7 Surprising Facts About 'That 70's Show'

In the fictional town of Point Place, Wisconsin in the era of tie-dye and bell-bottoms, a rag-tag group of pals came together time after time, often in Eric Forman's basement, where they brought on the laughs episode after episode as they navigated the ups and downs of young adulthood, friendships, romance and more. The laugh out loud sitcom That '70s Show aired from 1998 to 2006 and featured a cast of characters that went on to become some of Hollywood's biggest and brightest stars.

Topher Grace led as Eric Forman, Ashton Kutcher brought to life Michael Kelso, Mila Kunis brought the fire as Jackie Burkhart and Laura Prepon stunned as Donna Pinciotti alongside Danny Masterson as Steven Hyde. The hijinks and scenarios this crew often found themselves in was belly-laugh inducing, and it's a series we love to look back on for wholesome fun. Here, take a look at these fun facts about That 70s Show you may not have known!

Facts about That 70s Show

1. Mila Kunis told a little white lie to land the part of Jackie

The truth comes out! Mila Kunis revealed that when she auditioned for the show, she was a mere 14 years old despite initially going with the age of 17 when she tried out for the part. However, the young actress came clean when it was time to sign the contract for the part of Jackie. Luckily, she had won the producers' hearts by then and she was still able to bring to life the beloved character.

“I was never treated as lesser then," she told Variety. "If I did by one of the cast members another cast member would stand up for it."

2. Topher Grace dropped out of college to take on his famed role as Eric

The now 46-year-old actor was attending the University of Southern California when he set aside his academic ambitions for a shot at fame on the screen — Luckily, it all worked out in his favor.

3. Debra Jo Rupp didn't realize what decade she was in

When cast as Eric's mother, the hilariously witty actress didn't realize the show would be set in the '70s (the title had not been decided at that point). Only once she arrived on set and saw the retro appliances did it hit her.

What Happened to Kitty From ‘That 70’s Show’? Read About Debra Jo Rupp Here

4. A few famous faces graced the screen over the years

Some of the surprise guests you may have noticed over the years included Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Amy Adams, Alice Cooper and countless others!

5. Another variation of the series failed to take off — Facts about That 70s Show

In 2002, That 80's Show premiered before being cancelled after one season. Cast members included Glenn Howerton, as well as Chyler Leigh.

6. Hollywood debuts

For both Topher Grace and Ashton Kutcher, That 70's Show was their first real acting gig.

7. Who almost played Red Forman? Facts about That 70s Show

Kurtwood Smith hilariously brought to life Eric's tough-as-nails father, but the beloved character was almost played by someone very different: Chuck Norris. Ultimately, Smith would bring the character to life expertly, and he remains a fan favorite to this day.