Where Are They Now? The Cast Of That 70’s Show
Jessica Cortez Quick Links
That 70’s Show was a tremendously popular sitcom that aired on the Fox Network from August 23, 1998, to May 18, 2006, for eight seasons. The series revolved around a teenager, Eric Forman, and his gang of best friends, Hyde, Kelso, Fez, Jackie and the love of Eric’s life, Donna. The show followed them as they dealt with life in the 70’s, specifically, May 17, 1976 to December 31, 1979. They struggled with love, relationships, their parents and life in general. The series was known for its depiction of life in the 1970’s. Early seasons dealt with socio-political issues of the time. The series also dealt with events of the 70’s, such as the release of the first Star Wars film. The series was also known for its depiction of drug use, cannabis, to be more specific. The series was known for its writing, sense of humor and directing.
The series was also known for its exceptional and extremely talented cast. The cast included teenagers and parents. The cast received universal praise but it was the teenagers that stood out the most. At the time, all of the teenagers became mainstream successes. Some of them became so big that they didn’t have time for the series towards the end. The series ended in 2006, and had a very fitting end. The gang celebrated the final New Year’s Eve of the 70’s. As the decade turned to the wonderful, colourful and vibrant 80’s, fans couldn’t help but wonder what would happen to the gang in the future. That question might never be answered. But what happened to the incredible cast since the series ended? Some went on to become even bigger stars, some fell in love, some fell into obscurity and some had tragic endings. Where Are They Now? The Cast of That 70’s Show.
13) Debra Jo Rupp - Kitty Forman
Kitty Forman was the sweet, caring and loving mother of Eric and Laurie Forman. She was also the unofficial mother to the gang. She seemed to enjoy the company of the kids far more than her grumpy, mean and sarcastic husband, Red Forman. Debra Jo Rupp received universal praise for her role as Kitty. Prior to That 70’s Show, Debra had a very successful Broadway and off Broadway career. This led to her appearing in number of television shows across several decades, such as, Kate and Allie, Blossom, Family Matters, L.A Law and E.R. She also played the highly annoying manger of Jerry Seinfeld on the hit TV series, Seinfeld. Also, she played the sister-in-law to Phoebe Buffay on the hit sitcom, Friends. This would lead to her role on That 70’s Show. After the series ended, she appeared in, Law and Order: SVU, As The World Turns and Hart Of Dixie. She also appeared in the play, To Kill A Mockingbird in 2008.
12) Don Stark - Bob Pinciotti
Bob Pinciotti was the father of Donna Pinciotti. He was easily confused, but a piece of pie would always calm him down and make things right. Don Stark played the role of Bob Pinciotti. Prior to That 70’s Show, he appeared in Star Trek: First Contact, Time Cop and Beauty and The Beast. Since the series ended, he’s appeared in Curb Your Enthusiasm, ICarly, Corey In The House and Castle. He also has a background in bodybuilding, martial arts and dancing. He had a small role in the sitcom, Anger Management and he currently appears in the series, Hit The Floor.
11) Josh Meyers - Randy Pearson
Randy Pearson joined the gang after Eric Forman left to teach in Africa. His character was introduced in season 8, after Topher Grace left the series. His character was met with mostly negative reviews. Many felt the series was not the same without Eric and felt Randy was a poor replacement. Josh Meyers is the younger brother of Late Night host, Seth Meyers. Prior to being on That 70’s Show, he was cast member on the sketch series, Mad TV. After That 70’s Show, he had roles in films, such as, Date Movie and Bruno. He’s appeared on TV shows, including, Are You There, Chelsea?, Breaking In and The Mindy Project.
10) Tanya Roberts - Midge Pinciotti
Midge Pinciotti was the dim witted, beautiful and idealistic mother of Donna Pinciotti. She reflected the feminism movement of the 70’s and women’s changing role in society. The boys of the gang loved it when she would wear sweaters. Tanya Roberts had a very successful career prior to That 70’s Show. She starred in Charlie’s Angels as Julie Rogers. She appeared in films, Bodyslam and Beastmaster. To help promote Beastmaster, Tanya appeared in Playboy. She left That 70’s Show to be with husband Barry Roberts, a screenwriter, who was terminally ill. Her husband died in 2006. She wrote the forward for the book, The Q Guide to Charlie’s Angels, in 2008.
