Rodina Marlowe

Written by Rodina Marlowe

Modified & Updated: 27 Sep 2024

50-facts-about-ashton-kutcher
Source: Cnn.com

Who is Ashton Kutcher? Born on February 7, 1978, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Ashton Kutcher is a versatile figure in entertainment, business, and philanthropy. Known for his breakout role as Michael Kelso on That '70s Show, Kutcher has since expanded his career to include acting in films like The Butterfly Effect and No Strings Attached. Beyond acting, he created and hosted the popular MTV show Punk'd. Kutcher is also a successful venture capitalist, investing in companies like Airbnb and Uber. His philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Thorn Foundation, focus on combating human trafficking and child exploitation. Married to Mila Kunis, with whom he has two children, Kutcher's life is a blend of professional success and personal commitment.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ashton Kutcher's journey from a small-town Iowa boy to a global celebrity and entrepreneur is a testament to hard work and dedication. His philanthropic efforts through Thorn and other initiatives have made a significant impact in combating human trafficking and child exploitation.
  • Ashton Kutcher's diverse career, from acting to entrepreneurship, showcases his versatility and determination. His personal life, hobbies, and unique experiences add depth to his celebrity status, making him a fascinating figure in the entertainment industry.
Table of Contents

Early Life and Family

Ashton Kutcher's journey from a small-town boy to a global celebrity is filled with fascinating details about his early life and family background.

  1. Early Life: Born as Christopher Ashton Kutcher on February 7, 1978, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he grew up in a small farm community called Homestead.
  2. Birthplace: Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is where Kutcher's story begins.
  3. Family Background: His parents, Larry and Diane Kutcher, were factory workers. They divorced when Ashton was 13.
  4. Twin Brother: Ashton has a fraternal twin brother, Michael, who was born with a septal heart defect and has cerebral palsy.
  5. Siblings: He also has an older sister, Tausha, who has a daughter named Dakota, born in 1999.

Education and Early Career

Kutcher's path to stardom wasn't straightforward. His early education and initial career choices played a significant role in shaping his future.

  1. Education: Kutcher attended the University of Iowa, where he studied biochemical engineering but dropped out to pursue modeling.
  2. Modeling Career: Winning the “Fresh Faces of Iowa” modeling contest in 1997 marked the beginning of his career in the fashion industry.
  3. Acting Career: His acting journey began with a role in the Fox sitcom That '70s Show (1998–2006), where he portrayed Michael Kelso.
  4. Breakthrough Role: The role of Michael Kelso earned him recognition and led to significant roles in films like Dude, Where's My Car? (2000) and The Butterfly Effect (2004).
  5. Film Debut: Kutcher made his film debut in the romantic comedy Coming Soon (1999).

Television and Film Success

Ashton Kutcher's success on television and in films has made him a household name. His roles have varied from comedy to drama, showcasing his versatility.

  1. Punk'd: In 2003, Kutcher created and produced the MTV reality show Punk'd, which he also hosted for the first eight of its ten seasons.
  2. Romantic Comedies: He appeared in several romantic comedies, including Guess Who (2005), A Lot Like Love (2005), What Happens in Vegas (2008), and No Strings Attached (2011).
  3. Two and a Half Men: From 2011 to 2015, Kutcher starred as Walden Schmidt on the CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men.
  4. Steve Jobs: In 2013, Kutcher portrayed Steve Jobs in the biographical film Jobs.
  5. The Ranch: Kutcher led the Netflix sitcom The Ranch from 2016 to 2020.
  6. Vengeance: He starred in the comedy thriller Vengeance (2022).

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Beyond acting, Kutcher has made a name for himself as a successful entrepreneur and investor.

  1. Venture Capitalist: Kutcher co-founded the venture capital firm A-Grade Investments, which later became Sound Ventures.
  2. Investments: He has invested in several high technology startups, including Skype, Foursquare, Airbnb, Path, and Fab.com.
  3. Thorn Foundation: In 2009, Kutcher and his ex-wife Demi Moore founded the DNA Foundation, later renamed Thorn, to combat human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children.
  4. Twitter Milestone: On April 16, 2009, Kutcher became the first Twitter user to reach more than 1 million followers, beating CNN in the site's "Million followers contest".
  5. Social Media Presence: Kutcher has over 14 million followers on Twitter and has been involved in several high-profile social media controversies.

