Growing up with a TV show feels a lot like growing up with actual friends. For those of us who spent the early 2000s watching a group of teenagers sit in a hazy Wisconsin basement, the That 70 show actors weren't just celebrities; they were Eric, Donna, Kelso, and the gang. We watched them struggle with high school, bad haircuts, and the terrifying prospect of becoming "dumbasses" in the eyes of Red Forman.
But then the show ended in 2006. Some stars ascended to the Hollywood stratosphere, while others faced career pivots or, in one high-profile case, a total legal collapse. Catching up with them in 2026 feels a bit like a high school reunion where some people got rich, some got weird, and some you just don't talk about anymore.
The Power Couple: Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis
Honestly, if you told a fan in 1998 that Kelso and Jackie would end up married with two kids in real life, they probably wouldn't believe you. Their chemistry was undeniable, but the path wasn't straight.
Ashton Kutcher has basically spent the last two decades becoming a tech mogul disguised as a leading man. He didn't just stop at Two and a Half Men or the Steve Jobs biopic. By 2026, he’s shifted even further into the thriller space. You can catch him right now in the FX series The Beauty, playing a tech billionaire—a role that feels a little too close to home given his real-world venture capital success. He’s been vocal lately about Hollywood’s beauty standards, ironically while promoting a show centered on that very topic.
Mila Kunis, meanwhile, has had one of the most consistent careers of the bunch. Between voicing Meg Griffin on Family Guy for over a quarter-century and starring in massive hits like Black Swan, she’s a powerhouse. Recently, she’s been popping up in Netflix’s Knives Out universe with Wake Up Dead Man. She and Ashton have stayed remarkably grounded, despite a rough patch of public backlash regarding their support for a former co-star, which they’ve had to navigate carefully in the press over the last year.
Topher Grace: The Leading Man Who Chose the "Indie" Life
Topher Grace left the show early to pursue movies. It was a risky move. For a while, it seemed like he might get pigeonholed after Spider-Man 3, but he pivoted in a way that most That 70 show actors didn't. He became a character actor.
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- BlacKkKlansman: His portrayal of David Duke was chilling and proved he had range far beyond the sarcastic Eric Forman.
- Home Economics: He returned to sitcoms recently with this ABC hit, which reminded everyone why he’s so good at the "relatable guy" trope.
- Editing: Did you know he edits movies for fun? He famously recut the Star Wars prequels into one film.
In 2026, Topher is still working steadily, with projects like Buddy and How to Make a Killing in post-production. He seems the most "normal" of the group, balancing a quiet family life with his wife, Ashley Hinshaw, and their three kids.
Wilmer Valderrama and the NCIS Era
If you still think of Wilmer Valderrama as the guy who says "I said good day!", you haven't been watching TV for the last ten years. He’s spent a massive chunk of his post-70s life as Special Agent Nick Torres on NCIS.
He basically traded the bell-bottoms for a badge and a gun.
Beyond the procedural world, he’s become a massive voice in the Disney world. He was the dad in Encanto and is currently working on a Zorro series. He’s also a new dad in real life. It’s a complete 180 from the "Fez" persona, though he did slip back into the accent for a few guest spots on the revival series That 90s Show.
Laura Prepon’s Directorial Pivot
Laura Prepon (Donna Pinciotti) found massive success with Orange Is the New Black, playing Alex Vause. It was a role that redefined her career, moving her away from the "girl next door" image into something much darker and more complex.
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But what most people don't realize is that she’s moved behind the camera. She directed several episodes of OITNB and has continued that trend, focusing on directing and her wellness brand, PrepOn Kitchen. She’s also been incredibly open about her personal life, including her departure from Scientology, which was a major talking point a few years back. In late 2024, news broke about her separation from husband Ben Foster, marking a new, more private chapter for her.
The Elephant in the Room: Danny Masterson
You can't talk about the That 70 show actors without acknowledging the dark cloud over the show's legacy. Danny Masterson, who played the cynical Steven Hyde, is currently serving 30 years to life in prison.
The legal battle lasted years. In 2023, he was convicted on two counts of forcible rape. It was a devastating revelation for fans who loved the character of Hyde. Because of this, his character is the only one never mentioned or seen in the Netflix sequel series. The "gang" has largely distanced themselves from him, though the fallout from the character letters written on his behalf by Kutcher and Kunis still lingers in the minds of some fans.
The Parents Who Never Left
While the kids went off to become superstars or face legal battles, Kurtwood Smith (Red) and Debra Jo Rupp (Kitty) stayed the course. They are the heart of the 2023–2026 revival, That 90s Show.
Honestly? They haven't aged a day in terms of their comedic timing.
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Red is still calling people dumbasses, and Kitty still has that nervous, high-pitched laugh that feels like a warm hug. Their presence on screen reminds us why the original show worked: it wasn't just about the kids; it was about the generational clash that never really goes away, no matter the decade.
What to Watch Now if You Miss the Gang
If you're feeling nostalgic, here is how you can see the That 70 show actors in their current 2026 element:
- Watch "The Beauty" on Hulu/FX: See Ashton Kutcher take on a darker, more serious role than ever before.
- Stream "Wake Up Dead Man" on Netflix: Check out Mila Kunis in the latest Rian Johnson mystery.
- Catch "That 90s Show" on Netflix: For the pure nostalgia of seeing Red and Kitty—and the occasional cameo from the original crew.
- Listen to "Family Guy": Mila is still there, voicing Meg, as she has been since the '90s.
The legacy of the show is complicated now. It’s a mix of massive success, enduring talent, and some very real-world tragedies. But for most of us, those characters will always be frozen in time, sitting in a circle, laughing at nothing in particular.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to stay updated on upcoming projects, follow the official social media accounts for Wilmer Valderrama and Laura Prepon, as they are currently the most active in sharing behind-the-scenes looks at their directing and production work. You can also check the Netflix "Coming Soon" section for any surprise guest appearances in the third season of the revival.