The Shocking Truth About The That '70s Show Cast: Legal Battles, Netflix Returns, And 2025 New Projects
The iconic basement gang from That '70s Show remains one of television’s most beloved ensembles, but their lives since leaving Point Place, Wisconsin, have taken dramatically different—and in some cases, shocking—turns. As of December 2025, the cast is navigating major career shifts, new family milestones, and one of the most high-profile legal sagas in Hollywood history. From Topher Grace’s return to the big screen in a new thriller to the ongoing legal fight of Danny Masterson, here is the comprehensive, up-to-date look at what the actors behind Eric, Donna, Kelso, Jackie, Hyde, and Fez are doing now.
The legacy of the original Fox sitcom, which ran from 1998 to 2006, has been extended by the Netflix sequel That '90s Show, which features the return of Red and Kitty Forman, played by Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp. However, the involvement of the core six actors in the sequel, and their current professional trajectories, paints a complex picture of post-sitcom stardom.
Complete Biography Profile: The Core Six Actors
The main cast members of That '70s Show have all built significant careers in film and television. Here is a quick, up-to-date look at the key biographical details for the six main stars.
- Topher Grace (Eric Forman):
- Date of Birth: July 12, 1978 (Age 47 as of 2025)
- Spouse: Ashley Hinshaw (m. 2016)
- Children: 2
- Key Post-Show Roles: Spider-Man 3, BlacKkKlansman, Home Economics
- Mila Kunis (Jackie Burkhart):
- Date of Birth: August 14, 1983 (Age 42 as of 2025)
- Spouse: Ashton Kutcher (m. 2015)
- Children: 2 (Wyatt Isabelle and Dimitri Portwood)
- Key Post-Show Roles: Black Swan, Ted, Bad Moms
- Ashton Kutcher (Michael Kelso):
- Date of Birth: February 7, 1978 (Age 47 as of 2025)
- Spouse: Mila Kunis (m. 2015)
- Children: 2 (Wyatt Isabelle and Dimitri Portwood)
- Key Post-Show Roles: Two and a Half Men, Jobs, The Ranch
- Laura Prepon (Donna Pinciotti):
- Date of Birth: March 7, 1980 (Age 45 as of 2025)
- Spouse: Ben Foster (m. 2018, separated 2024)
- Children: 2
- Key Post-Show Roles: Orange Is the New Black (Alex Vause)
- Wilmer Valderrama (Fez):
- Date of Birth: January 29, 1980 (Age 45 as of 2025)
- Spouse: Amanda Pacheco (engaged 2020)
- Children: 1 (Nakano Oceana)
- Key Post-Show Roles: NCIS (Special Agent Nick Torres), Handy Manny
- Danny Masterson (Steven Hyde):
- Date of Birth: March 13, 1976 (Age 49 as of 2025)
- Spouse: Bijou Phillips (m. 2011, separated 2023)
- Children: 1
- Key Post-Show Roles: Men at Work, The Ranch
The High-Profile Legal Battle: Danny Masterson's Appeal
The most significant and sensitive update concerning the original cast revolves around Danny Masterson, who played Steven Hyde. Masterson is currently serving a sentence of 30 years to life in prison after being convicted on two counts of rape in 2023.
However, the legal saga is far from over. In a major development, Masterson filed a petition in November 2025 seeking to overturn his convictions and prison sentence.
The appeal claims that his trial lawyer was ineffective and failed to call key witnesses. Furthermore, the motion alleges that the trial was tainted by anti-Scientology bias, as the victims were former members of the Church of Scientology, which Masterson is a practicing member of.
Masterson’s wife, Bijou Phillips, filed for divorce shortly after his sentencing in 2023, citing irreconcilable differences. The ongoing legal process means this story remains a crucial, and tragic, part of the cast’s current reality.
Career Resurgence: New Movies, TV Dramas, and Literary Debuts
While Masterson’s life is dominated by his legal fight, the rest of the cast continues to thrive in diverse and high-profile projects, with several major updates for 2025.
Topher Grace (Eric Forman) Goes Dark
Topher Grace, who starred as the central character Eric Forman, is stepping away from his recent comedic role on Home Economics for a darker turn. In a major 2025 update, Grace is set to star in the thriller movie Flight Risk, directed by Mel Gibson, which is scheduled for release in January 2025.
He has also joined the cast of the unique horror movie Buddy, showcasing his continued versatility since his days in the basement.
Wilmer Valderrama (Fez) and the NCIS/Zorro Empire
Wilmer Valderrama has arguably had the most stable and successful post-sitcom career in network television. He remains a core cast member on the long-running CBS drama NCIS, where he plays Special Agent Nick Torres. The show is set to return for its 23rd season in October 2025.
Beyond his stable TV role, Valderrama is expanding his production empire. He is actively developing a live-action Zorro series for Disney, where he is also set to star as the iconic masked hero. Furthermore, Valderrama is set to release his debut memoir, American Story: Everyone's Invited, adding a literary credit to his diverse resume.
Laura Prepon (Donna Pinciotti): Directing, Books, and Separation
Laura Prepon, known for her role as the strong-willed Donna Pinciotti, has also maintained a successful career, most famously as Alex Vause on Netflix's Orange Is the New Black.
In a personal update, Prepon separated from her husband, actor Ben Foster, in late 2024. Professionally, she has transitioned into directing and authorship, having released her book You and I, as Mothers, which explores the complexities of motherhood.
The Power Couple and the '90s Show Status
The real-life marriage of Mila Kunis (Jackie Burkhart) and Ashton Kutcher (Michael Kelso) remains one of Hollywood's most high-profile couples, having met as teenagers on the set of That '70s Show. The two are frequently in the news for their family life, with recent updates in late 2025 showing them balancing their busy careers with date nights and family time.
Their involvement in the sequel series, That '90s Show, was a major draw for the first season. However, there are significant updates regarding the upcoming second season on Netflix:
- Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis: It has been confirmed that both actors will not have cameos in That '90s Show Season 2. Their characters, Kelso and Jackie, were featured in the Season 1 premiere, but their absence in the follow-up season marks a shift for the series.
- Topher Grace: While he appeared in the Season 1 premiere as Eric Forman, it is also highly unlikely that Topher Grace will return for Season 2, with the show hinting at his character's absence.
- Laura Prepon: Donna Pinciotti is one of the original six confirmed to reprise her role in That '90s Show Season 2, continuing her on-screen family story with Eric Forman.
The core cast members of That '70s Show—including the beloved supporting actors like Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp (Red and Kitty Forman), and Don Stark (Bob Pinciotti)—have cemented a lasting legacy. While the lives of the six friends from the basement have diverged dramatically, from major legal challenges to starring roles in the biggest television franchises of the 2020s, their impact on pop culture remains undeniable. The latest updates prove that for this ensemble, the story is far from over.
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