“That ’70s Show” remains a beloved sitcom, celebrated for its witty writing, relatable characters, and nostalgic portrayal of teenage life in the 1970s. The show catapulted its young cast to stardom, but how old were these actors when they first stepped into the shoes of Eric Forman, Donna Pinciotti, and the rest of the Point Place crew? Let’s delve into the ages of the main cast members during the show’s run, revealing the age gaps between the actors and their characters, and exploring how their careers have evolved since their time in Point Place, Wisconsin.
The Forman Family and Their Friends: Ages at the Start
The core group of “That ’70s Show” revolved around Eric Forman and his close-knit circle of friends. Understanding their ages during the initial seasons provides valuable context to their on-screen portrayals.
Topher Grace as Eric Forman
Topher Grace, who played the lovable and often awkward Eric Forman, was born on July 12, 1978. When “That ’70s Show” premiered in August 1998, he was 20 years old. This made him slightly older than his character, Eric, who was depicted as a high school student. Grace’s youthful appearance and comedic timing allowed him to convincingly portray the teenage struggles and triumphs of Eric Forman.
Laura Prepon as Donna Pinciotti
Laura Prepon, known for her role as the strong-willed and independent Donna Pinciotti, was born on March 7, 1980. At the start of the series, she was just 18 years old. Prepon’s age was closer to that of her character, Donna, making her portrayal feel incredibly authentic. Her ability to capture Donna’s intelligence and feminist spirit resonated with audiences.
Ashton Kutcher as Michael Kelso
Ashton Kutcher, who brought the charmingly dim-witted Michael Kelso to life, was born on February 7, 1978. When the show began, Kutcher was 20 years old, the same age as Topher Grace. Despite playing a character known for his lack of intelligence, Kutcher’s comedic skills and charisma made Kelso a fan favorite.
Mila Kunis as Jackie Burkhart
Mila Kunis, the actress behind the often-spoiled and materialistic Jackie Burkhart, had a unique situation. Born on August 14, 1983, Kunis was only 14 years old when “That ’70s Show” premiered. To secure the role, she famously told the producers she would be turning 18, without specifying when. This makes her significantly younger than the other main cast members and her character. Her youthful energy and comedic timing were perfectly suited for Jackie’s personality.
Danny Masterson as Steven Hyde
Danny Masterson, who played the cynical and rebellious Steven Hyde, was born on March 13, 1976. He was the oldest of the main teenage cast, being 22 years old when the show first aired. Masterson’s mature demeanor and rebellious attitude made him a perfect fit for the role of Hyde, the street-smart and philosophical friend of Eric.
Wilmer Valderrama as Fez
Wilmer Valderrama, who portrayed the lovable foreign exchange student Fez (whose country of origin was intentionally left ambiguous), was born on January 30, 1980. At the start of “That ’70s Show,” Valderrama was 18 years old. Valderrama’s energetic performance and comedic timing brought a unique flavor to the character of Fez, making him a beloved part of the group.
The Adult Generation: Ages of the Parents
The adult cast members of “That ’70s Show” played equally important roles, providing comedic foils and parental guidance (or lack thereof) to the teenage characters. Their ages added another layer of depth to the show’s dynamics.
Debra Jo Rupp as Kitty Forman
Debra Jo Rupp, the actress who embodied the warm and nurturing Kitty Forman, was born on February 24, 1951. When the show premiered, she was 47 years old. Rupp’s portrayal of Kitty, the quintessential Midwestern mother, was a cornerstone of the show’s success.
Kurtwood Smith as Red Forman
Kurtwood Smith, who played the stern and disciplinarian Red Forman, was born on July 3, 1943. He was 55 years old when “That ’70s Show” debuted. Smith’s commanding presence and gruff delivery made Red Forman one of the most memorable sitcom dads of all time.
Don Stark as Bob Pinciotti
Don Stark, who portrayed the often clueless and lovable Bob Pinciotti, was born on July 5, 1954. At the start of the series, Stark was 44 years old. His portrayal of Donna’s well-meaning, but sometimes embarrassing, father was a source of constant amusement.
Age Gaps and Character Dynamics
The age gaps between the actors and their characters, as well as among the actors themselves, undoubtedly influenced the on-screen dynamics of “That ’70s Show.”
The fact that some of the actors portraying teenagers were actually in their early twenties allowed for a certain level of maturity and experience to be brought to the roles. At the same time, the youthful energy and comedic talents of the younger cast members, like Mila Kunis, helped to maintain the show’s authenticity.
The dynamic between the teenage characters and their parents was also enhanced by the actors’ ages. Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith, in their late 40s and mid-50s, brought a sense of parental authority and experience to their roles, while also being able to tap into the comedic potential of their characters’ generational differences with their on-screen children.
Where Are They Now? Post-Point Place Careers
“That ’70s Show” served as a launching pad for the careers of its young cast, and they have all gone on to achieve varying degrees of success in the entertainment industry.
Topher Grace
Topher Grace has starred in numerous films, including “Spider-Man 3,” “Predators,” and “Interstellar.” He has also appeared in television shows like “Home Economics.” His post-“That ’70s Show” career has demonstrated his versatility as an actor, showcasing his ability to handle both comedic and dramatic roles.
Laura Prepon
Laura Prepon gained further recognition for her role as Alex Vause in the Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black.” She has also directed episodes of the show and has published a cookbook. Prepon has proven her talent both in front of and behind the camera.
