1. Who Is Mila Kunis?
Mila Kunis is a Ukrainian-American actress who has seamlessly transitioned from a beloved child star on a hit sitcom to a powerful leading lady in Hollywood. Known for her sharp wit, husky voice, and remarkable versatility, she has built an enduring career spanning decades. From making audiences laugh in comedies to captivating them in psychological thrillers, Kunis has proven her depth as a performer. Beyond the screen, she is a dedicated mother, a savvy businesswoman, and one half of one of Hollywood’s most enduring modern love stories with her husband, Ashton Kutcher.
2. Mila Kunis: Early Life and Career Journey
Born Milena Markovna Kunis on August 14, 1983, in Chernivtsi, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union (now Ukraine), Mila’s journey to stardom began with a leap of faith. Her Jewish family emigrated to Los Angeles in 1991 with just $250, seeking a better life and escape from antisemitism. Speaking no English upon arrival, she later described the transition as becoming “blind and deaf” overnight because she couldn’t understand anyone.
Her foray into acting was almost accidental. Enrolled in acting classes after school simply as an activity, her talent was immediately recognized. Her first significant break came at the age of nine when she landed a commercial for Barbie. This was quickly followed by small roles on shows like 7th Heaven and Days of Our Lives. However, it was a single audition at age 14 that would set the course for her entire career.
3. Mila Kunis Movies and TV Shows That Defined Her Career
Kunis’s filmography is a testament to her range. Key projects that defined her include:
- That ‘70s Show (1998-2006): Her breakout role as Jackie Burkhart, the shallow yet endearing fashion-obsessed girlfriend of Topher Grace’s Eric Forman.
- Family Guy (1999-Present): She has provided the voice of the cynical, intelligent megabyte Meg Griffin since season two, a role she won at age 15 by impersonating the original voice actor.
- Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008): Her role as the charming and down-to-earth surf instructor Rachel Jansen proved her chops as a major film comedy lead.
- Black Swan (2010): Her performance as Lily, the provocative and talented rival ballerina to Natalie Portman, earned her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination, shattering her “comedy actress” mold.
- Friends with Benefits (2011): This rom-com, co-starring Justin Timberlake, cemented her status as a bankable A-list lead.
- Bad Moms (2016): This box office hit showcased her talent in an ensemble cast and resonated with a broad audience, leading to a successful sequel.
4. Exploring the Versatility of Mila Kunis in Film
Kunis’s versatility is her greatest asset. She can pivot from broad comedy to intense drama with ease. She mastered the art of the scene-stealing supporting character in That ‘70s Show and Forgetting Sarah Marshall before carrying major studio films like Friends with Benefits and Ted. Her dramatic turn in Black Swan demonstrated a darkness and complexity few knew she possessed. She further showcased her range in the sci-fi thriller Jupiter Ascending, the biographical drama Four Good Days, and even the action-comedy The Spy Who Dumped Me. This refusal to be typecast has been central to her longevity.
5. Ashton Kutcher with Mila Kunis: A Hollywood Love Story
The love story of Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher is a modern Hollywood fairytale that began off-screen. They first met on the set of That ‘70s Show in 1998, where Kunis was 14 and Kutcher was 19. For years, they were just close friends and on-screen couple Jackie and Kelso. Their paths diverged as the show ended, and both had high-profile relationships with others.
It wasn’t until 2012, after both had gone through breakups, that their friendship blossomed into romance. Their relationship developed quietly and organically, away from the paparazzi glare. They quickly became one of Hollywood’s most solid and relatable couples.
6. Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher: From Co-Stars to Soulmates
Their journey from co-stars to soulmates is a story of timing and deep friendship. They had a foundation of knowing each other for over a decade before dating. In interviews, both have stated that this existing friendship made their romantic relationship feel easy and natural. They got engaged in February 2014, welcomed their daughter, Wyatt, in October 2014, and married in July 2015. Their son, Dimitri, was born in November 2016. They often speak about prioritizing their family life, choosing to raise their children away from the Hollywood spotlight in California.
7. Net Worth of Mila Kunis: Success on and off the Screen
Mila Kunis’s success is reflected in her substantial net worth, estimated to be around $90 million. This wealth stems from her long-running acting career, including lucrative salaries for major film roles and her steady voice work on Family Guy. Beyond acting, she and Kutcher are savvy venture capitalists, having invested early in successful tech companies like Uber and Airbnb through Kutcher’s fund, Sound Ventures. She has also been a spokesperson for major brands like Jim Beam and Gemfields, further adding to her financial portfolio.
8. How Old Is Mila Kunis? A Look at Her Age and Longevity in Hollywood
Mila Kunis is 40 years old (as of 2024). Her age is a fascinating lens through which to view her career longevity. She has been a working actress for over 30 years, having started as a child. Unlike many who burn out, she has managed her career with intelligence, transitioning from teen star to respected adult actress. Her ability to choose diverse roles and evolve with the industry has allowed her to remain a relevant and sought-after talent for decades.
9. That ‘70s Show and Mila Kunis: The Role That Changed Everything
That ‘70s Show was undeniably the role that changed everything for Mila Kunis. She auditioned for the part of Jackie Burkhart at 14 but told casting directors she was 18, fearing she would be considered too young. Her confidence and comedic timing won her the role. For eight seasons, she grew up on screen, honing her craft and becoming a household name. The show not only launched her career but also introduced her to her future husband and built a foundation of industry relationships that have lasted a lifetime.
10. Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis: Family, Career, and Life Together
For Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, family is the central focus of their life together. They are famously private about their children, Wyatt and Dimitri, striving to give them a normal upbringing. They have spoken about their shared values, including not showering their kids with extravagant gifts and teaching them the value of hard work. Career-wise, they support each other’s projects while also collaborating as business partners in their investments. Their relationship is built on a powerful blend of deep friendship, mutual respect, and a shared history, making them one of Hollywood’s most genuine and enduring couples.