Topher Grace’s Joyful Reunion with “That ’70s Show” Cast and His Evolving Life

Topher Grace recently opened up about his delightful experience reconnecting with his former “That ’70s Show” castmates during the filming of the Netflix spinoff, “That ’90s Show.” Speaking at the Art of Elysium’s Heaven gala alongside his wife Ashley Hinshaw, the 47-year-old actor described the reunion as “better than any high school reunion.” Despite appearing in just the pilot episode alongside Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Laura Prepon, Debra Jo Rupp, and Kurtwood Smith, the week-long reconnection proved deeply meaningful for Grace. The gathering brought together friends who hadn’t all been in the same place for many years, and Grace noted how their lives had evolved—”now everyone has kids.” He also mentioned that Wilmer Valderrama made a special effort to visit during Grace’s filming week, even though Valderrama was scheduled to appear in a different episode. The warmth in Grace’s recollection highlighted how the original cast maintained their bond despite the passage of time.

The original “That ’70s Show” was a cultural phenomenon that aired on Fox from 1998 to 2006, following six teenage friends living in the fictional Point Place, Wisconsin, during the late 1970s. The main cast included Grace, Kunis, Kutcher, Prepon, Valderrama, and Danny Masterson, who collectively created a show that resonated with audiences for eight seasons. Nearly 17 years after the original series concluded, “That ’90s Show” premiered in 2023, shifting the timeline forward while maintaining connections to the beloved original. The Netflix spinoff centered on Leia Forman, the teenage daughter of Eric Forman (Grace’s character) and Donna Pinciotti (Prepon’s character), as she spent a summer with her grandparents, Red and Kitty, in Point Place. While the new series brought fresh faces to the screen, it retained the spirit of its predecessor by occasionally featuring original cast members in guest appearances that delighted longtime fans. Despite its nostalgic appeal, “That ’90s Show” was canceled in October 2024 after completing just two seasons.

Since his breakout role on “That ’70s Show,” Grace has built an impressive and diverse acting portfolio that showcases his range beyond the character of Eric Forman. His recent work includes a starring role in the comedy series “Home Economics,” which ran from 2021 to 2023, demonstrating his continued appeal in television. On the film side, Grace has made thoughtful choices that reveal his versatility, appearing in Christopher Nolan’s science fiction epic “Interstellar” in 2014, Spike Lee’s critically acclaimed “BlacKkKlansman” in 2018, and most recently in the 2024 film “Heretic.” This careful selection of projects across both comedy and drama reflects Grace’s evolution as an actor who has successfully transitioned from his sitcom origins to a respected presence in both television and film. His career trajectory shows a deliberate approach to choosing roles that challenge him artistically while maintaining the approachable charm that made him famous.

While building his professional career, Grace has also created a fulfilling personal life with his wife, Ashley Hinshaw. The couple married in 2016 after meeting at the very same Art of Elysium Heaven Gala thirteen years prior to their recent appearance—a full-circle moment they celebrated at the event. Their family has grown to include daughter Mabel, born in 2017, followed by two more children in 2020 and 2022, whose names the couple has chosen to keep private. This balance of public career and protected family life seems to provide Grace with a grounding influence amid Hollywood’s demands. Hinshaw playfully noted during their interview that the anniversary of when you first meet someone is a “real anniversary” worth celebrating, offering a glimpse into their relationship dynamic and shared values about what matters in life.

The Art of Elysium Heaven Gala where Grace and Hinshaw made their appearance was hosted by acclaimed filmmaker Lee Daniels, whom Grace enthusiastically praised as “a genius.” The nonprofit organization behind the event focuses on healing and inspiration—principles that Grace indicated are important to him both personally and in his parenting approach. His reference to the Art of Elysium’s mission connects to his own values, particularly as they relate to his role as a father. Grace reflected that “the closest to Heaven is seeing the world through the eyes of a child and probably the second close is having kids and seeing it through their eyes.” This poetic observation reveals a thoughtful side to the actor that may not be immediately apparent from his comedic roles, suggesting that fatherhood has broadened his perspective and deepened his appreciation for life’s simple wonders.

Grace’s journey from youthful sitcom star to established actor and family man illustrates a successful navigation of Hollywood’s often treacherous waters. Unlike many child and young adult actors who struggle with the transition to mature roles or face personal difficulties in the spotlight, Grace has maintained a steady course both professionally and personally. His warm reminiscences about “That ’70s Show” demonstrate his appreciation for the foundation of his career while his current projects show his determination to grow as an artist. Simultaneously, his obvious joy in family life with Hinshaw and their children suggests he’s found a healthy balance between work and home. As he continues to take on new challenges in his career while nurturing his growing family, Topher Grace seems to embody the kind of success that extends beyond mere fame—one built on meaningful connections, artistic satisfaction, and personal fulfillment. This well-rounded approach to life after early stardom makes him something of a role model in an industry where such balanced trajectories aren’t always the norm.