It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly 30 years since Ashton Kutcher first burst onto our screens with a trucker hat and a “HELLO, WISCONSIN!” Today, as he celebrates his 48th birthday, Kutcher is no longer just the king of the multi-cam sitcom. He has evolved into a formidable dramatic lead, a visionary venture capitalist, and a tireless advocate for child safety through his organization, Thorn.
Currently, the world is buzzing about his “dark” return to television in Ryan Murphy’s “The Beauty,” which premiered just two weeks ago to massive ratings. As the birthday cake is cut today at the Kutcher-Kunis household, we’re taking a stroll down memory lane to rank the 10 roles that defined his journey.
Ashton Kutcher’s 10 Most Memorable Performances
1. Michael Kelso in That ’70s Show (1998–2006)
The role that launched a thousand “burns.” As the dim-witted but lovable Michael Kelso, Kutcher’s comedic timing and effortless charm made him an instant breakout star. His ability to play “dumb” with such sincerity was a gift to the show’s dynamic, and his real-life chemistry with future wife Mila Kunis remains the stuff of Hollywood legend. Even 48 years in, he still has that “Kelso” twinkle in his eye.
2. Steve Jobs in Jobs (2013)
In perhaps his most physically transformative role, Kutcher took on the daunting task of playing Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. While critics were divided on the film, Kutcher’s dedication was undeniable—he famously adopted Jobs’ fruitarian diet to prepare, landing himself in the hospital. His uncanny mimicry of Jobs’ gait and intensity proved to the world that he was much more than just a sitcom actor.
3. Evan Treborn in The Butterfly Effect (2004)
Long before the “Cage-aissance” or “Bale-level” transformations, Kutcher shocked audiences with this dark, psychological thriller. Playing a man who travels back in time to alter his childhood trauma only to find increasingly horrific results, he showed a grit and emotional depth that was totally unexpected at the height of his Punk’d fame. It remains a cult classic and a fan-favorite dramatic turn.
4. Colt Bennett in The Ranch (2016–2020)
Returning to his multi-cam roots but with a gritty, Netflix-edge, Kutcher played a failed semi-pro quarterback returning to his family’s Colorado ranch. Opposite the legendary Sam Elliott, Kutcher delivered a performance that was equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, tackling issues of rural decline, alcoholism, and father-son dynamics with surprising maturity.
5. Walden Schmidt in Two and a Half Men (2011–2015)
Stepping into the biggest sitcom on television to replace Charlie Sheen was the ultimate high-stakes gamble. As the heartbroken billionaire Walden Schmidt, Kutcher successfully rebooted the series for four more seasons. He brought a “puppy dog” energy that contrasted perfectly with Jon Cryer’s neurotic Alan Harper, proving he could anchor a massive network hit under intense scrutiny.
6. Adam Franklin in No Strings Attached (2011)
In the height of the “friends with benefits” movie trend, Kutcher teamed up with Natalie Portman for this rom-com staple. His performance as the sensitive, slightly goofy Adam was the perfect foil to Portman’s clinical Emma. It solidified his status as the premier leading man for the modern romantic comedy—a role he recently revisited in Your Place or Mine.
7. Jesse Montgomery III in Dude, Where’s My Car? (2000)
“And then?” This stoner comedy defined a generation of early 2000s humor. Alongside Seann William Scott, Kutcher leaned fully into the “slacker” persona that made him a household name. While the movie is pure absurdity, his earnest delivery of the line “Dude, where’s my car?” is etched into the halls of comedy history.
8. Quentin Sellers in Vengeance (2022)
In B.J. Novak’s directorial debut, Kutcher delivered a “chillingly smooth” supporting performance as a charismatic record producer in West Texas. His philosophical monologue about the nature of modern storytelling was cited by many critics as the best acting work of his career, proving that in his 40s, he has evolved into a sophisticated character actor.
9. Jake Fischer in The Guardian (2006)
Trading the trucker hat for a wet suit, Kutcher starred opposite Kevin Costner in this action-drama about the U.S. Coast Guard. He underwent rigorous physical training to play the hot-shot swimmer, and the film allowed him to flex his “action hero” muscles. It remains a solid reminder of his versatility during his transition from TV star to movie lead.