Mila Kunis Bio
Milena Markovna Kunis (born August 14, 1983) is an American actress. Born in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, and raised in Los Angeles, she starred as Jackie Burkhart on That ’70s Show from 1998 to 2006 and has voiced Meg Griffin on Family Guy since 1999. Kunis’s breakout film role was in the 2008 romantic comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall. She gained critical acclaim for her performance in the psychological thriller Black Swan (2010), receiving nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Award and the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her other major films include action films Max Payne (2008) and The Book of Eli (2010), romantic comedy Friends with Benefits (2011), and the fantasy film Oz the Great and Powerful (2013).
Early Life and Background
Milena Markovna Kunis was born into a Jewish family on August 14, 1983, in the Ukrainian city of Chernivtsi, which was part of the Soviet Union at the time. Her mother, Elvira, was a physics teacher who ran a pharmacy, while her father, Mark Kunis, was a mechanical engineer who worked as a cab driver after the family emigrated. Kunis has an older brother, Michael, and her grandparents were Holocaust survivors. The family moved to Los Angeles in 1991 under a religious-refugee visa, bringing only $250 with them. Kunis has stated that her parents had good jobs and that they left the Soviet Union seeking a better future for their children.
Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Mila was enrolled at Rosewood Elementary School, where she did not know a word of English. She later attended Hubert Howe Bancroft Middle School and used an on-set tutor during her high school years while filming That ’70s Show. She graduated from Fairfax High School in 2001 and briefly attended the University of California, Los Angeles, and Loyola Marymount University.
Path to Hollywood
At age nine, Kunis began taking acting classes and landed her first audition for a Barbie commercial. She appeared in various television shows, including Days of Our Lives and Baywatch, before landing a significant role in the Fox sitcom That ’70s Show at the age of 14. Despite being underage, she convinced the casting directors of her suitability for the role of Jackie Burkhart. The show ran for eight seasons, earning her two Young Star Awards as Best Young Actress in a Comedy TV Series.
In 1999, Kunis replaced Lacey Chabert as the voice of Meg Griffin on the animated sitcom Family Guy. Her performance garnered praise, and she was nominated for an Annie Award for her voice acting. This role, along with her work on That ’70s Show, helped establish her as a recognizable figure in the entertainment industry.
Mila Kunis Career
Early Career (1994–2000)
Kunis’s career began with small roles in television and film, including appearances in 7th Heaven and Walker, Texas Ranger. She also had supporting roles in films like Santa with Muscles and Gia. Her breakthrough came when she was cast in That ’70s Show, which significantly raised her profile in Hollywood.
Breakthrough (2001–2008)
In 2008, Kunis starred in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, which was a commercial success and showcased her comedic talent. The film grossed over $105 million worldwide and received positive reviews. Kunis’s performance was praised for its charm and comedic timing. That same year, she appeared in the action film Max Payne, where she underwent extensive training for her role as an assassin.
Notable Works and Milestones
Kunis’s career-defining moment came with her role in Black Swan, where she played a rival ballet dancer. The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for five Academy Awards. Kunis’s performance earned her nominations for the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Mila Kunis Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Mila Kunis has received several nominations, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Black Swan and multiple Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.
Mila Kunis Awards Won
Kunis has won the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Young Actor or Actress at the Venice International Film Festival for her performance in Black Swan, showcasing her talent and recognition in the industry.
Mila Kunis Family
Mila Kunis is married to actor Ashton Kutcher, with whom she has two children. The couple tied the knot in July 2015 after dating for several years. They reside in a sustainable farmhouse in Beverly Hills.
Personal Life
Kunis began dating actor Macaulay Culkin in 2002, but the couple split amicably in 2011. She has been open about her struggles with chronic iritis and has undergone surgery to correct the issue. Kunis is also known for her philanthropic efforts, including raising funds for refugees during the Ukraine crisis. In 2023, she faced backlash for letters of support she wrote for a former co-star, which she later apologized for.
