Mila Kunis

Biography

Milena Markovna "Mila" Kunis, born on August 14, 1983, in Chernivtsi, Ukrainian SSR (now Ukraine), is an accomplished American actress and producer. Her journey from a young immigrant navigating a new language and culture to a versatile Hollywood star is a testament to her talent and resilience.

Early Life and Career Beginnings:

At the age of seven, Kunis immigrated with her family to Los Angeles, California, in 1991, primarily due to rising antisemitism in the former Soviet Union. Her parents, despite professional careers in Ukraine, sacrificed much to provide a better life for their children. Mila initially struggled with English, a challenge she often recalls.

Her entry into acting was somewhat accidental. At nine, her father enrolled her in acting classes, where she met her future manager. This led to early roles in commercials, including one for Barbie, and small television appearances in shows like Days of Our Lives and Baywatch.

Breakthrough on Television:

Kunis's first breakthrough came at just 14 years old when she was cast as the sassy and self-absorbed Jackie Burkhart in the hit Fox sitcom That '70s Show (1998-2006). Despite lying about her age (the requirement was 18), her undeniable talent and comedic timing impressed producers, securing her the role. The show became a cultural phenomenon, launching her career and earning her Young Star Award.

Concurrent with That '70s Show, Kunis also embarked on a highly successful voice acting career. In 1999, she began voicing the self-conscious daughter, Meg Griffin, on Seth MacFarlane's animated sitcom Family Guy, a role she has held for over two decades, becoming an iconic voice in animated television.

Transition to Film Stardom and Critical Acclaim:

After That '70s Show concluded, Kunis successfully transitioned to a thriving film career. Her breakout film role came in the Judd Apatow-produced comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008), where her charming and free-spirited portrayal garnered widespread praise.

However, it was her intense and critically acclaimed performance as Lily in Darren Aronofsky's psychological thriller Black Swan (2010) that truly solidified her as a dramatic actress. She underwent rigorous ballet training and significant weight loss for the role, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Kunis continued to showcase her versatility in various genres, starring in hit comedies like Friends with Benefits (2011) alongside Justin Timberlake and Ted (2012) with Mark Wahlberg, and the fantasy film Oz the Great and Powerful (2013). She also delved into more dramatic roles in films like The Book of Eli (2010) and Four Good Days (2020).

Recent Work and Personal Life:

More recently, Kunis has starred in films like Bad Moms (2016) and its sequel A Bad Moms Christmas (2017), and the Netflix thriller Luckiest Girl Alive (2022), which she also produced. She reprised her role as Jackie Burkhart in the That '70s Show spin-off, That '90s Show (2023). She has a role in the upcoming Knives Out sequel, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025).

Mila Kunis is married to her former That '70s Show co-star, Ashton Kutcher, and they have two children. Beyond her acting career, she is known for her philanthropic efforts and candid public persona. Her ability to navigate both comedic and dramatic roles, coupled with her successful voice acting career, firmly establishes Mila Kunis as one of Hollywood's most enduring and versatile stars.