Core Cast and Their Original Roles
The series centers on a new generation of teens in Point Place, Wisconsin, but the original cast from the 1990s series anchors the narrative. Topher Grace portrayed Eric Forman, the awkward, lovable lead whose on-screen relationship with Donna Pinciotti defined the early seasons. Mila Kunis played Jackie Burkhart, the popular, sharp-tongued cheerleader whose character evolved from a spoiled antagonist into a more layered figure over the run of the show.
Danny Masterson played Steven Hyde, the rebellious, conspiracy-theorist outsider who rarely attended school. Laura Prepon took on the role of Donna Pinciotti, Eric's girlfriend and later wife, balancing idealism with real-world challenges. Wilmer Valderrama portrayed Fez, the foreign exchange student whose mysterious nationality and smooth-talking personality made him a standout. Ashton Kutcher played Michael Kelso, the lovable but dim-witted jockey whose romantic arc with Jackie spanned multiple seasons.
Post-Show Careers and Current Projects
Topher Grace transitioned into film and limited television, appearing in projects like the 2018 Spider-Man: Far From Home and the 2023 series The Righteous Gemstones, while also producing and writing independent content. Mila Kunis became a leading film actress, starring in movies such as Black Swan and Bad Moms, and took on voice work in the animated series Family Guy, with her career trajectory documented by major industry outlets like Forbes.
Ashton Kutcher built a significant technology and investment portfolio, co-founding the venture firm A-Grade Investments and serving as a producer and narrator for the National Geographic series National Geographic Presents: Brain Games. Danny Masterson faced serious legal proceedings, resulting in a conviction in 2023, which led to his departure from The Ranch and broader industry consequences. Laura Prepon continued acting in series like Orange Is the New Black and The Rookie, while Wilmer Valderrama remained active in voice acting and production, including work on the animated series From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series.
Legacy, Streaming Availability, and Cultural Impact
The original That 90s Show series, which aired from 1998 to 2006, remains a staple of nostalgic television, with its core cast members frequently referenced in discussions of 1990s pop culture. The show's influence extends into modern streaming, where it is available on platforms like Netflix, and its reboot, That '90s Show, premiered in 2023, directly connecting the old and new generations of the Forman family.
The cast's collective net worth and ongoing business ventures reflect the long-term financial impact of their early careers. Ashton Kutcher's investments in Uber and Airbnb, for instance, have been widely reported by financial and technology news sources, including SEC filings and Forbes profiles. The enduring popularity of the original series, supported by syndication and streaming data, ensures that the old cast members continue to be relevant in both entertainment and business contexts, with their career paths serving as case studies in post-television brand building.