9) Kurtwood Smith - Red Forman
Red Forman was the strict father of the Forman Family. He was tough, mean, blunt and scary. He was sarcastic but didn't appreciate Eric’s smart mouth. He fought in both World War II and The Korean War, which he often talked about. Kurtwood Smith was praised for his role as Red. Prior to That 70’s Show, he made a name for himself as the villain in the first Robocop and as the strict father in Dead Poets Society. After the end of the series, he appeared in the seventh season of 24. He also appeared in, Psych, Children’s Hospital and The Resurrection.
8) Tommy Chong - Leo Chingkwake
Leo Chingkwake was a pot-loving, hippie who was friends with the gang. He was closest with Hyde, who worked for Leo at the Foto Hut. Later, Leo would work for Hyde at the record store. He loved marijuana and was often high. The hilarious comedian, Tommy Chong, played Leo. Prior to That 70’s Show, Tommy had a very successful career. He was one half of the enormously popular comedy duo, Cheech and Chong. Together they released several movies, including, Cheech and Chong's Up In Smoke. During That 70’s show, his character was written off because Tommy had to serve jail time. He would rejoin the cast in its final years. In 2005, he released the documentary film, A/K/A Tommy Chong, which was based on his legal troubles and jail sentence. In 2014, Tommy Chong was a contestant on Dancing With The Stars. He made it to the semi-finals before being eliminated. He is an activist and supporter for the legalization of marijuana. He contributes to the magazine, Cannabis Culture Magazine.
7) Lisa Robin Kelly - Laurie Forman
Laurie Forman was the promiscuous, mean and sexy older sister of Eric Forman. She enjoyed making Eric’s life a living hell. She also enjoyed sleeping with Kelso. Lisa Robin Kelly played Laurie Forman. She left That 70’s Show during the third season and returned in the fifth. Christina Moore then replaced her in the 6th season. Her character was written off to attend beauty school. However in reality, Lisa’s demons were catching up to her. She admitted to having a problem with alcohol during the series. After she left the series, she struggled for the most part. In 2010, she was arrested for driving under the influence and was sentenced to 12 months of unsupervised probation. In March 2012, she was arrested for assaulting her ex-boyfriend, although she claimed he assaulted her. Later in 2012, both her and her husband were arrested for assaulting each other. In June 2013, she was arrested for a DUI after her car was blocking a lane on the 1-5 Freeway. Sadly, She died on August 14, 2013 in her sleep, at the age of 42.
6) Wilmer Valderrama - Fez
Fez, or Fes (Foreign Exchange Student), was the last person to join the gang. His actual nationality is not specified. Also, nobody in the gang can pronounce his name so they call him Fez. He was geeky, lame and desperate to lose his virginity. Wilmer Valderrama played Fez to critical acclaim. During the series, he appeared in the film, Party Monster with Macaulay Culkin. Following the end of the series, he hosted his own show called, YO Momma, from 2006 to 2007. He also appeared in TV shows, Wizards Of Waverley Place, Royal Pains and Raising Hope. He currently appears in the TV series, From Dusk Til Dawn. He has also branched out into a music career. He performs as his alter ego, Eduardo Fresco.
5) Danny Masterson - Steven Hyde
Steven Hyde, or Hyde, was the rebellious, sarcastic and tough best friend/foster brother to Eric Forman. He is adopted into the Forman family after his mother abandons him. Hyde likes to listen to music, disobey authority and smoke weed. Danny Masterson played the rebel without a cause, Steven Hyde. During That 70’s Show, he began a career as a DJ, which he continues to do. He is known as DJ Mom Jeans, which is in reference to the types of jeans Mila Kunis and Laura Prepon had to wear on That 70’s Show. After the end of the series, Danny appeared in films, such as, Yes Man, The Bridge to Nowhere, Smiley Face and Chicago 8. He also starred in TBS’s Men At Work, from 2012 to 2014. He owns 11 restaurants, two of which he co-owns with Wilmar Valderrama and Ashton Kutcher. He is also a poker enthusiast and plays in several tournaments. Danny, his brother, Chris Masterson and Laura Prepon are investors in Card Player Magazine.
