That '70s Show: Full Cast List and Character Names Guide

Main Cast and Characters Overview

That '70s Show is set in the late 1970s and follows a tight circle of friends in suburban Wisconsin. The core group centers on Eric Forman, the nerdy yet earnest narrator; Steven Hyde, the sarcastic outsider; Michael Kelso, the dim but charming lothario; Jackie Burkhart, the wealthy, style-conscious girl; Donna Pinciotti, the smart and independent next-door neighbor; Fez, the bewildered foreign exchange student; and Red Forman, Eric’s no-nonsense father. This evergreen profile breaks down who plays whom and how each character contributes to the show’s enduring sitcom appeal.

Eric Forman

Portrayed by Topher Grace

Eric Forman serves as the show’s everyman protagonist and narrator. He is introspective, nerdy, and often anxious, yet he consistently tries to do the right thing by his friends and family. Over the series, Eric navigates high school and college, first loves, moral dilemmas, and eventual adulthood. Topher Grace’s grounded performance anchors the ensemble, balancing vulnerability with dry wit. Eric’s relationships with Donna and later career steps emphasize growth without losing the show’s core humor.

Steven Hyde

Portrayed by Danny Masterson

Steven Hyde is a cynical, tough-talking outsider with a pronounced distrust of authority. A foil to Eric’s earnestness, Hyde delivers deadpan sarcasm and blunt honesty. Despite his rough exterior, he demonstrates loyalty and occasional sensitivity, especially in friendships and romantic entanglements with Jackie and later Nina. Masterson’s effortless cool and offbeat humor make Hyde a fan favorite whose evolution from rebel to quietly responsible adult resonates across the series.

Michael Kelso

Portrayed by Ashton Kutcher

Michael Kelso is the dim but endearing resident class clown, motivated largely by hormones and a fear of boredom. His defining traits include a limited attention span, vanity, and an overinflated sense of his own coolness. Kelso’s comic misadventures—failed schemes, clumsy pick-up attempts, and recurring job losses—provide consistent physical and situational comedy. Kutcher’s affable performance ensures Kelso remains likable even as his antics grow more outrageous.

Jackie Burkhart

Portrayed by Laura Prepon

Jackie Burkhart begins as a spoiled, image-obsessed cheerleader accustomed to getting what she wants. Over time, her character matures into a more self-aware woman who acknowledges privilege and recklessness. Prepon balances vanity with unexpected vulnerability, particularly in friendships and early romantic missteps. Jackie’s arc from entitled rich girl to grounded friend enriches the ensemble dynamics and adds ongoing emotional stakes.

Donna Pinciotti

Portrayed by Mila Kunis

Donna Pinciotti is intelligent, forthright, and more emotionally mature than her peers. As Eric’s long-term girlfriend and later wife in the series timeline, she balances independence with loyalty. Kunis imbues Donna with practicality and subtle humor, making her the de facto voice of reason within the friend group. Donna’s decisions about education, career, and relationships drive a significant portion of the show’s long-form storytelling.

Fez and Red Forman

Portrayed by Wilmer Valderrama and Kurtwood Smith

Fez, played by Wilmer Valderrama, is a foreign exchange student from a fictional country who is perpetually confused by American culture. His wide-eyed curiosity and occasional bursts of unexpected competence generate gentle, character-based humor. Red Forman, Eric’s father played by Kurtwood Smith, is a short-tempered Army veteran whose rigid discipline masks care. The father-son dynamic anchors many storylines, contrasting authority, discipline, and grudging mutual respect.

Recurring and Supporting Characters

The series features a robust supporting cast that shapes the friends’ environments. Key figures include Pam Burkhart (Jackie’s mother), Bob Pinciotti (Donna’s father), and Kelso’s on-again, off-again relationships. Appearances from celebrities and recurring roles from figures in Point Place expand the show’s texture without diluting the core group. These characters repeatedly intersect with the main foursome, offering new conflicts, comic relief, and opportunities for relationship growth.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

That '70s Show remains influential for its distinct period detail, mix of heartfelt and ribald humor, and ensemble chemistry. The character-driven storytelling allows long-running arcs—romances, rivalries, and personal growth—that age well in retrospective discussions. Syndication and streaming reintroduce the series to new audiences, and ongoing fan conversations reference specific character beats, quotes, and evolution, demonstrating lasting relevance within sitcom history.