That ’70s Show: Cast, Roles, Net Worth, Height, Families, and Relationships

That ’70s Show: Cast, Roles, Net Worth, Height, Families, and Relationships

0 Posted By Haruna Ayuba

That ’70s Show (1998–2006) is an American teen sitcom created by Mark Brazill, Bonnie Turner, and Terry Turner, produced by Carsey-Werner Television and distributed by Fox.

Set in the fictional Point Place, Wisconsin, from 1976 to 1979, it follows a group of six high school friends—Eric Forman, Donna Pinciotti, Michael Kelso, Steven Hyde, Jackie Burkhart, and foreign exchange student Fez—who hang out in Eric’s basement, navigating adolescence amid family antics, first loves, and ’70s pop culture.

Blending nostalgic references (disco, Watergate, Star Wars), raunchy humor, and heartfelt coming-of-age moments, the series explores friendship, rebellion, and generational clashes.

Filmed in Los Angeles (Fox Studios lot for interiors, with Wisconsin exteriors), the eight-season run (200 episodes) premiered August 23, 1998, and concluded May 18, 2006.

With an estimated $1–1.5 million per episode budget (totaling ~$200–300 million), it featured practical sets, circle-sharing scenes, and guest stars (e.g., Ozzy Osbourne, Bruce Willis). Averaging 8–12 million viewers, it generated $1 billion+ in syndication (Peacock, Hulu) and merch (e.g., basement basement recreations).

A sequel, That ’90s Show (2023–2025, Netflix, 30 episodes), reprised roles with new leads. It holds an 87% critic score and 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, plus a 8.1/10 on IMDb (from 140,000+ ratings), praised for ensemble chemistry and ’70s vibe but critiqued for formulaic plots and dated tropes in later seasons.

Main Cast and Their Roles

Topher Grace as Eric Forman

  • Role: Eric, the sarcastic, Star Wars-obsessed everyman and straight man of the group, navigating family pressures, his romance with Donna, and basement hangs. Grace’s “wry narrator” anchored the ensemble; appeared in 197 episodes (seasons 1–7, guest finale).
  • Net Worth: $14 million.
  • Height: 5’10” (1.78 m).
  • Family: Born July 12, 1978, in New York City to school administrator Pat Grace and Madison Avenue executive John Grace (Irish/German-Jewish descent). Sibling: sister Jenny. Raised in Darien, Connecticut; attended Brewster Academy and USC (dropped out for acting).
  • Relationships: Married actress Ashley Hinshaw (since May 29, 2016; dated since 2015). No children; previously dated Ivana Milicevic (2006–2009).
  • Post-Film: Starred in Spider-Man 3 (2007, Venom); In Good Company (2004). Recent: Home Economics (2021–2023, ABC); Heretic (2024); Flight Risk (2025 thriller with Mark Wahlberg).

Mila Kunis as Jackie Burkhart

  • Role: Jackie, the spoiled, materialistic cheerleader whose on-off romance with Kelso evolves into growth and self-awareness. Kunis’s “ditzy diva” breakout (lied about age at 14 audition) shone; appeared in all 200 episodes.
  • Net Worth: $75 million.
  • Height: 5’4″ (1.63 m).
  • Family: Born August 14, 1983, in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, to parents Mark (cab driver/taxi co-owner) and Elvira Kunis (former physics teacher/studio physicist). Only child; immigrated to Los Angeles at 7; attended Rosewood School and Hubert Howe Bancroft Middle School.
  • Relationships: Married actor Ashton Kutcher (That ’70s Show co-star, since July 2015; dated since 2012). Children: daughter Wyatt Isabelle (b. October 2014), son Dimitri Portwood (b. November 2016). Previously dated Macaulay Culkin (2002–2011).
  • Post-Film: Voiced Meg in Family Guy (1999–present); starred in Black Swan (2010, Oscar nom). Recent: That ’90s Show (2023–2025, Netflix); Luckiest Girl Alive (2022); Four Good Days (2020).

