Mila Kunis & Ashton Kutcher: From Costars to Couple

Few celebrity relationships have captivated fans quite like that of Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher. Their story begins with teenage flirtation on-screen but unfolds over decades into a partnership marked by resilience, humor, and mutual respect. Long before they married and started a family, Kunis and Kutcher’s journey traversed friendship, separate romances, and the peculiar twists of fate that only real life can provide.

Meet-Cute on ‘That ’70s Show’ (1998–2006)

Mila and Ashton’s iconic story started in 1998 when both were cast in the beloved TV sitcom That ’70s Show. Kutcher portrayed the charming yet dimwitted Michael Kelso, and Kunis played his girlfriend Jackie Burkhart. Audiences adored their chemistry, unaware it foreshadowed a real romance yet to blossom.

  • Kunis was only 14 years old when she began filming, while Kutcher was 19. Their onscreen relationship, including Kunis’s first-ever kiss (with Kutcher!) was initially just part of the job.
  • Despite their close friendship on set, both maintained that their bond was purely platonic during the show’s original run.

In a 2001 interview, Mila admitted to a “crush” on Kutcher. Nevertheless, nothing romantic materialized between them during their teenage years as costars.

Separate Paths: Other Loves & Growing Up

After That ’70s Show ended in 2006, both embarked on different professional and personal journeys.

  • Ashton Kutcher married actress Demi Moore in 2005, and their high-profile relationship lasted until they separated in 2011.
  • Mila Kunis was in a long-term relationship with actor Macaulay Culkin for nearly a decade, also ending in 2011.

Their friendship persisted across the years, but both were invested in other relationships and projects throughout their twenties.

Reuniting and Rekindling (2012)

The stars aligned for Kunis and Kutcher at the 2012 Golden Globe Awards. Mila spotted Ashton from across the room, initially not recognizing him.

  • She later recounted, “I was looking around, and there was a really beautiful man from the back… then he turned around, and I was like, ‘Oh my god, it’s Kutch!'” the actor remembered.
  • Both were newly single and agreed to keep things casual at first, reminiscent of their rom-com roles. “We were like, ‘Let’s just hook up. Let’s have fun. We’re both single. We both trust each other,'” Kunis shared in interviews.

This casual arrangement quickly deepened after a series of fun, low-pressure encounters — including a memorable “real” kiss at Kutcher’s housewarming party, as recounted fondly in interviews.

Friends with Benefits Becomes More

Echoing the plots of the films they had starred in separately — No Strings Attached (Kutcher) and Friends with Benefits (Kunis) — their lighthearted “no-strings” romance soon gave way to genuine feelings:

  • Within three months, Kunis realized she cared deeply about Ashton and, not wanting to jeopardize their friendship, planned to end things. Ashton surprised her by asking her to move in instead.
  • Kutcher and Kunis officially became a couple and began living together in April 2012, moving quickly but confidently into a more serious relationship.

Turning Point: New Beginnings

Kutcher’s divorce from Demi Moore finalized in November 2013, finally allowing both parties to openly embrace their new chapter together. Supportive of one another’s careers and ambitions, they settled into a life centered around home, private milestones, and mutual support.

A Table of Key Relationship Milestones

Date Milestone
1998 First meet on That ’70s Show set
2012 Reunite at Golden Globes, begin dating
April 2012 Move in together
Feb 2014 Get engaged
Oct 2014 Welcome first child, Wyatt Isabelle
July 2015 Married in a private ceremony
Nov 2016 Welcome second child, Dimitri

The Engagement and First Child (2014)

The engagement of Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher was publicly confirmed in February 2014 when Kunis was seen wearing an elegant Tiffany & Co. diamond ring.

  • A few weeks later, the couple announced they were expecting their first child, with Kunis confirming the pregnancy on television.
  • Their daughter, Wyatt Isabelle, was born in October 2014, marking a joyous new chapter.

The couple’s devotion to privacy set them apart from many Hollywood counterparts, with both striving to keep family moments sacred.

Wedding Bells: Tying the Knot (2015)

In July 2015, Kunis and Kutcher exchanged vows in an ultra-private, intimate ceremony in California among family and close friends. Details about their wedding are still largely kept private, a testament to their wish to shelter their personal lives from intense media scrutiny.

Growing Family: Second Child and Beyond

In November 2016, their family grew with the birth of a son, Dimitri Portwood Kutcher. Parenthood, by all accounts, became the central joy of their lives, with both actors frequently expressing how transformative the experience had been for them.

  • The couple is known for their hands-on parenting approach, often emphasizing the importance of normalcy, responsibility, and humility for their children.
  • Kunis and Kutcher have spoken openly about limiting their children’s exposure to showbiz excess, instead prioritizing family time and shared experiences.

Hollywood and Humor: Tackling Gossip Together

Throughout their relationship, Mila and Ashton have often delighted fans by addressing—and poking fun at—constant tabloid speculation about their private lives. In 2019, Kunis and Kutcher humorously debunked rumors of a breakup in a candid Instagram video, joking about supposed fights and alleged secrets, showing their close bond and playful spirit.

Living in the Spotlight: Staying Grounded

Despite their fame, Kunis and Kutcher maintain a refreshed, down-to-earth outlook on Hollywood life.

  • They collaborate closely on philanthropic efforts, including major work on human trafficking prevention and support for Ukrainian aid efforts, highlighting a shared sense of social responsibility.
  • Both are recognized for their commitment to prioritizing family and keeping their relationship authentic and rooted in friendship.
  • They frequently appear together at major events, yet carefully balance public appearances with substantial private time as a family.

Recent Years: Enduring Love & Mutual Growth (2021–2025)

In the years since their wedding, Kunis and Kutcher’s relationship has continued to thrive amid new milestones:

  • 2021: They appeared onscreen together again, delighting fans and rekindling memories of their early days.
  • 2022: Both participated in the launch of That ’90s Show, a spin-off of their original sitcom, each making guest appearances and celebrating their shared roots.
  • 2023–2025: The couple continues to make headlines for fun romantic anecdotes, sweet family moments, and enduring affection, with regular public outings, holidays, and shared adventures. Kunis has spoken about the keys to their lasting happiness—mutual respect, humor, and their children’s well-being always coming first.

Key Elements of Their Successful Relationship

  • Friendship first: Years of knowing each other forged a deep, honest bond before romance entered the picture.
  • Shared history: Growing up together in the public eye, they understand each other’s challenges and pressures.
  • Keeping it private: By guarding important moments, they shield their relationship from external pressures.
  • Playful partnership: Humor and laughter are at the heart of their bond—public and private alike.
  • Supporting causes: Their joint activism for humanitarian causes reflects shared values.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When did Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher first meet?

A: They first met in 1998 while filming the pilot of That ’70s Show.

Q: When did they start dating?

A: Their romantic relationship began in early 2012, after reuniting at the Golden Globe Awards and establishing a casual connection that soon became serious.

Q: Do Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher have children?

A: Yes. They have two children: a daughter, Wyatt Isabelle (born October 2014), and a son, Dimitri Portwood (born November 2016).

Q: When did they get married?

A: They were married in a private ceremony in July 2015.

Q: How do they handle rumors about their relationship?

A: The couple often addresses rumors with humor, posting playful videos and comments to debunk false stories and show their unity.

Q: What makes their relationship work?

A: By prioritizing friendship, trust, open communication, a sense of humor, and keeping their family life grounded and private, Kunis and Kutcher have built a strong foundation for lasting partnership.