That '70s Show launched in 1998 and ran for eight seasons, centering on teenager Eric Forman and his circle of friends in suburban Wisconsin. The show features a blend of veteran character actors and breakout stars who became closely associated with their roles. This guide covers the principal cast members, their portrayals, and how their careers have evolved since the series ended in 2006. It is framed as an evergreen reference for viewers seeking clarity on who played which character and what happened after the series finished.
Core Main Cast at a Glance
The table below summarizes the actor, the primary character played, years active on the show, and a brief status note for each principal performer. These eight performers formed the consistently appearing nucleus across most episodes.
| Actor | Character | Series Tenure | Status Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topher Grace | Eric Forman | 1998–2006 | Active in film and television; less frequent post-2015 |
| Mila Kunis | Jackie Burkhart | 1998–2006 | Active in film and high-profile voice work |
| Ashton Kutcher | Michael Kelso | 1998–2006 | Active in entertainment and venture investment; intermittent projects |
| Danny Masterson | Steven Hyde | 1998–2006 | Largely inactive in visible acting; legal and personal challenges |
| Laura Prepon | Donna Pinciotti | 1998–2006 | Active in television, with uneven output after 2011 |
| Wilmer Valderrama | Fez | 1998–2006 | Active in television, voice work, and producing |
| Debra Jo Rupp | Kitty Forman | 1998–2006 | Active in television and occasional film |
| Tommy Chong | Leo Chingkwake | 1998–2006 | Active in comedy, cannabis advocacy, and occasional acting |
Dustin Hoffman
Eric Forman: Topher Grace
Topher Grace portrayed Eric Forman, the earnest, awkward point-of-view character around whom the series was built. Grace’s performance balanced sarcasm and vulnerability, contributing to the show’s coming-of-age tone. Since the series, he has worked in film and television, though his public profile has remained relatively quiet in recent years compared to peers.
Jackie Burkhart: Mila Kunis
Mila Kunis played Jackie Burkhart, the wealthy, confident girl-next-door who evolved from a somewhat shallow character into a more layered figure. Kunis leveraged early visibility into a substantial career in film and animation. She has maintained a high public profile, particularly through leading voice roles and major studio pictures.
Michael Kelso: Ashton Kutcher
Ashton Kutcher’s Michael Kelso was defined by charm, comedic timing, and a playboy persona. Kutcher remained visible through film, television, and his well-known involvement in venture investing and tech initiatives. His presence in entertainment has fluctuated but remains notable.
Steven Hyde: Danny Masterson
Danny Masterson’s Steven Hyde became an emblem of counterculture cool within the show. Since the series, Masterson has been largely absent from mainstream acting. He has faced significant personal and legal challenges that have affected his public profile and professional activity.
Donna Pinciotti: Laura Prepon
Laura Prepon’s Donna Pinciotti balanced toughness and warmth, serving as a strong female presence in the ensemble. Prepon has continued to work in television and film, though her output has not reached the same level of consistent visibility as some co-stars.
Fez: Wilmer Valderrama
Wilmer Valderrama’s Fez, with his immigrant background and endearing awkwardness, stood out within the friend group. Valderrama has remained active in television, voice acting, and producing, with a career marked by steady, varied roles rather than a single breakout.
Supporting and Family Cast Members
Beyond the core eight, That '70s Show featured several recurring performers who played family members and neighbors. Debra Jo Rupp as Kitty Forman provided steady maternal grounding, while Tommy Chong as Leo added a countercultural, comedic edge. Other actors appeared intermittently or in single-episode roles, contributing to the period setting without being part of the principal lineup.
Career Outcomes and Public Profiles
Not all cast members experienced equal levels of ongoing public attention. Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutchers’s mainstream profiles remained elevated, driven by film and business ventures. Topher Grace and Laura Prepon continued working but with less frequent headline presence. Danny Masterson’s absence from acting and Wilmer Valderrama’s steady television work represent divergent post-series paths. Tommy Chong maintained a presence through comedy and advocacy, illustrating how the show intersected with broader cultural trends.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are any main cast members deceased? As of current information, none of the main cast members from That '70s Show are deceased.
- Which actor has remained most active in television? Wilmer Valderrama and Laura Prepon have maintained relatively consistent television work, though none of the core cast currently star in flagship network series as of the early 2020s.
- Did any main cast members return for the That '90s Show revival? That '90s Show, a follow-up set in the 1990s, did not feature any of the original That '70s Show main cast members in starring roles.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
That '70s Show remains a touchstone of late-1990s and early-2000s sitcoms, remembered for its period detail and ensemble chemistry. The show helped launch or solidify the careers of several actors, even as their paths diverged afterward. For audiences seeking to understand the cast, the series offers a snapshot of how a sitcom ensemble can define a generation’s view of adolescence and adulthood with a mix of humor and nostalgia.