Personal Life and Relationships

Kutcher's personal life has been as eventful as his career, with significant relationships and family milestones.

  1. Personal Life: In February 2001, Ashley Ellerin, whom Kutcher was dating at the time, was murdered. While never a suspect, Kutcher testified at the 2019 trial of serial killer Michael Gargiulo.
  2. Marriages and Relationships: Kutcher married Demi Moore in 2005 but they divorced in 2013. He then married Mila Kunis in 2015.
  3. Children: Kutcher has two children with Mila Kunis: daughter Wyatt Isabelle Kutcher (born October 1, 2014) and son Dimitri Portwood Kutcher (born November 30, 2016).
  4. Health Issues: In August 2022, Kutcher revealed that he had been diagnosed with vasculitis two years earlier, which had impaired his hearing, vision, and mobility.

Business Ventures and Philanthropy

Kutcher's business acumen and philanthropic efforts have made a significant impact beyond the entertainment industry.

  1. Business Ventures: Kutcher has invested in Los Angeles restaurants, including Geisha House and Dolce. He also serves as the creative director of Ooma, a telephone device company.
  2. Philanthropy: In addition to his work with Thorn, Kutcher has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including a public service announcement campaign to end child sex trafficking.
  3. Net Worth: Kutcher has a net worth of around $140 million and is among the highest-paid actors on television with $750 thousand per episode.
  4. Ancestry: Kutcher has Irish, Czech, and German ancestry.
  5. Political Affiliations: He is a liberal Democrat and has supported the presidencies of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

Hobbies and Interests

Kutcher's hobbies and interests reveal a different side of the actor, showcasing his diverse passions.

  1. BJJ Training: Kutcher started his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training in 2013 and earned his blue belt in 2014. He practiced BJJ regularly for five years and earned his brown belt from his master Rigan Machado in 2019.
  2. Favorite Movies: Kutcher's favorite movies include Forrest Gump, The Shawshank Redemption, Scary Movie, and Gladiator.
  3. Favorite Music: He loves listening to The Fine Machine, Dave Matthews Band, Hole, and his favorite song is “Young Blood” by The Naked And Famous.
  4. Favorite Football Team: Kutcher is a big fan of the Chicago Bears and often supports them by wearing various items of Bears clothing in his films.
  5. Favorite Movie Stars: His favorite movie stars are Maureen McCormick, Marilyn Monroe, Jennifer Aniston, and Tom Cruise. He once confessed to having a huge crush on Jennifer Aniston.

Unique Experiences and Achievements

Kutcher's life is filled with unique experiences and notable achievements that set him apart.

  1. Virgin Galactic Spaceship-Two: Kutcher is among the few lucky people to ride Virgin Galactic Spaceship-Two, accompanied by celebrities like Justin Bieber, Stephen Hawking, Tom Hanks, Katy Perry, Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie.
  2. Nominations and Awards: Although he was nominated for “Worst Actor of 2004” for his roles in Cheaper by the Dozen, Just Married, and My Boss’s Daughter, Kutcher is generally recognized for his good acting skills.
  3. Restaurant Ownership: Kutcher owns a restaurant in Los Angeles called Dolce and has invested in another Japanese-themed restaurant called Geisha House.
  4. Arrest Record: In his senior year of high school, Kutcher was arrested for breaking into his school to steal money and was charged with third-degree burglary.
  5. Party Life: During his high school days, Kutcher was known for his rebellious side and spent a lot of time partying.

Education and Odd Jobs

Kutcher's educational background and the odd jobs he took on during his university days highlight his determination and work ethic.

  1. University Life: At the University of Iowa, Kutcher held various odd jobs to pay for school, including sweeping up cereal dust at a General Mills factory.
  2. Partying Days: After enrolling at the University of Iowa, Kutcher initially continued his partying ways but eventually hit the books and focused on his studies.
  3. Odd Jobs: In addition to his studies, Kutcher held a number of odd jobs to pay for school. He even donated his blood for money at one point.

Media and Technology Impact

Kutcher's influence extends to media and technology, where he has made significant contributions.

