Fans of “General Hospital” have watched Ava Jerome become one of Port Charles’ most unpredictable and iconic figures over the past decade. From mob drama and complicated romances to shocking betrayals and unforgettable feuds, the character has remained at the center of some of the soap’s biggest storylines since first arriving in town.
On May 8, 2013, Maura West officially made her debut as Ava Jerome on “General Hospital,” introducing daytime fans to a glamorous yet dangerous member of the Jerome crime family. As West celebrates 13 years in the role, here are five fast facts to know about the Emmy-winning soap star behind Ava Jerome.
1. Maura West Started Her Daytime Career on ‘As the World Turns’
Born on April 27, 1972, as Maura Jo Snyder, the veteran soap actress got her start in daytime television at just 23 years old. Her first role came in 1995 as Carly Tenney on the CBS soap “As the World Turns.” Early in her career, West decided to use her mother’s maiden name, West, as her stage name rather than her surname, Snyder.
West portrayed Carly nearly continuously from 1995 until the soap’s cancellation in September 2010. In 1996, she earned a Soap Opera Digest Award nomination in the category of Outstanding Villainess for her portrayal of Carly. She later won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2007 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for the role.
2. Maura West Joined ‘General Hospital’ as Ava Jerome in 2013
After the cancellation of “As the World Turns,” West moved to Genoa City, where she briefly portrayed Jack Abbott’s ex-wife, Diane Jenkins, on “The Young and the Restless.” However, the role was short-lived, as West only remained on the CBS soap from 2010 to 2011.
Soon after her time in Genoa City, West made her way to Port Charles. Sticking to her daytime roots, she debuted as the villainous Ava Jerome in May 2013. As a member of the Jerome crime family, Ava quickly became one of the soap’s most unpredictable characters. One of West’s biggest storylines involved Ava having a child with rival mob boss Sonny Corinthos while simultaneously being involved with his son, Morgan Corinthos.
3. Maura West Has Won Multiple Daytime Emmy Awards
After winning her first Daytime Emmy Award in 2007 for her work on “As the World Turns,” West has collected additional wins over the years, along with numerous nominations.
In 2010, West secured her second Daytime Emmy victory, once again winning Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Carly Tenney. Five years later, West earned another win in the same category, this time for her work on “General Hospital” and her portrayal of Ava Jerome.
4. Maura West Is Married to Her ‘As the World Turns’ Co-Star Scott DeFreitas
Maura West has been married twice and divorced once. The soap legend married her first husband, Jonathan Knight, in 1995. The couple divorced in 1999.
Shortly after her divorce, West tied the knot with her husband, Scott DeFreitas, on January 22, 2000. The couple met as co-stars on “As the World Turns.” DeFreitas portrayed Andrew Dixon on the soap from 1985 to 2000.
DeFreitas has previously shared that he first fell in love with West when the pair danced together at an industry function in October 1998. West was still married to her first husband at the time. The longtime couple celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary in January 2026.
5. Maura West Is a Mother of 5
In addition to being a soap legend, Maura West has made time to be a mother. She welcomed her first son, Benjamin Knight, into the world with her ex-husband in 1996.
West shares four more children with her husband, Scott. They welcomed their son, Joseph, in 2000. The soap star allowed TLC to film the birth of Joseph for the reality show, “A Baby Story.” Joe West is currently working as a Broadway actor.
West welcomed her first daughter, Katherine, in 2002. A few years back, West posted a picture of her daughter to Instagram, with the caption, “I had the pleasure to see my amazing daughter play Electra in ORESTES.” The soap star added, “Kate is just an absolute savage onstage…funny and raw and vulnerable and steely all at once. Look out for this one!!!”
West’s youngest two children are still teenagers. Her youngest son and fourth child, Basil, was born in 2007. Her youngest daughter and fifth child, Birdie, joined the family in 2009. In birth order, Maura West’s children include Ben Knight, Joe West, Kate West, Basil West, and Birdie West.
After more than three decades in daytime television, Maura West continues to remain one of soap opera’s most recognizable and respected stars. From “As the World Turns” to “General Hospital,” West’s career has helped shape some of daytime TV’s most unforgettable storylines.
