Mila Kunis Biography
Mila Kunis, a celebrated American actress, has charmed audiences worldwide with her comedic timing, dramatic talent, and magnetic charm. Since her breakout role in That ’70s Show and her subsequent rise in Hollywood, Kunis has become a household name. With an impressive portfolio of films, awards, and advocacy work, Mila Kunis represents resilience, talent, and authenticity both on and off the screen. This article explores her remarkable life and career, highlighting her challenges, successes, and impact on the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Family
Mila Kunis was born Milena Markovna Kunis on August 14, 1983, in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union. She grew up in a Jewish family with her father, Mark, an engineer, her mother, Elvira, a physics teacher, and her older brother, Michael. Seeking a better future and fleeing antisemitism, the family immigrated to the United States in 1991 when Mila was just seven years old. They arrived in Los Angeles with only $250 and faced tremendous challenges in adjusting to a new culture and language.
Kunis described her initial experience in America as overwhelming, stating that she felt “blind and deaf” due to her lack of English skills. Despite this, her parents worked tirelessly to provide for the family, with her father becoming a cab driver and her mother running a pharmacy. Mila quickly adapted, showcasing her resilience and determination even as a child.
Education and Early Acting Aspirations
Mila attended Rosewood Elementary School in Los Angeles upon her arrival in the U.S. Despite her struggles with the language barrier, she showed remarkable perseverance. After an interest in acting sparked at age nine, her father enrolled her in acting classes. This decision proved pivotal, as she met a talent manager, Susan Curtis, who would later guide her career.
While attending Fairfax High School, Mila juggled her education with acting, often using tutors on-set during her early TV stints. Although she briefly attended UCLA and Loyola Marymount University, acting remained her primary focus.
Career Highlights
Breakthrough Role in That ’70s Show
Kunis’s big break came in 1998 when she was cast as Jackie Burkhart on the popular sitcom That ’70s Show. Despite being just 14 years old, she impressed producers and co-starred alongside Ashton Kutcher, a connection that would later blossom into a real-life romance. The show ran for eight seasons, establishing Kunis as a comedic talent to watch.
Voice Role in Family Guy
Simultaneously, Kunis took on the role of Meg Griffin in the animated sitcom Family Guy in 1999. Her distinct voice and quirky comedic delivery brought life to the character, earning her immense praise and solidifying her place in the voice acting world.
Film Stardom
Kunis seamlessly transitioned into film roles, starting with Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008), where her role as Rachel Jansen earned critical and commercial acclaim. She gained further recognition for her daring performance in the psychological thriller Black Swan (2010), opposite Natalie Portman. For this, she received multiple nominations, including a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress.
Other notable films include:
- Friends with Benefits (2011) opposite Justin Timberlake
- Ted (2012), Seth MacFarlane’s blockbuster comedy
- Oz the Great and Powerful (2013), where she portrayed the iconic Wicked Witch of the West
- Bad Moms (2016) and its sequel A Bad Moms Christmas (2017), which showcased her comedic prowess.
Recent Projects
Kunis starred in Netflix’s 2022 dramatic thriller Luckiest Girl Alive, where critics praised her for delivering a career-best performance. She has also begun producing films, including an upcoming romantic comedy, The 47 Night Stand.
Personal Life
Mila Kunis’s personal life garnered enormous media attention, especially her long-standing relationship with Ashton Kutcher, her co-star from That ’70s Show. After reconnecting in 2012, the couple married in July 2015. They share two children, Wyatt Isabelle and Dimitri Portwood, and reside in a sustainable farmhouse in Beverly Hills.
Prior to Kutcher, Kunis was in a serious relationship with actor Macaulay Culkin from 2002 to 2011.
Kunis is known for her candid nature, sharing her experiences as an immigrant, struggles with ADHD, and chronic eye condition iritis, which required surgery. Her resilience is a defining trait in her personal and professional life.
Advocacy and Philanthropy
Off-screen, Kunis has actively supported several causes. She worked alongside her husband to raise over $37 million for Ukrainian refugees after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Additionally, she has been a strong advocate for mental health awareness and human rights, frequently donating to planned parenthood and other charities.
Net Worth and Earnings
With an incredible career spanning over two decades, Mila Kunis has amassed a net worth of approximately $75 million as of 2025. Her earnings come from acting, production ventures, brand endorsements, and voice work. She has collaborated with iconic brands like Christian Dior, Gemfields, and Jim Beam.
Physical Attributes
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’4½” (1.64m) |
| Weight | Approximately 115 lbs (52 kg) |
| Eye Color | Heterochromia (green & brown) |
| Hair Color | Changed frequently (natural brown) |
Awards and Accolades
Kunis’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including:
- Golden Globe Nomination for Black Swan (2010)
- Marcello Mastroianni Award at the Venice Film Festival
- Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress (2010)
- Multiple Teen Choice Awards
Her memorable roles continue to make her one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors.
Latest News
Recently, Mila Kunis stunned fans by debuting a dramatic change from her signature black hair to a lighter, bold new color during a rare public appearance with Ashton Kutcher. Her latest feature, Goodrich, co-starring Michael Keaton, has also received positive buzz. Audiences and critics alike look forward to her return to light-hearted comedies in the upcoming Knives Out installment.
Legacy and Outlook
From a seven-year-old immigrant facing cultural and linguistic barriers to becoming a globally recognized actress and philanthropist, Mila Kunis encapsulates perseverance and success. Her ability to balance heartfelt performances with humor ensures that she resonates with audiences around the world.
With new projects on the horizon and an unwavering commitment to philanthropy, Kunis’s stellar career and inspiring life story remain a symbol of hope and tenacity.
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