maintained a strong partnership with no other past relationships widely documented.

They share four children: son Joseph Peter DeFreitas (born 2000), daughter Katherine Marie DeFreitas (born 2002), son Basil John DeFreitas (born 2007), and daughter Birdie West DeFreitas (born 2009).

Maura has openly shared moments of motherhood, including giving birth to Joseph on the TLC series A Baby Story, and the joys and challenges of raising a large family while working in daytime television.

She is currently married.She is 54 years old. Her height is 5 ft 3 ¾ in (162 cm).

Net Worth

Maura West’s net worth is estimated at $5 million USD.

Her income primarily comes from her long-running roles on As the World Turns and General Hospital, Daytime Emmy-related opportunities, guest appearances, and other acting and television projects.

Social Media

  • Instagram: @maurawest

Filmography

  • As the World Turns (1995–2010, as Carly Tenney)
  • General Hospital (2013–present, as Ava Jerome)
  • The Young and the Restless (guest role as Diane Jenkins)
  • Various daytime television specials, reunion episodes, and award shows
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