For the majority of That ’70s Show’s eight-season run, Ashton Kutcher portrayed Michael Kelso, although the actor left the series after season 7. Since the show’s inception in 1998, the actor has been a part of the core cast. Kutcher’s portrayal of Kelso was his first professional acting performance. The series was never the same once he left, along with other frequent co-star Topher Grace.

Kelso was the dimwitted member of That ’70s Show’s core friendship circle. Kelso was often seen at Eric Forman’s home with the rest of the ragtag gang, which included Donna Pinciotti, Steven Hyde, Jackie Burkhart, and Fez. Kelso had an on-again, off-again love involvement with Jackie throughout his storyline, but the two didn’t end up together. Kutcher’s character was also notorious for his lack of intellect, which resulted in many falls from the town’s water tower and the necessity to wear the “stupid helmet” on a regular basis.

That ’70s Show

Kelso was forced to mature swiftly with the birth of his daughter, despite his immaturity. Kelso chose to become a police officer in order to get his life back on track. Despite the fact that he was no longer with his daughter’s mother, his connection with Jackie remained platonic, particularly while she was dating Hyde. By the conclusion of season 7, Kelso had driven Jackie to her new job in Chicago, but Hyde had misconstrued his friend’s goodwill.

Kutcher was an established actor in the film business by the time Season 8 of That ’70s Show came around, having recently secured a starring part in The Guardian. The actor’s contract for That ’70s Show was not renewed due to scheduling conflicts with that production. Kutcher eventually departed the show to pursue his film career. Fortunately, he decided to return for a few episodes in season 8 to successfully wrap up Kelso’s narrative.

Kutcher divided his time between That ’70s Show and his film career throughout his stint on the show. Following roles in comedies such as Dude, Where’s My Car?, Just Married, and My Boss’s Daughter, Kutcher made a splash with his tragic performance in The Butterfly Effect in 2004. He was cast as Jake Fischer in The Guardian shortly after, although it was scheduled to shoot around the same time as season 8. Due to schedule issues, Kutcher has opted to take a break from television and concentrate on movies.