Ashton Kutcher
Ashton Kutcher has become a successful actor and investor. He starred in the sitcom “Two and a Half Men” and the Netflix series “The Ranch.” He is also known for his work in films like “Jobs” and “No Strings Attached.” Kutcher has also invested in numerous tech startups.
Mila Kunis
Mila Kunis has become a prominent actress in Hollywood, starring in films like “Black Swan,” “Ted,” and “Bad Moms.” She has also continued to voice Meg Griffin on the animated series “Family Guy.” Kunis has established herself as a versatile and talented performer.
Danny Masterson
Danny Masterson’s career has been significantly impacted by legal issues. Prior to these issues, he appeared in television shows like “The Ranch” and “Men at Work.”
Wilmer Valderrama
Wilmer Valderrama has continued to act in television shows such as “NCIS,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “That ’90s Show.” He has also voiced the character of Prince Charming in the animated film “Charming.” Valderrama has maintained a steady presence in the entertainment industry.
Debra Jo Rupp
Debra Jo Rupp has continued to work in television and theater, appearing in shows like “This Is Us” and “WandaVision.” She has also reprised her role as Kitty Forman in “That ’90s Show.” Rupp remains a beloved figure in the entertainment world.
Kurtwood Smith
Kurtwood Smith has continued to work steadily in television and film, appearing in shows like “Resurrection,” “Agent Carter,” and “Patriot.” He also reprised his role as Red Forman in “That ’90s Show.” Smith’s career has spanned decades, and he remains a respected actor.
Don Stark
Don Stark has continued to act in television and film, with appearances in shows like “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Shameless.” He has also remained active in the theater community. Stark has continued to entertain audiences with his comedic talents.
A Lasting Legacy
“That ’70s Show” holds a special place in the hearts of many viewers, and the ages of the actors during the show’s run play a significant role in understanding its enduring appeal. The combination of youthful energy and experienced performances created a unique and memorable television experience. The cast’s subsequent careers have further solidified their place in entertainment history, demonstrating the lasting impact of “That ’70s Show” on both the actors and its audience.
How old was Topher Grace when 'That '70s Show' started?
Topher Grace, who played Eric Forman, was born on July 12, 1978. When 'That '70s Show' premiered on August 23, 1998, he was 20 years old. He was relatively close in age to his character, who was supposed to be around 17 at the start of the series.
Interestingly, Grace's age aligned well with the demands of portraying a teenager navigating high school and the typical teenage angst. This helped contribute to the authenticity of his portrayal of Eric, making him relatable to the audience that watched the show.
What was Mila Kunis's age when she was cast as Jackie Burkhart?
Mila Kunis, portraying Jackie Burkhart, was born on August 14, 1983. She famously lied about her age to secure the role. When she auditioned, the casting call required actresses to be at least 18, but Kunis was only 14 at the time the show began production.
She eventually revealed her actual age after securing the part, but the producers allowed her to continue in the role. Despite being significantly younger than her character at the beginning, Kunis managed to convincingly play the part of a teenage girl, which boosted her early career.
How old was Ashton Kutcher when he played Michael Kelso?
Ashton Kutcher, who played the lovable but dim-witted Michael Kelso, was born on February 7, 1978. At the start of 'That '70s Show' in 1998, he was 20 years old. He was portraying a character much younger than himself, as Kelso was around 17 during the show's initial seasons.
Kutcher's youthful appearance helped him embody the role of a teenager. Despite the age difference, his comedic timing and portrayal of Kelso's naiveté made him a fan favorite. His character's maturation throughout the series aligned, to some extent, with Kutcher's own development as an actor.
What was Laura Prepon's age when she starred as Donna Pinciotti?
Laura Prepon, who portrayed the level-headed Donna Pinciotti, was born on March 7, 1980. When 'That '70s Show' first aired in 1998, she was 18 years old. She was portraying a character closer to her actual age, as Donna was also around 17 at the beginning of the series.
Prepon's age and maturity suited the character of Donna well, especially considering Donna's independent spirit and more grounded nature compared to some of her friends. Her portrayal contributed to the realistic dynamic of the friend group.
How old was Wilmer Valderrama when 'That '70s Show' began?
Wilmer Valderrama, who played the foreign exchange student Fez, was born on January 30, 1980. When 'That '70s Show' premiered, he was 18 years old. He was also closer in age to the character he was playing, whose age was roughly the same as the other teenage characters.
Valderrama's age allowed him to convincingly portray a teenager experiencing the typical challenges and joys of adolescence. While Fez's background was unique, Valderrama's performance resonated with the audience, solidifying Fez's place as an integral part of the Point Place gang.
What was Danny Masterson's age during the show's run as Steven Hyde?
Danny Masterson, portraying the cynical and rebellious Steven Hyde, was born on March 13, 1976. At the beginning of 'That '70s Show' in 1998, he was 22 years old. He was one of the older members of the main cast portraying a high school student.
Despite being slightly older than his character, Masterson's portrayal of Hyde's rebellious nature and street smarts was well-received. His older age may have added a layer of maturity to his portrayal, making Hyde a compelling and complex character within the friend group.
Considering their ages, how did the cast's real age affect the show?
The cast's ages varied considerably, from Mila Kunis being only 14 at the start to Danny Masterson being 22. This age difference actually worked in the show's favor by providing a mix of youthful inexperience and more mature perspectives, adding depth to the characters and their interactions.
The diverse ages allowed for more nuanced portrayals of teenage life and the challenges faced by different personalities within the group. While some actors were closer to their character's age, others brought a more experienced perspective, ultimately contributing to the show's relatability and longevity.