That '70s Show cast and character guide: Who plays whom in the 1998 Fox sitcom

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That '70s show (Image via Stan.)

That '70s Show is one of those sitcoms that still feel fresh when you decide to binge watch the show years later.

The show revolves around a group of teenagers in Point Place, Wisconsin, and the sitcom quite perfectly portrays the chaos of what it meant to be growing up in the late seventies. It is packed with basement hangouts, awkward romances, questionable fashion choices, and a whole lot of laugh-out-loud moments that still land decades later.

The sitcom first hit Fox in 1998, and quickly became a fan favorite, not just because of its humor but also because of the way it balanced teenage mischief with heartfelt family moments.

From the sarcastic burns of Red Forman to Kitty’s unforgettable laugh, That '70s Show gave us characters who felt both hilarious and relatable.

If you were keen to know about the actors who bring each of these extremely iconic characters to life on screen, then this short guide breaks down the important cast and characters of That '70s Show.


That '70s Show cast and character guide

Topher Grace plays the character of Eric Forman

First up for That '70s Show is Eric Forman, the extremely awkward yet lovable teenager whose basement acted as the headquarters of the group of firends.

Topher Grace (Image via Getty)
Topher Grace (Image via Getty)

Topher Grace played Eric Forman, the glue that held the group together. He was quite often the target of Red's "dumbass" remarks. Eric loved Star Wars, and his on-again, off-again relationship with Donna Pinciotti drove much of the story ahead.

Even though Eric eventually left to pursue teaching in Africa, his comeback for the series finale marked a full circle.

You might recognize Topher Grace from The Waterfront and Spider-Man 3.


Laura Prepon plays the character of Donna Pinciotti

Next door to Eric was Donna Pinciotti, played by Laura Prepon. Donna was the 'girl next door' in every way. She was smart, grounded, and never hesitating to speak her mind.

Laura Prepon (Image via Getty)
Laura Prepon (Image via Getty)

She wasn't ever scared to stand up to Eric's teasing, and her independence is what often made her one of the show's strongest teenaged characters.

Donna's relationship with Eric was a big part of the entire run of That '70s Show, though she also had her fair share of other storylines, from romances to clashes with her parents.

You might recognize Laura Prepon from Orange Is the New Black and The Hero.


Mila Kunis plays the character of Jackie Burkhart

When That '70s Show first started off, Jackie Burkhart was the spoilt one of the lot. To put it simply, she was the over-dramatic younger one among the friends.

Mila Kunis (Image via Getty)
Mila Kunis (Image via Getty)

Mila Kunis gave Jackie the perfect comedic timing and the fans loved her. Jackie's fashion sense made her lovable, while her endless complaints and vanity were the qualities that made her a contrast to Donna.

Over the course of That '70s show, Jackie's storyline eventually took a different route, with her family losing their money. That is when Jackie started showing vulnerability and depth.

Throughout the series, she dated Kelso, Hyde, and eventually Fez, so there was a lot of romantic drama about her character besides comedy.

You might recognize Mila Kunis from Black Swan and Friends with Benefits.


Ashton Kutcher plays the character of Michael Kelso

If there was one character who fans could always count on for bringing out laughs, it was Michael Kelso, played by Ashton Kutcher.

Ashton Kutcher (Image via Getty)
Ashton Kutcher (Image via Getty)

Kelso was the pretty boy and the clueless member of the group, who always found himself in situations that never really made sense. Kelso's storylines in That '70s show gave the sitcom some of its best laugh-out-loud moments.

Kutcher's acting is what made Kelso both an irritating and charming character, and it is this role that helped Ashton Kutcher launch his career in a big way.

You might recognize Ashton Kutcher from Two & a Half Men and No Strings Attached.


Danny Masterson plays the character of Steven Hyde

Steven Hyde was the sunglasses wearing, conspiracy loving guy played by Danny Masterson. Hyde was always the one who was skeptical of authority, and he delivered some of the show's best one-liners.

