Krista Ison

Written by Krista Ison

Published: 19 Apr 2025

40-facts-about-ashton-kutcher
Source: Britannica.com

Ashton Kutcher is more than just a Hollywood star. Did you know he has a twin brother named Michael? Born on February 7, 1978, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Ashton started his career as a model before hitting it big on "That '70s Show." Beyond acting, he's a savvy investor in tech startups like Uber and Airbnb. Surprisingly, he studied biochemical engineering at the University of Iowa. Ashton is also a dedicated philanthropist, co-founding Thorn, an organization fighting human trafficking. His marriage to Mila Kunis, his former co-star, has made headlines, but there's much more to his story. Ready to learn 40 fascinating facts about Ashton Kutcher? Let's dive in!

Table of Contents

Early Life and Background

Ashton Kutcher, a name synonymous with Hollywood, has a fascinating backstory. Here are some intriguing facts about his early years and upbringing.

  1. 01Born Christopher Ashton Kutcher on February 7, 1978, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
  2. 02He has a fraternal twin brother named Michael, who was born with cerebral palsy.
  3. 03Kutcher's parents, Diane and Larry, divorced when he was 16.
  4. 04He attended Washington High School in Cedar Rapids before transferring to Clear Creek Amana High School.
  5. 05Kutcher was passionate about acting from a young age, participating in school plays and local theater.

Education and Early Career

Before becoming a household name, Kutcher had a different career path in mind. His journey to stardom is filled with surprising twists.

  1. 06Kutcher studied biochemical engineering at the University of Iowa.
  2. 07To pay for his tuition, he worked various jobs, including sweeping floors at a General Mills plant.
  3. 08He was discovered by a talent scout at a bar in Iowa City, which led him to enter the "Fresh Faces of Iowa" modeling competition.
  4. 09Winning the competition earned him a trip to New York City, where he signed with a modeling agency.
  5. 10Kutcher modeled for brands like Calvin Klein and appeared in commercials before transitioning to acting.

Breakthrough with "That '70s Show"

Kutcher's big break came with a role that would define his early career. "That '70s Show" catapulted him to fame and set the stage for future successes.

  1. 11He played Michael Kelso on "That '70s Show" from 1998 to 2006.
  2. 12The role of Kelso was originally intended to be a minor character, but Kutcher's performance made him a fan favorite.
  3. 13During his time on the show, he formed lifelong friendships with co-stars like Mila Kunis and Topher Grace.
  4. 14Kutcher's comedic timing and charm earned him several Teen Choice Awards.
  5. 15His success on the show opened doors to numerous film opportunities.

Film Career Highlights

Kutcher's transition from television to film was seamless. He starred in a variety of genres, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

  1. 16His first major film role was in "Dude, Where's My Car?" (2000), a cult classic comedy.
  2. 17Kutcher starred alongside Brittany Murphy in the romantic comedy "Just Married" (2003).
  3. 18He took on a more serious role in "The Butterfly Effect" (2004), a psychological thriller.
  4. 19Kutcher played a lead role in "Guess Who" (2005), a modern take on the classic film "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner."
  5. 20He voiced Elliot the deer in the animated film "Open Season" (2006).

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Beyond acting, Kutcher has made a name for himself as a savvy entrepreneur and investor. His business acumen is as impressive as his acting chops.

  1. 21He co-founded the venture capital firm A-Grade Investments in 2010.
  2. 22Kutcher invested early in companies like Skype, Airbnb, and Uber.
  3. 23He co-founded the media company Katalyst, which produced digital content and television shows.
  4. 24Kutcher launched a subscription-based snack delivery service called "SnackNation."
  5. 25He served as a product engineer for Lenovo, helping design and promote their products.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Kutcher's personal life and philanthropic efforts reveal a compassionate and dedicated individual. He uses his platform to make a positive impact.

  1. 26He married actress Demi Moore in 2005, but they divorced in 2013.
  2. 27Kutcher married his former "That '70s Show" co-star Mila Kunis in 2015.
  3. 28The couple has two children, a daughter named Wyatt and a son named Dimitri.
  4. 29Kutcher co-founded Thorn, an organization dedicated to combating human trafficking and child exploitation.
  5. 30He testified before Congress in 2017 about the importance of technology in fighting human trafficking.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Kutcher's life is filled with quirky and fun tidbits that make him even more relatable. Here are some lesser-known facts about the star.

  1. 31He has a scar on his face from a childhood accident involving a barbed wire fence.
  2. 32Kutcher is an avid sports fan, particularly of the Chicago Bears and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
  3. 33He once saved a neighbor's life by performing CPR after the man suffered a heart attack.
  4. 34Kutcher is a self-proclaimed tech geek and loves gadgets and new technology.
  5. 35He has a passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and practices regularly.

Awards and Recognition

Kutcher's talent and hard work have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous accolades throughout his career.

  1. 36He won a People's Choice Award for Favorite Web Celeb in 2010.
  2. 37Kutcher received the Robert D. Ray Pillar of Character Award in 2017 for his philanthropic efforts.
  3. 38He was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2010.
  4. 39Kutcher received a Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actor: Comedy for his role in "Two and a Half Men."
  5. 40He was honored with the Ultimate Choice Award at the Teen Choice Awards in 2013.

Ashton Kutcher: More Than Just a Pretty Face

Ashton Kutcher's life is a blend of Hollywood stardom, business acumen, and philanthropy. From his breakout role in "That '70s Show" to his savvy investments in tech startups, Kutcher has shown he's not just another actor. His work with Thorn, an organization he co-founded to combat human trafficking, highlights his commitment to making a difference. Kutcher's journey from a small-town boy in Iowa to a household name is nothing short of inspiring. He’s proven that with hard work, versatility, and a bit of charm, you can achieve great things. Whether he's on screen, investing in the next big tech company, or fighting for a cause, Ashton Kutcher continues to leave a lasting impact. So next time you see him, remember there's a lot more to him than meets the eye.

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