4) Topher Grace - Eric Forman
Eric Forman was the heart and soul of That 70’s Show. The gang spent the majority of their time in his basement. His relationship with Donna served as a central plot throughout the series. He was witty, sarcastic and made jokes at the wrong time. He was his mother’s best friend and his father’s rival. Topher Grace played Eric Forman to critical acclaim. Topher left the series after the 7th season so that he could focus on a film career. Within the series, Eric left to teach in Africa. Many fans and critics felt that once he left, there was a decline in the show. Topher returned for the series finale. During the series, he appeared in Traffic, Win a Date With Tad Hamilton and In Good Company. Since the end of the series, he continues to have a successful career. He’s appeared in Spider-Man 3, Valentine’s Day and Interstellar. His upcoming films include, Home, American Ultra and Truth. He is also a supporter of the microfinance organization, FINCA International.
3) Laura Prepon - Donna Pinciotti
Donna Pinciotti was the strong, confident, beautiful and kick your butt, girl next door. She was the love of Eric Forman’s life. She was in sharp contrast to her best friend, Jackie Burkhart. Donna’s character echoed what many young women felt during the 70’s. She was seeking freedom, a better life and independence. Donna and Eric’s relationship is the focus for most of the series. Laura Prepon played Donna to critical acclaim. After the end of the series, she has found a great amount of success. She played serial killer, Karla Homalka in the film Karla. She had minor roles on series such as, How I Met Your Mother and American Dad. She currently plays the role of former drug dealer, Alex Vause, in the massively successful Netflix original series, Orange Is The New Black.
2) Mila Kunis - Jackie Burkhart
Jackie Burkhart was beautiful, selfish, snobby and conceited. She was the rich, popular girl that looked down at the poor. However, she had a sweeter side and sometimes cared deeply about her friends. At different points in the series, she dates Kelso, Hyde and Fez. Jackie was played by the beautiful and talented, Mila Kunis. At the time of the audition for That 70’s show, Mila was 14 but everyone was required to be at least 18 to audition. She said that she was going to be 18 soon, but failed to mention it was going to be in four years. Regardless, she proved at the audition that she was the only one that could play Jackie. After the end of the series, she has had a great amount of success. She is the voice of Meg Griffin on the animated sitcom, Family Guy. She has appeared in films, such as, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Max Payne and Ted. She received universal praise for her role in the commercially and critically acclaimed film, Black Swan. She is also widely considered to be one of the most beautiful celebrities in Hollywood. She recently had a child with her fiancé, Ashton Kutcher.
1) Ashton Kutcher - Michael Kelso
Michael Kelso is dim witted, conceited and well, just plain stupid. Kelso, as his friends call him, is the “good looking” one in the group. Despite his lack of intelligence, he has shown some signs of having a brain. He can have just about any women he wants, but has a long-term love story with the beautiful and equally conceited, Jackie Burkhart. Ashton Kutcher played Michael Kelso to critical acclaim. Kelso is considered the breakout character of the series. Ashton soon branched out into movies, such as, Dude Where’s My Car?, Just Married and The Butterfly Effect. He also had his own series, Punk’d, on MTV. Ashton left That 70's Show after season 7, but returned in season 8 as a guest star. His personal life was also in the spotlight once he dated and then married, Demi Moore. Since then, Ashton continues to be a huge force in Hollywood. He starred in films, What Happens in Vegas, No Strings Attached and Jobs. He also took the starring role on the hit sitcom, Two and A Half Men, replacing Charlie Sheen. He is also a venture capitalist and has been very successful. He invested in starts ups, Skype, Path and Fab.Com. He co-owns two restaurants, Dolce and Geisha House, with Danny Masterson and Wilmar Valderrama. He divorced Demi Moore and began dating his former co-star, Mila Kunis. They are now engaged and recently had a child together.
