What The That 70s Show Cast Is Doing Now

Where Are They Now? The 70s Show Cast’s Diverse Paths Since the Iconic Sitcom

The enduring appeal of That ’70s Show is a testament to its relatable characters, humorous writing, and the undeniable chemistry of its young cast. For eight seasons, viewers were transported to Point Place, Wisconsin, witnessing the formative years of Eric Forman, Donna Pinciotti, Jackie Burkhart, Michael Kelso, Steven Hyde, and Fez. But what happened to these actors once the basement smoke cleared and the ’80s dawned? Their careers have taken them in myriad directions, from continued television and film success to unexpected ventures and even personal reinvention. This article delves into the current activities and notable achievements of the principal cast members of That ’70s Show, exploring their post-sitcom trajectories.

Topher Grace (Eric Forman): From Suburban Teen to Blockbuster Actor and Beyond

Topher Grace, who portrayed the perpetually exasperated yet lovable protagonist Eric Forman, has enjoyed a consistent and varied career since That ’70s Show concluded. Following the sitcom, Grace quickly transitioned to feature films, showcasing a range that extended far beyond his sitcom persona. He gained significant critical acclaim for his role as a ruthless white supremacist who infiltrates the FBI in Steven Soderbergh’s crime thriller Traffic (2000). This performance demonstrated a maturity and intensity that surprised many who only knew him as the awkward Eric. Grace further cemented his film presence with a role in the ensemble cast of another Soderbergh film, the heist comedy Ocean’s Eleven (2001), and its sequels, Ocean’s Twelve (2004) and Ocean’s Thirteen (2007), where he played the tech-savvy Basher Tarr.

His foray into the superhero genre saw him take on the iconic role of Eddie Brock/Venom in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 3 (2007), a performance that remains a memorable, albeit polarizing, part of the film’s legacy. Grace also showcased his comedic chops in films like Spider-Man 3 (2007) and the romantic comedy Valentine’s Day (2010). Beyond acting, Grace has also ventured into producing and directing. He co-wrote and directed the independent film Opening Night (2016), a dramedy about a struggling actor. More recently, he starred in and executive produced the critically acclaimed horror film BlackKklansman (2018), directed by Spike Lee, where he played Grand Wizard David Duke. Grace also returned to television, starring in the satirical comedy-drama Home Economics (2021-Present) on ABC, playing a struggling novelist navigating the lives of his wealthy siblings. His ability to balance mainstream success with independent projects and explore diverse genres speaks to his enduring talent and ambition.

Laura Prepon (Donna Pinciotti): Embracing Diverse Roles and a Passion for Wellness

Laura Prepon, who brought the intelligent and fiery Donna Pinciotti to life, has carved out a successful and multifaceted career. While she continued to act in television and film, Prepon achieved significant recognition for her role as Alex Vause in the critically acclaimed Netflix dramedy Orange Is the New Black (2013-2019). Her portrayal of the complex and hardened inmate earned her widespread praise and two Emmy nominations. This role allowed Prepon to explore a darker and more emotionally charged character, showcasing her range as an actress.

Beyond Orange Is the New Black, Prepon has made notable appearances in television shows like House (2008) and Castle (2011). She has also lent her voice to animated projects, including the animated series Cleveland (2011-2013) and American Dad! (2011). In film, she has appeared in independent dramas and thrillers. Notably, Prepon has also become a prominent advocate for health and wellness. She has written a cookbook, The Stash Plan (2016), which focuses on healthy eating and lifestyle, reflecting a personal passion that has gained her a significant following. She has also spoken openly about her journey with meditation and mindfulness. Prepon has also directed episodes of television shows, including Orange Is the New Black and That ’70s Show‘s sequel series, That ’90s Show.

Ashton Kutcher (Michael Kelso): From Actor to Tech Investor and Entrepreneur

Ashton Kutcher, the charismatic and dim-witted Michael Kelso, has arguably become one of the most commercially successful and influential members of the That ’70s Show cast. While he continued his acting career, he quickly diversified his professional pursuits. Kutcher rose to further television fame with his leading role in the sitcom Two and a Half Men (2011-2015), replacing Charlie Sheen. He also executive produced and starred in the MTV hidden camera prank show Punk’d (2003-2015), a series that became a pop culture phenomenon.

