The core cast of That 70s Show captured the look, attitude, and anxieties of a late 1990s vision of the 1970s, anchoring one of television’s most recognizable sitcom worlds. As the series approaches new syndication cycles and streaming visibility, viewers regularly ask what each main cast member is doing today.
Below is a detailed breakdown that maps the original core lineup to their current professional roles, public personas, and major life shifts, supported by a structured profile table for quick scanning.
| Cast Member | Character on That 70s Show | Status in 2024 | Primary Focus Today |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topher Grace | Eric Forman | Active | Film and limited series work |
| Ashton Kutcher | Michael Kelso | Active | Apple series and venture investments |
| Mila Kunis | Jackie Burkhart | Active | Major film roles and producing |
| Danny Masterson | Steven Hyde | Inactive in mainstream projects | Music and podcasting |
| Laura Prepon | Donna Pinciotti | Active | Streaming series and directing |
| Wilmer Valderrama | Fez | Active | Voice work and behind-the-camera projects |
Topher Grace Transitioning from Eric Forman
Topher Grace played the nerdy, anxious Eric Forman with a mix of vulnerability and sarcasm. Since the series finale, he has deliberately shifted away from sitcom formulas toward more cinematic opportunities. His post-That 70s Show work includes dark comedies, dramatic supporting turns, and streaming originals, reflecting a steady evolution as a selective character actor.
Eric Forman Legacy and Public Memory
Eric remains one of the defining teen roles of the 2000s, largely because of Grace’s ability to make vulnerability feel both awkward and endearing. Fans still reference the character’s glasses, mix tapes, and underpowered car in popular memes and retrospectives.
Ashton Kutcher Reinventing the Main Man
Ashton Kutcher turned Michael Kelso’s laid-back charm into a full-blown star-making vehicle, blending physical comedy with an everyman persona. After the show, he moved into big-screen comedies, tech investing, and eventually high-profile television production, often positioning himself as a cross between entertainer and businessman.
Kelso’s Cultural Footprint and Ventures
Kelso’s catchphrases and style became touchstones for late 1990s and early 2000s teen humor, while Kutcher’s later projects, including the Apple TV+ series and significant venture investments, underscore a career pivot from pure acting to broader industry influence.
Mila Kunis From Girl Next Door to Power Player
Mila Kunis captivated audiences as Jackie Burkhart, the mean girl with a vulnerable streak, delivering performances that balanced sharpness with surprising warmth. In the years since the show, she has built a durable filmography and production portfolio, earning consistent respect as a leading woman in Hollywood.
Jackie Burkhart Impact and Current Work
Though Jackie was often the antagonist, Kunis used the role to showcase range, and her subsequent choices in both comedies and dramas have reinforced her status as a bankable, multifaceted performer who also actively shapes the projects she pursues.
Behind the Camera Turns
Several cast members moved behind the camera, taking on roles as producers and directors to influence storytelling beyond their onscreen presence. This pivot often brought greater creative control and allowed them to mentor newer talent while staying connected to the industry on their own terms.
Directorial and Producing Shifts
Laura Prepon stands out in this arena, having directed episodes of streaming series and balanced creative responsibilities with acting, signaling a broader trend among former sitcom stars who seek more substantial roles in content creation.
Current Trajectories and Industry Influence
Tracking the cast of That 70s Show reveals how a beloved sitcom platform can launch varied long-term careers across acting, producing, and creative leadership. Each path reflects individual choices about risk, reinvention, and public engagement.
- Leverage early fame to build diverse portfolios in film, television, and business.
- Shift toward producing or directing to shape narratives beyond onscreen performance.
- Maintain relevance through selective role choices that highlight range and growth.
- Navigate public challenges transparently to preserve professional credibility.
- Engage with new platforms and audiences through streaming and digital projects.
FAQ
Reader questions
What happened to Danny Masterson after That 70s Show?
Danny Masterson, who played Steven Hyde, stepped back from mainstream film and television work and focused on music and podcasting, while also navigating significant personal and legal challenges that altered his public profile.
How has Laura Prepon remained visible in entertainment?
Laura Prepon has maintained relevance through streaming series, directing episodes, and balancing acting with creative leadership, showing a steady evolution beyond Donna Pinciotti.
What kind of work does Wilmer Valderrama do now?
Wilmer Valderrama continues to appear in voice roles and behind-the-camera projects, leveraging his experience as Fez to explore diverse storytelling formats beyond live-action sitcoms.
How does Topher Grace choose projects today?
Topher Grace approaches projects with selectivity, moving between film, limited series, and streaming originals to build a varied portfolio that highlights his range as a character actor.