Topher Grace, known for his role on That ’70s Show, shared heartfelt memories of coming back to the sitcom’s universe with Netflix’s That ‘90s Show in 2023. Revisiting Point Place with old friends and fellow cast members left a powerful impression on Grace, who appeared in the highly anticipated spinoff, bringing renewed attention to the Topher Grace That 90s Show connection.
Grace, 47, recalled his return while attending the Art of Elysium’s Heaven gala in Montecito, California, alongside his wife, Ashley Hinshaw. Despite only taking part in the pilot episode with familiar faces Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Laura Prepon, Debra Jo Rupp, and Kurtwood Smith, the experience proved memorable.
“I had a blast doing that show,”
said Grace, actor.
“I only did the pilot with Ashton [Kutcher] and Mila [Kunis] and Laura [Prepon] and Debra Jo [Rupp] and Kurtwood [Smith], and to be able to spend a week [and] hang out, that was better than any high school reunion,”
said Grace, actor.
Cast Reunites for Netflix Spinoff Years Later
Although Grace’s role was limited to a single episode, he emphasized the value of the gathering.
“Everyone got back together and got to hang out,”
said Grace, actor. Speaking to Us Weekly, Grace further reflected,
“We had so much fun, and now everyone has kids,”
said Grace, actor.
“Wilmer [Valderrama] came even that week, even though he was in another episode. But it was a blast. We had such a fun time … such a great group of people,”
said Grace, actor.
Grace’s comments highlighted the shift in the cast’s lives since the original series aired from 1998 to 2006 on Fox. Alongside Kunis, Kutcher, Prepon, Valderrama, and Danny Masterson, Grace portrayed one of six teenage friends in the fictional Wisconsin town of Point Place.
‘That ’90s Show’ Continues the Sitcom’s Legacy
Set two decades after That ’70s Show’s finale, That ’90s Show premiered nearly 17 years later, focusing on a new generation. The Netflix series starred Callie Haverda as Leia Forman, the teenage daughter of Eric Forman—played by Grace—and Donna Pinciotti, Prepon’s character. The spinoff kept the story rooted in Point Place as Leia spent her summer with her grandparents, Red (Smith) and Kitty (Rupp), navigating the ups and downs of adolescence in the 1990s, reflecting the familiar warmth and camaraderie of the original show’s cast and setting.
Despite its nostalgia-fueled launch, Netflix canceled That ’90s Show in October 2024 after just two seasons. The decision concluded a brief but impactful reunion for the cast and longtime fans.
Grace’s Career Beyond Point Place
Since That ’70s Show, Topher Grace has expanded his career across television and film. Notable projects include the sitcom Home Economics (2021–2023) and prominent roles in movies such as Interstellar (2014), BlacKkKlansman (2018), and Heretic (2024). This diverse portfolio demonstrates his ongoing influence in Hollywood beyond the legacy of Point Place.
A Family Milestone at the Heaven Gala
Outside of acting, family life remains central for Grace. Married to Ashley Hinshaw since 2016, the couple welcomed daughter Mabel in 2017 and two more children in 2020 and 2022. The duo attended the Art of Elysium Heaven Gala at the Rosewood Miramar, celebrating thirteen years since they first met at the same event.
“We actually met at the Heaven Gala 13 years ago,”
said Grace, actor.
Hinshaw emphasized the meaning of their anniversary as a couple, building on the night’s significance for both family and charity. The event supports the nonprofit Art of Elysium, which aims to foster healing and creativity—values that resonate with Grace as a father and actor.
“We are big fans of Lee Daniels. Can’t believe he’s the visionary this year,”
said Grace, actor.
“It’s kind of like being an actor. When you sign on to a movie, you go like, ‘Well, who’s the director?’ That’s always your first question. And when I heard it was him tonight, I thought, ‘He’s a genius.’ … I think 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,”
said Grace, actor.
Reflecting on the Meaning of Reunion and Legacy
The brief gathering of That ’70s Show alumni for That ’90s Show allowed Topher Grace to experience more than just reminiscing on camera; it reinforced the bonds of friendship that had endured for decades. For viewers and fans, the short-lived spinoff delivered both nostalgia and a glimpse of how beloved characters—and the actors who portrayed them—have grown and changed over time. With the ongoing celebration of family and the enduring impact of these sitcom legacies, Grace’s reflections serve as a reminder of the importance of connection, both on screen and off, and set the tone for whatever may come next for the actors, their families, and the laughter they continue to inspire.
