Ashton Kutcher, famous for his playful personality and comedy roles, including his portrayal of Michael Kelso on That 70s Show, has always kept a lighthearted image. However, behind the laughter and fame lies a much darker side to his story.
The actor, who married Mila Kunis in 2015 and has two children with her, has finally opened up about a secret he’s carried for 25 years, revealing a more complex and emotionally charged part of his life.
That 70s Show, which debuted in 1998, was a groundbreaking sitcom that tackled real teenage issues such as relationships, peer pressure, and substance abuse. It was through this show that Ashton Kutcher rose to fame.
His character, Michael Kelso, was the charming but not-so-bright heartthrob, and his relationship with Jackie Burkhart, played by Mila Kunis, was one of the most popular aspects of the show. Their onscreen romance began with a kiss in Season 1, which, while lighthearted on screen, had a more uncomfortable reality behind the scenes.
At the time, Kunis was just 14 years old, and Kutcher, at 19, was much older. Kunis later revealed that she felt nervous and uncomfortable about the intimate scenes, particularly the kiss, which was initially meant to be a simple peck. The situation was made worse when Danny Masterson, who played Hyde, jokingly offered Kutcher money to perform a French kiss.
The prank added to Kunis’ discomfort, and she later expressed her feelings about being required to kiss every male character except for one on the show. This experience was troubling for her, and she felt that the producers had not fully considered the impact it would have on her, especially at such a young age.
Kutcher’s own personal life took a significant turn as he revealed a long-held family secret. His twin brother, Michael, faced severe health challenges that were kept private for many years. Michael was born with a mild case of cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement and balance. Despite the challenges, Ashton and his family focused on the strengths of both siblings.
However, Michael’s health worsened in his teenage years, and he was diagnosed with viral myocarditis, which caused his heart to enlarge. The prognosis was grim—he was given only weeks to live.
During this difficult time, Ashton stood by Michael’s side, and the situation became even more critical when Michael flatlined in the hospital. Ashton, devastated and feeling helpless, even considered donating his own heart to save his brother. Fortunately, a heart donor was found, and Michael underwent a successful transplant. This experience deeply impacted Ashton, giving him a new perspective on life and his career.
However, Ashton’s past also includes trouble with the law. As a teenager, he was involved in a break-in at his high school with his cousin, attempting to steal test answers.
He was arrested and spent the night in jail, later receiving probation and community service. This legal trouble followed him for years, even affecting his career later on when it was revealed during his acceptance of an award at Drake University.
Ashton Kutcher’s life has been marked by both humor and hardship. The revelations about his family’s struggles and his own past provide a deeper understanding of the actor, who has always kept a positive public image despite the darker aspects of his personal life.