Kutcher’s entrepreneurial spirit has led him to become a prominent venture capitalist and investor. He co-founded the venture capital firm A-Grade Investments, which has backed numerous successful tech startups, including Skype, Spotify, and Uber, demonstrating a keen eye for emerging technologies and market trends. He is also a co-founder of Sound Ventures, another investment firm. Beyond his business ventures, Kutcher has remained active in acting, appearing in films such as the romantic comedy No Strings Attached (2011) and the tech thriller Jobs (2013), where he portrayed Steve Jobs. He also starred in the Netflix series The Ranch (2016-2020), a comedy-drama about a ranching family. Kutcher has also been a vocal advocate for combating child sex trafficking and has co-founded the Thorn: Digital Defenders of Children, an organization dedicated to fighting child exploitation. His ability to seamlessly blend Hollywood stardom with a shrewd business acumen and philanthropic endeavors has made him a unique and impactful figure.

Mila Kunis (Jackie Burkhart): A Critically Acclaimed Actress and Mother

Mila Kunis, who played the spoiled and often shallow Jackie Burkhart, has achieved significant critical and commercial success in her post-That ’70s Show career. She demonstrated her acting prowess in a variety of roles, showcasing a range that defied her sitcom beginnings. Kunis earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Lily, a ballerina with a troubled past, in Darren Aronofsky’s psychological horror film Black Swan (2010). This performance was widely praised for its intensity and emotional depth.

She has also starred in successful films across genres, including the romantic comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008), the post-apocalyptic action film The Book of Eli (2010), and the sci-fi action flick Jupiter Ascending (2015). Kunis also lent her voice to the character of Meg Griffin in the long-running animated sitcom Family Guy (1999-Present), a role she has held since 1999, demonstrating her longevity in voice acting. She has also starred in the critically acclaimed Bad Moms franchise, showcasing her comedic talent. In recent years, Kunis has also embraced motherhood and has become more selective with her roles, focusing on projects that align with her personal values. She returned to the That ’70s Show universe in a guest role in the sequel series, That ’90s Show.

Danny Masterson (Steven Hyde): Facing Legal Challenges and a Shifting Career

Danny Masterson, who portrayed the cynical and rebellious Steven Hyde, has experienced a significant shift in his career and public life. After That ’70s Show, Masterson continued to act in television and film, notably starring in the sitcom Men at Work (2012-2014). He also had roles in films such as Ego Trick (2007) and The Masquerade (2012). Masterson also pursued his passion for DJing, performing at various clubs and events.

However, Masterson’s public profile became dominated by serious legal accusations. In 2023, he was convicted of two counts of rape stemming from incidents that occurred in 2003. This conviction has significantly impacted his career and public perception. He was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. This legal battle has overshadowed his prior work and represents a stark departure from the trajectory many of his That ’70s Show co-stars have experienced.

Wilmer Valderrama (Fez): A Versatile Actor and Advocate

Wilmer Valderrama, who played the lovable foreign exchange student Fez, has enjoyed a diverse and ongoing career in entertainment. He has demonstrated remarkable versatility, transitioning from comedic roles to more dramatic and action-oriented projects. Valderrama is perhaps best known for his role as Detective Nick Torres in the long-running CBS crime drama NCIS (2016-Present). This role has allowed him to showcase a more mature and grounded performance, solidifying his presence in mainstream television.

Beyond NCIS, Valderrama has also had recurring roles on popular series such as Grey’s Anatomy (2006-2009) and From Dusk till Dawn: The Series (2014-2016). He has also lent his voice to animated characters, including Manny in the Ice Age film franchise. Valderrama has also ventured into producing and has been an outspoken advocate for various social causes, particularly for Latino empowerment and immigration reform. He has also been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights. Valderrama’s ability to consistently secure prominent roles across different genres and his dedication to advocacy highlight his enduring appeal and commitment to making a difference. He also reprised his role as Fez in the sequel series, That ’90s Show.

The paths of the That ’70s Show cast members are a compelling illustration of how success can manifest in diverse ways. From Hollywood blockbusters and critically acclaimed television dramas to entrepreneurial ventures and personal advocacy, these actors have each forged unique and impactful legacies in the years since they last gathered in the Forman’s basement. While some have continued on similar entertainment paths, others have embraced entirely new arenas, proving the enduring impact of their early success and their continued evolution as individuals.