Mila Kunis, a talented American actress, has captivated audiences with her performances in film and television for over two decades. Best known for her role as Jackie Burkhart in That ’70s Show and her performances in films like Black Swan and Friends with Benefits, Kunis has established herself as a versatile actress. Beyond her career, her personal life, including her marriage to actor Ashton Kutcher and her journey embracing her Jewish heritage, has drawn significant public attention.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Milena Markovna Kunis was born on August 14, 1983, in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, which was part of the Soviet Union at the time. She immigrated to the United States with her family in 1991, escaping antisemitism in her homeland and seeking better opportunities. Kunis was only seven when her family relocated to Los Angeles, where she began acting in commercials and minor television roles.
Her breakthrough came in 1998 when she was cast as Jackie Burkhart in the hit sitcom That ’70s Show. This role catapulted her into stardom and allowed her to develop her comedic timing and on-screen charisma.
Acting Career Highlights
Mila Kunis has enjoyed a dynamic acting career spanning both television and film. Some of her most significant roles include:
- Television:
- That ’70s Show (1998-2006) – Portrayed Jackie Burkhart, a fan-favorite character.
- Family Guy (1999-present) – Voices Meg Griffin, a long-running voice-acting role.
- Films:
- Black Swan (2010) – Played Lily, earning critical acclaim and awards nominations.
- Friends with Benefits (2011) – Starred alongside Justin Timberlake in a romantic comedy hit.
- Ted (2012) – Played the female lead in Seth MacFarlane’s comedy blockbuster.
- Bad Moms (2016) & A Bad Moms Christmas (2017) – Showcased her comedic prowess as a lead actress.
Her ability to transition between comedy, drama, and voice acting has solidified her position as a versatile and sought-after actress.
Personal Life and Relationship with Ashton Kutcher
Mila Kunis’s relationship with fellow actor Ashton Kutcher has been widely covered by the media. The two met on the set of That ’70s Show as teenagers but didn’t start dating until years later.
- Marriage: The couple married in July 2015 in a private ceremony.
- Children: They share two children, Wyatt Isabelle Kutcher and Dimitri Portwood Kutcher.
- Parenting Philosophy: Kunis and Kutcher have often made headlines for their unconventional parenting choices, such as opting for limited holiday gifts for their children to avoid materialism.
Recently, the couple has been seen enjoying family outings, including a New Year’s Eve celebration with their children in Beverly Hills.
Embracing Jewish Heritage
Mila Kunis has become increasingly vocal about her Jewish identity in recent years. Born into a Jewish family in Ukraine, she revealed she was discouraged from discussing her faith during her childhood due to widespread antisemitism in the Soviet Union.
However, her husband Ashton Kutcher played a pivotal role in helping her reconnect with her cultural roots. She has since spoken openly about celebrating Jewish holidays and embracing her faith, especially with their children.
- Hanukkah Celebration: Kunis recently participated in lighting a Hanukkiah with Israeli activist Noa Tishby during the second night of Hanukkah, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage.
Recent News and Appearances
Family Outings and Parenting:
Kunis and Kutcher were recently spotted enjoying a rare public family outing on New Year’s Eve with their two children. The couple has emphasized raising their children with strong family values and minimal indulgence, which has sparked both praise and criticism from fans.
Cultural Identity:
Kunis opened up in multiple interviews about how her relationship with Kutcher helped her embrace her Jewish identity. She mentioned growing up in the Soviet Union where Jewish heritage was suppressed but found a renewed connection to her faith after starting her family.
Controversy and Distance from Danny Masterson:
Following the conviction of fellow That ’70s Show star Danny Masterson, both Kunis and Kutcher distanced themselves from their former co-star. Reports suggested their support for Masterson during his legal proceedings caused a media backlash, prompting them to publicly clarify their stance.
Awards and Achievements
Mila Kunis has received several nominations and accolades throughout her career, including:
- Screen Actors Guild Award: Nominated for Black Swan (2010).
- Saturn Award: Won Best Supporting Actress for Black Swan.
- Teen Choice Awards: Multiple nominations for That ’70s Show and Friends with Benefits.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Kunis, along with her husband Ashton Kutcher, has been involved in various charitable causes.
- Human Trafficking Awareness: They co-founded Thorn, an organization dedicated to combating child sexual exploitation.
- Disaster Relief: The couple donated significant sums to aid relief efforts during the Ukrainian crisis in 2022.
Legacy and Influence
Mila Kunis has successfully balanced a thriving Hollywood career with a commitment to her family and personal values. Her journey from a young immigrant to a globally recognized actress and advocate for cultural identity continues to inspire many.
Key Takeaways:
- Celebrated for her versatile acting career in both comedy and drama.
- Outspoken about her Jewish heritage and cultural pride.
- Emphasizes family values and responsible parenting.
- Actively involved in philanthropic efforts alongside her husband Ashton Kutcher.
Mila Kunis remains a powerful figure in the entertainment industry and a role model for balancing career, family, and personal growth. Her commitment to embracing her identity, standing by her values, and advocating for positive change continues to shape her lasting legacy.
