That '70s Show Cast Overview
This guide lists the main cast of That '70s Show, the Fox sitcom that ran from 1998 to 2006. The show centers on teenage life in the 1970s for friends in Point Place, Wisconsin. Below you will find each principal actor, the character they portrayed across the series run, and key notes on their credit status. The series is best known for launching several careers and for its ensemble-driven sitcom format.
Principal Cast and Characters
Top-Billed Main Cast
| Actor | Character | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Topher Grace | Eric Forman | Primary protagonist through most seasons; credited among main cast. |
| Mila Kunis | Jackie BurkhartMain love interest; credited as main cast from season 1. | |
| Ashton Kutcher | Michael Kelso | Core friend group member, known for comedic lead role. |
| Danny Masterson | Steven Hyde | Series regular from early seasons; distinctive counterculture role. |
| Laura Prepon | Donna Pinciotti | Kelso’s long-term girlfriend; prominent through most seasons. |
| Wilmer Valderrama | Fez | Foreign exchange student; recurring early, then main cast. |
| Debra Jo Rupp | Kitty Forman | Eric’s mother; series regular across most seasons. |
| Tom Poston | Kitty's Father / Other Bits | Guest star and recurring contributor, not a continuous series regular. |
| Kurtwood Smith | Red Forman | Eric’s father; main cast staple for majority of series. |
Main Cast Member Details
Topher Grace as Eric Forman
Topher Grace plays the earnest, somewhat awkward Eric Forman, the central teen around whom many storylines revolve. He appears in the majority of episodes and is considered a lead actor throughout the series’ run. His portrayal balances comedy and coming-of-age drama.
Mila Kunis as Jackie Burkhart
Mila Kunis portrays Jackie Burkhart, the wealthy, confident girl who becomes Eric’s primary love interest. Known for her strong screen presence, Kunis remains a defining character in the ensemble and is credited as a main cast member.
Ashton Kutcher as Michael Kelso
Ashton Kutcher plays Michael Kelso, the charming but often dimwitted friend whose catchphrase and confident swagger stand out. Kelso’s antics provide much of the show’s humor, and Kutcher is consistently listed among the main cast.
Danny Masterson as Steven Hyde
Danny Masterson brings Steven Hyde, a sarcastic, motorcycle-riding outsider with a distinctive style. Hyde evolves from recurring figure to series regular and is a staple of the ensemble through most seasons.
Laura Prepon as Donna Pinciotti
Laura Prepon’s Donna Pinciotti is Kelso’s long-term girlfriend and a strong female lead. Her character balances tough attitude with loyalty, and Prepon appears frequently across the series.
Wilmer Valderrama as Fez
Wilmer Valderrama plays Fez, a foreign exchange student with a thick accent and memorable catchphrases. Early recurring, he becomes a main cast member as the show progresses and remains a fan favorite.
Debra Jo Rupp as Kitty Forman
Debra Jo Rupp delivers the no-nonsense Kitty Forman, Eric’s mother. Her consistent presence and humor make her a series regular for most of the show’s run.
Kurtwood Smith as Red Forman
Kurtwood Smith plays Red Forman, Eric’s stern but loving father. Red’s deadpan delivery and grounded presence are central to the series, and Smith is a main cast fixture for the majority of seasons.
Supporting and Recurring Cast Context
While the above actors form the principal lineup, That '70s Show features a rich supporting cast. Notable recurring players include Don Stark as Bob Pinciotti, Kurt’s best friend and next-door neighbor, and Cynthia Lamontagne as Laurie Forman, Kitty’s younger sister. These roles add depth to the Point Place setting but are not part of the main top-billed cast.
Cast Stability and Changes
The series maintains a relatively stable cast across its eight-season run. Most primary actors appear consistently from early seasons onward, with limited turnover. When changes occur, they typically involve expanding recurring characters rather than replacing core members, preserving the show’s ensemble feel.
Quick Reference: Main Cast at a Glance
| Actor | Character | Series Role |
|---|---|---|
| Topher Grace | Eric Forman | Main |
| Mila Kunis | Jackie Burkhart | Main |
| Ashton Kutcher | Michael Kelso | Main |
| Danny Masterson | Steven Hyde | Main |
| Laura Prepon | Donna Pinciotti | Main |
| Wilmer Valderrama | Fez | Main |
| Debra Jo Rupp | Kitty Forman | Main |
| Kurtwood Smith | Red Forman | Main |
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The That '70s Show cast helped define late 1990s and early 2000s teen sitcoms. Their performances contributed to a nostalgic look at 1770s life, fashion, and music. The ensemble remains widely recognized, with many cast members continuing to be active in film, television, and comedy. The show’s longevity is in part due to this strong, consistent cast foundation.
Because the series has been off the air for many years, queries about cast members often refer to this established lineup. This guide reflects the standard main cast recognized across official credits, interviews, and syndication materials.
For ongoing discussions about the show, the cast names above are the most commonly referenced. They represent the fixed core around which the series’ humor and heart revolve.