After being left by his mother, Hyde found a home with the Formans, which increased his bond with Eric. His romance with Jackie lasted for many seasons, and his storylines later on explored his family and his time in running a record store.

Hyde's humor and perspective is what made him a fan favorite in That '70s Show.

You might recognize Danny Masterson from The Ranch and Men at Work.


Wilmer Valderrama plays the character of Fez

One of the most well thought-out 'outsider' characters in That '70s Show was Fez, the foreign exchange student whose real name and country was never mentioned on screen.

Wilmer Valderrama (Image via Getty)
Wilmer Valderrama (Image via Getty)

Fez was known for his accent and for having crushes. For much of That '70s show, he had a big crush on Jackie, and by the finale, the two were finally together.

Fez's charm came from his innocence as well as his one-liners, and Valderrama made sure that Fez was never overlooked at by the rest of the characters.

You might recognize Wilmer Valderrama from NCIS and Encanto.


Josh Meyers plays the character of Randy Pearson

Randy Pearson was played by Josh Meyers in the last season of That '70s Show. Randy worked at Hyde's record store and soon became part of the gang after Eric and Kelso's exit.

Josh Meyers (Image via Getty)
Josh Meyers (Image via Getty)

Randy was tall, calm, and full of quick jokes. Although fans had mixed feelings about his late addition to That '70s show, Randy dated Donna and stayed until the very end, even having screen time in the finale.

You might recognize Josh Meyers from Going to America and How to Make Love to a Woman.


Debra Jo Rupp plays the character of Kitty Forman

Very few sitcom moms are as iconic as Kitty. She was always happy, she loved wine, and she was Eric's supportive mother. Her laugh was the brightest thing on the show, and Kitty very well balanced her husband's harsh personality with pure warmth and light.

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She wasn't just a mother to Eric but to the rest of the group, too, and she often came in to support and comfort them when their own families would not. Kitty's loving nature and her emotions made her one of the most beloved characters on That '70s Show's.

You might recognize Debra Jo Rupp from WandaVision and Agatha All Along.


Kurtwood Smith plays the character of Red Forman

Red Forman is one of most unforgettable TV dads ever. A war veteran with a rough external attitude, Red constantly brought out tough love to Eric and his friends.

Kurtwood Smith (Image via Getty)
Kurtwood Smith (Image via Getty)

His favorite insult - "dumba*s" - became a running joke throughout the sitcom. However, regardless of his harshness on the outside, Red cared deeply for his family. Smith's performance made Red scary but hilarious. He struck a balance between being a strict parent and a big old softie on the inside.

You might recognize Kurtwood Smith from: RoboCop & Rambo III.


Don Stark plays the character of Bob Pinciotti

Donna's father, Bob Pinciotti, was the comic relief 'dad next door' on That '70s show. Played by Don Stark, Bob was known for his loud personality, open robes, and his efforts at parenting.

His friendship/rivalry with Red brought out some of the show's funniest dad moments. Bob's storylines included his divorce, his dating life, and his efforts to connect with his daughter Donna. Regardless of his quirks, Bob brought plenty of heart and love to That '70s Show.

You might recognize Bob Pinciotti from Hit the Floor and That '90s Show.


That '70s Show worked as a sitcom because of its cast and because each and every character added something unique to the group. From Eric's sarcasm to Kitty's warmth, the cast has made the show a nostalgic ride highlighting teenage friendships, family chaos, and moments of growing up in the seventies.

What also makes That '70s Show so timeless is the way the characters felt real and you could easily find someone like Kelso or Jackie in your own high school, while Red and Kitty remind many of parents in their own families.

The sitcom wasn’t just about comedy. It was about identity, relationships, and those awkward teen years when you were figuring out who you are. At the heart of it all was the cast that brought these characters to life.

Even today, the sitcom has fans coming back, proving that some sitcoms really do stand the test of time.


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Edited by Vinayak Chakravorty
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