  1. Katalyst Media: In 2010, Katalyst was named one of the year's Top 50 Most Inspiring Innovators by “Ad Age” and one of “Fast Company” Magazine's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies.
  2. The Demi and Ashton Foundation: Kutcher and his ex-wife Demi Moore created “The Demi and Ashton Foundation” (DNA) to fight child sex slavery worldwide in 2010.
  3. Thorn’s Chairman: In February 2017, Kutcher spoke to the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee as chairman of Thorn to speak out against the sexual exploitation of children around the world and seek funding for his organization.
  4. Technology and Innovation: Kutcher has been at the forefront of technological innovation, investing in companies like Spotify, Foursquare, Uber, Airbnb, and Path. He also created his Twitter app called A.plus.
  5. AI and Business Impact: During a panel at the Milken Institute’s Global Conference, Kutcher warned companies to embrace AI or risk being out of business, highlighting its potential impact on various industries.

Real Estate and Lifestyle

Kutcher's real estate ventures and lifestyle choices reflect his success and personal preferences.

  1. Santa Barbara Beach House: Kutcher and his wife Mila Kunis have listed their Santa Barbara beach house for one night only on Airbnb, offering a unique stay experience.
  2. Legacy and Impact: Ashton Kutcher's journey from a small-town Iowa boy to a global celebrity and entrepreneur is a testament to his hard work and dedication. His philanthropic efforts through Thorn and other initiatives have made a significant impact in combating human trafficking and child exploitation.

The Many Facets of Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher's journey from a small-town Iowa boy to a global celebrity and entrepreneur is nothing short of remarkable. From his early days on That '70s Show to his impactful role in Two and a Half Men, Kutcher has left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Beyond acting, his ventures in tech investments and philanthropy, especially with the Thorn Foundation, showcase his commitment to making a difference. His personal life, marked by his marriages to Demi Moore and Mila Kunis, and his role as a father, adds another layer to his multifaceted persona. Kutcher's story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and a desire to impact the world positively. Whether on screen or off, he continues to inspire and innovate, proving that there's much more to him than meets the eye.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Ashton Kutcher?
Ashton Kutcher, born Christopher Ashton Kutcher on February 7, 1978, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a well-known actor, producer, and entrepreneur. He first rose to fame as Michael Kelso on the sitcom "That '70s Show." Beyond acting, Kutcher has made significant strides in venture capital through investments in various tech companies.
What movies and TV shows has Ashton Kutcher been in?
Kutcher's career includes a mix of comedic and dramatic roles. Notable TV shows include "That '70s Show" and "Two and a Half Men." His filmography spans genres, featuring movies like "Dude, Where’s My Car?", "The Butterfly Effect," and "No Strings Attached." He also portrayed Steve Jobs in the biographical film "Jobs."
Has Ashton Kutcher won any awards for his acting?
Yes, Kutcher has received several awards and nominations throughout his career. He's won Teen Choice Awards and a People's Choice Award, among others, showcasing his popularity and talent in both film and television.
What is Ashton Kutcher known for outside of acting?
Beyond his acting career, Kutcher is highly regarded for his work as a venture capitalist and philanthropist. He co-founded A-Grade Investments, funding successful startups like Airbnb, Spotify, and Uber. Additionally, he's involved in anti-human trafficking efforts through his organization, Thorn: Digital Defenders of Children.
How did Ashton Kutcher start his career?
Kutcher's career kicked off after he was discovered by a talent scout at a bar in Iowa City. This discovery led to modeling work, which eventually opened doors to acting. His breakout role came in 1998 as Michael Kelso in "That '70s Show."
Is Ashton Kutcher married?
Yes, Kutcher is married to actress Mila Kunis. They first met as co-stars on "That '70s Show" but didn't begin dating until years later. The couple tied the knot in 2015 and have two children together.
What philanthropic work is Ashton Kutcher involved in?
Kutcher is deeply involved in philanthropy, with a strong focus on combating human trafficking and sexual exploitation. He co-founded Thorn: Digital Defenders of Children, an organization that develops technology to protect children from sexual abuse. His efforts in this area have been recognized globally, earning him respect and admiration beyond his entertainment career.

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