Mila Kunis is one of the most talented and versatile actresses working in Hollywood today. Since rising to fame as a teenager for her role as Jackie Burkhart on the popular sitcom That ’70s Show, Kunis has gone on to star in major blockbuster films, critically acclaimed dramas, beloved romantic comedies, and daring independent movies. Her varied career is a testament to both her acting chops and her carefully cultivated public persona.
Kunis got her start in acting at a young age. She enrolled in after-school acting classes as a child, landing some small parts in commercials and TV shows. Her big break came when she auditioned for That ’70s Show at just 14 years old. Though initially cast as an extra, her natural charisma and comedic timing quickly won over producers. Her character Jackie became a fan favorite, with Kunis appearing in all 200 episodes of the show’s eight season run alongside co-stars Ashton Kutcher and Topher Grace.
The popularity of That ’70s Show helped launch Kunis into a successful film career. She transitioned to leading lady status with her starring role in the 2008 romantic comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Though the film centered around actor Jason Segel’s character, Kunis stole every scene she was in as the captivating Rachel Jansen. Her hilarious, down-to-earth performance won over audiences and critics alike. It marked the beginning of her reign as one of the most beloved actresses in romantic comedies.
Kunis went on to star in a string of popular romcoms like Max Payne, The Book of Eli, Friends with Benefits, and Ted. She brought depth and complexity to these often formulaic films with her willingness to take risks and subvert expectations. Off-screen, she built a public image as the cool, funny, relatable actress you’d want to get a beer with. But just as audiences had Kunis typecast, she’d show off new dimensions of her talent.
In 2010, Kunis took on the challenging role of a troubled ballerina in Darren Aronofsky’s psychological thriller Black Swan. The intense physical transformation and perfectionist performance earned Kunis an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She continued to display her dramatic chops in movies like Blood Ties and Oz: The Great and Powerful. Kunis even tried her hand at action films, playing badass assassin Theodora in Max Payne.
Yet Kunis’s most commercially successful role has been as the voice of Meg Griffin in the popular animated sitcom Family Guy. She has voiced the dorky, angsty teen for over 20 seasons. Though known primarily as a live-action star, Kunis clearly has talent in voice acting. She’s skilled at conveying Meg’s multitude of emotions using only her vocal inflections.
In recent years, Kunis has expanded her resume even further by moving behind the camera. She produced the acclaimed drama The Spy Who Dumped Me in 2018. Kunis also executive produced Four Good Days, starring Glenn Close, and the upcoming Netflix thriller Luckiest Girl Alive. Off-screen, she’s one half of a major celebrity couple, having married her former That ’70s Show co-star Ashton Kutcher in 2015. The down-to-earth duo has shied away from the tabloid spotlight, keeping their relationship out of the public eye. They have two children together.
As Kunis enters her 40s, her career remains as vibrant as ever. She continues to shine in dramas like Breaking News in Yuba County, comedies like The Sleepover, and TV series like Family Guy. Kunis possesses that rare Hollywood commodity – genuine, relatable charisma. In a business full of inflated egos, she is endearingly humble. She’s proven her versatility across genres, shown off impressive acting chops, and built a public image as the girl-next-door with a wicked sense of humor. While Kunis claims she never set out to be a star, her sparkling on-screen presence and business savvy indicate otherwise.