Ward's early life was marked by a move from his birthplace in Morristown, New Jersey to a rural farm in North Carolina, where he spent his formative years surrounded by the sights and sounds of the countryside. It was during this period that he developed a passion for equestrian pursuits, as well as a keen interest in team sports, specifically basketball. Additionally, his early years were also marked by an early foray into the world of acting, a creative outlet that would ultimately play a significant role in shaping his future endeavors.
Ward's academic pursuits took him to Wake Forest University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business. Following his graduation, he embarked on a few years of experience in the financial sector, working as an investment banker in North Carolina. However, his true calling lay elsewhere, and he ultimately made the bold decision to leave the world of finance behind and relocate to the vibrant city of New York, where he could focus on pursuing a career in acting.