Hollywood loves a good narrative about "family" on set. We’ve all seen the cast reunions, the mushy Instagram posts, and the stories about how everyone is basically a sibling after eight seasons of filming. But when it comes to the basement gang of That '70s Show, the reality was a lot messier, and honestly, a lot more divided.
While fans were busy shipping Eric and Donna, a massive social rift was forming behind the scenes. On one side, you had the "cool kids" led by Danny Masterson. On the other? You had Topher Grace, the guy who played the lead but felt like a total stranger to his coworkers.
For years, rumors swirled that Topher was "difficult" or "snobby" because he didn't hang out with the rest of the cast. But looking back at the timeline now—especially after Danny Masterson’s 2023 conviction and 30-year prison sentence—Topher's decision to keep his distance looks less like ego and more like a masterclass in intuition.
The Basement Divide: Work vs. Play
Topher Grace wasn't looking for a frat house experience.
When he landed the role of Eric Forman, he was a total newcomer. He’d never even had a professional audition before. This wasn’t just a job; it was a surreal shift in reality. While Ashton Kutcher, Wilmer Valderrama, and Danny Masterson were becoming the faces of the early 2000s party scene—opening restaurants like Geisha House and popping up in every tabloid—Topher just... went home.
He didn't go to the clubs. He didn't join the Scientology-adjacent social circles. He basically clocked in, did the work, and checked out.
In a 2021 interview with Whitney Cummings, Topher finally shed some light on this "antisocial" reputation. He admitted he was very careful about who he let into his life during that sudden burst of fame. He called the experience of being on a hit show "weird" and noted that he was suspicious of the "lottery" atmosphere.
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Basically, he didn't trust the Hollywood machine. And he certainly didn't seem to trust the vibes coming from Masterson’s inner circle.
Danny Masterson and the "Cult of Personality"
To understand the friction, you have to understand the influence Danny Masterson had on that set. He was the "older brother" figure. He was the one who taught the younger actors how to be famous. Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher have both gone on record—most infamously in their support letters to the judge—describing Masterson as a mentor and a role model.
But that mentorship came with a specific lifestyle.
Masterson was a high-ranking Scientologist. His social life was deeply intertwined with the Church, and his home was known as a hub for late-night parties. This is where the darker side of the story lives. The crimes for which Masterson was eventually convicted—the drugging and raping of women—occurred at the height of the show's popularity in 2003.
While the rest of the cast was rallying around Masterson, Topher was effectively on an island.
It’s been reported by various crew members and insiders over the years that Masterson would sometimes harass or "haze" Topher on set for not being a "team player." There was even a moment during the show’s final season where Topher simply left. He didn't stay for the series wrap party. He moved on to film Spider-Man 3 and didn't look back. At the time, the tabloids painted him as the villain who was too big for his britches.
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The 2023 Vindicated Reality
Fast forward two decades. The narrative has completely flipped.
When the news broke that Danny Masterson was being sentenced to 30 years to life, the internet didn't look at Topher Grace as the "mean guy" anymore. Instead, he became the guy who "knew."
While Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis were forced to issue a cringing, dimly-lit apology video for writing letters in support of a convicted rapist, Topher’s silence was deafeningly perfect. He didn't write a letter. He didn't offer a "he’s a good guy" quote. He remained exactly where he had been since 1998: out of the drama.
It's a stark contrast.
- Ashton and Mila: Described Masterson as having "exceptional character."
- Topher Grace: Never publicly commented on the trial, maintaining a professional distance that now looks incredibly prophetic.
Even Masterson’s ex-girlfriend, who was vocal during the trial, reportedly hinted that Topher was one of the few people who didn't buy into the "cool guy" facade Masterson projected.
Why This Matters for Hollywood Today
The story of Topher Grace and Danny Masterson isn't just about a 20-year-old sitcom. It’s a case study in "The Professional Coworker."
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We are often told that if you don't "bond" with your team, you're the problem. But Topher proved that you can create incredible on-screen chemistry—Eric and Hyde’s bromance was a highlight of the show—without actually liking the person you’re standing next to.
He showed that "setting boundaries" isn't just a therapist's buzzword; it’s a survival tactic.
If you're looking for lessons to take away from the That '70s Show fallout, look no further than the value of staying in your own lane. Topher Grace didn't need to be part of the "in-crowd" to have a successful career. In fact, being an outsider is exactly what saved his reputation when the house of cards finally fell for his costar.
Moving Forward: What to Watch
If you want to see Topher Grace actually enjoying his castmates, skip the Point Place basement and check out his more recent work like Home Economics or his brilliant, chilling turn in BlackKklansman. It turns out, when you choose your friends wisely, you don't have to apologize for them later.
For those keeping an eye on the legal side of things, Masterson is currently serving his time at North Kern State Prison. His appeals continue to move through the California court system as of 2026, but the cultural verdict on the That '70s Show cast seems firmly set. Topher Grace won the long game by simply not playing it.
Stick to the work, keep your circle small, and trust your gut when a "role model" feels like anything but. That’s the real legacy of Eric Forman.