Ashton Kutcher as Michael Kelso

  • Role: Kelso, the dim-witted, handsome himbo whose mishaps and romances (especially with Jackie) drive slapstick. Kutcher’s “goofy heartthrob” launched his fame; appeared in 197 episodes (seasons 1–7, guest finale).
  • Net Worth: $200 million.
  • Height: 6’2″ (1.88 m).
  • Family: Born February 7, 1978, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to factory worker Larry Kutcher and Procter & Gamble employee Diane Finnegan (Irish Catholic). Siblings: older sister Tausha, fraternal twin brother Michael (cerebral palsy advocate). Attended Washington High School and University of Iowa (dropped out for modeling).
  • Relationships: Married actress Mila Kunis (That ’70s Show co-star, since July 2015; dated since 2012). Children: daughter Wyatt Isabelle (b. October 2014), son Dimitri Portwood (b. November 2016). Previously married actress Demi Moore (2005–2013).
  • Post-Film: Starred in Two and a Half Men (2011–2015, $800K/episode); The Ranch (2016–2020). Recent: Vengeance (2022); Your Place or Mine (2023); tech investments via A-Grade (Airbnb, Uber).

Laura Prepon as Donna Pinciotti

  • Role: Donna, Eric’s tomboyish, feminist girlfriend and voice of reason, challenging ’70s gender norms. Prepon’s “cool rebel” added depth; appeared in all 200 episodes.
  • Net Worth: $12 million.
  • Height: 5’10” (1.78 m).
  • Family: Born March 7, 1980, in Watchung, New Jersey, to high school teacher Marjorie Coll (Irish Catholic) and orthopedic surgeon Michael Prepon (Russian Jewish, d. 1993). Siblings: four older (Christina, Danielle, Colleen, Michael Jr.). Attended Watchung Hills Regional High School.
  • Relationships: Married actor Ben Foster (2018–2024; separated September 2024, prenup settlement April 2025). Children: daughter Ella (b. 2017), son (b. 2020). Previously dated Christopher Masterson (1999–2007).
  • Post-Film: Starred as Alex Vause in Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019, Satellite Award). Recent: That ’90s Show (2023–2025, Netflix); The Hero (2017); kitchenware line PrepOn Kitchen (2020–present).

Wilmer Valderrama as Fez

  • Role: Fez (Foreign Exchange Student), the enigmatic, accented newcomer whose cultural mishaps and crushes provide comic relief. Valderrama’s “mysterious charmer” (origins never revealed) delighted; appeared in all 200 episodes.
  • Net Worth: $20 million.
  • Height: 5’8″ (1.73 m).
  • Family: Born January 30, 1980, in Miami, Florida, to Sobeida Valderrama (Venezuelan) and Balbino Valderrama (Colombian diplomat). Siblings: sisters Marilyn, Stephanie; brother Christian. Raised in Venezuela until 13; attended Hollywood High School.
  • Relationships: Engaged to model Amanda Pacheco (since January 2020; met 2019). Children: daughter Nakano Oceana (b. February 2021), son (b. July 2025). Previously dated Demi Lovato (2010–2016), Lindsay Lohan (2004).
  • Post-Film: Voiced Agustín Madrigal in Encanto (2021); starred as Nick Torres in NCIS (2016–present). Recent: That ’90s Show (2023–2025); Hot Ones (2024); podcast Essential Voices (2021–present).

Debra Jo Rupp as Kitty Forman

  • Role: Kitty, Eric’s nurturing yet neurotic nurse mom, whose Jell-O molds and passive-aggression steal scenes. Rupp’s “hilarious homemaker” won hearts; appeared in all 200 episodes.
  • Net Worth: $5 million.
  • Height: 5’2″ (1.57 m).
  • Family: Born February 24, 1951, in Glendale, California, to Robert Rupp (salesman) and June Rupp (homemaker). Siblings: two sisters. Attended Masconomet Regional High School and University of Rochester (English).
  • Relationships: Private; single as of 2025, no public marriages or children.
  • Post-Film: Starred in Friends (1997–1998, Alice); This Is Us (2017–2022). Recent: That ’90s Show (2023–2025); Linoleum (2022); Agatha All Along (2024).

Kurtwood Smith as Red Forman

  • Role: Red, Eric’s gruff, war-vet dad whose “dumbass” rants and foot-in-ass threats define tough love. Smith’s “irascible icon” was Emmy-nominated; appeared in all 200 episodes.
  • Net Worth: $10 million.
  • Height: 6’1″ (1.85 m).
  • Family: Born July 3, 1943, in New Lisbon, Wisconsin, to George Smith (WWII vet) and Mabel Annette Lund. No siblings reported. Attended Canoga Park High School and San Jose State University (business).
  • Relationships: Married actress Joan Pirkle (since November 5, 1988; met on True Believer set). No children; previously married Cecilia Souza (1962–1974).
  • Post-Film: Starred in RoboCop (1987, Clarence Boddicker); Dead Poets Society (1989). Recent: That ’90s Show (2023–2025); Regular Show: The Movie (2015); The Goldbergs (2018–2024).

Tommy Chong as Leo

  • Role: Leo, the laid-back, perpetually stoned hippie neighbor whose “man” catchphrase and van antics add counterculture chaos (recurring seasons 2–8). Chong’s “zen burnout” recast his Cheech & Chong persona; appeared in 55 episodes.
  • Net Worth: $20 million.
  • Height: 5’11” (1.80 m).
  • Family: Born May 24, 1938, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, to Chinese immigrant Stanley Chong (WWII vet) and Scottish-Irish Lorna Jean Gilchrist. Siblings: brother Stan (d. 2018). Attended Crescent Heights High School (dropped out).
  • Relationships: Married actress Shelby Fiddis (since 1975; met at Cheech & Chong gig). Children: five (Rae Dawn, Paris, Precious, Marcus, daughter from prior marriage).
  • Post-Film: Half of Cheech & Chong (1970s films/albums); Up in Smoke (1978). Recent: That ’90s Show (2023–2025, retired Leo in S2); Zootopia (2016); Chong’s Choice cannabis line (2017–present).

Danny Masterson as Steven Hyde

  • Role: Hyde, the cynical, rock-loving rebel with abandonment issues, masking vulnerability with sarcasm and schemes. Masterson’s “bad-boy philosopher” was central; appeared in all 200 episodes.
  • Net Worth: $4 million.
  • Height: 5’10” (1.78 m).
  • Family: Born March 13, 1976, in Long Island, New York, to Carol Masterson and Peter Masterson. Siblings: brother Christopher (actor), half-siblings Jordan and Alanna (actors). Attended Garden City High School (dropped out).
  • Relationships: Married actress Bijou Phillips (2011–2023; filed September 2023 amid conviction). Daughter: Fianna (b. 2014). Previously dated Bijou Phillips (2004–2011).
  • Post-Film: Starred in The Ranch (2016–2018, fired amid allegations); Men at Work (2012–2014). Recent: Serving 30-to-life sentence (convicted 2023 rapes); no new projects post-incarceration.

Additional Notes

  • Salaries: Leads like Kutcher/Grace earned $250,000–$300,000 per episode by season 8; Kunis/Prepon/Masterson/Valderrama ~$200,000; Rupp/Smith ~$150,000. Budget covered L.A. sets, ’70s props, and circle effects. That ’90s Show residuals add $1M+ annually for originals.
  • Casting Insights: Creators sought ’90s relatability with ’70s nostalgia; Grace (20) won Eric after 100+ auditions for “awkward charm.” Kunis (14) lied about age for Jackie; Kutcher (20) beat 200 for Kelso’s “dumb hot guy.” Prepon (18) nailed Donna via chemistry reads; Valderrama (18) brought Fez’s accent mystery. Masterson (22) channeled Hyde’s edge. Boot camp: ’70s trivia and improv for basement bonds.
  • Impact and Legacy: Launching stars amid Friends era, it grossed $1B+ in syndication and influenced That ’90s Show (canceled 2025 after S2). Fans on Reddit/X hail circle scenes but critique Masterson’s fallout; 87% RT reflects timeless teen vibes. Boosted ’70s merch (bell-bottoms sales +30%); 2025 20-year finale anniversary reunion trended. Streaming on Peacock sustains 20M+ viewers yearly.
  • Post-Film Careers: Kutcher/Kunis dominate via investments/films; Grace/Prepon/Valderrama balance TV/dramas; Rupp/Smith/Chong thrive in revivals. Masterson’s conviction (2023) shifted focus to support (e.g., Kutcher/Kunis letters). Bonds endure via cons (2025 PaleyFest); show’s “dumbass” ethos sparks nostalgia.
  • Cultural Influence: Captured ’70s suburbia post-Dazed and Confused, with “circle time” memes (500M+ TikTok views) and Fez’s accent viral. Diversity (Valderrama’s Latino rep) progressed, though X notes dated humor. Kunis/Kutcher romance iconic; 2025 That ’90s Show cancellation debates reboot future.

Conclusion

That ’70s Show’s basement-bound ensemble, sparked by Grace’s quippy Eric and Kutcher’s hapless Kelso, grooved a ’70s homage into a syndication staple of teen trials and triumphs.

Net worths from $4 million (Masterson) to $200 million (Kutcher) map drifts from Point Place to power plays. Personal grooves—from Kunis’s immigrant roots to Valderrama’s family expansions—sync with the show’s rebel rhythm. Its merch mania, sequel spin, and meme marathon affirm it as Fox’s flared-favorite, where every “dumbass” delivers timeless tunes.