Everyone loved the FOX teen drama, That ’70s Show, regardless of what age group they belonged to, as the show had something to offer for all. From young teenagers still learning the basics to adults going about their lives, the show resonated with many people, and this can be regarded as one of the reasons for its success.
Starring Topher Grace as Eric Forman, the show first started airing on August 23rd, 1998. Its immense popularity led to the FOX show having multiple installments up until its end in May of 2006. After eight whole seasons and almost 200 episodes to date, That 70s Show is still as funny and wholesome as it was 25 years ago.
Despite it going well, most of the main characters of this show chose to no longer be a part of it as newer seasons came out. By the 8th season, most of the main characters were replaced with other new personalities, although they couldn’t create the charm the original cast had.
One such cast member was Topher Grace, who suddenly announced his departure, leaving both fans and producers in shock. It was almost as if the foundation of the show had been broken, with Topher’s character, Eric, being gone.
That 70s Show: What Was The Series About?
Set in the retro years of the 1970s, more specifically 1976, the show followed the story of young teens who were still figuring out their puzzling life while also enjoying each other’s company. The cast members included Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Laura Prepon, and many others, alongside Topher Grace.
Most of the newer generations who haven’t seen the show might recognize it being the series where Mila Kunis lied about her age. Where she said she was turning 18 on her birthday but didn’t specify which.
Eric played a huge role in the group’s friendships, as even the almost constant group meetings would take place in his basement. From relationships, heartbreak, college, and career, That ’70s Show was a coming-of-age show for these young teens.
Topher Grace: The Actor Behind Eric Forman
Born in NYC to Pat and John Grace, Topher had been named Christopher John Grace at birth. He grew up in a time technology was advancing rapidly, along with the movie and television show genres. Topher reportedly went to school with the actress Kate Bosworth, while Chloe Sevigny, another well-known actress, used to babysit him whenever required.
His first role ever on television was the role of Eric Forman on this show. Topher recalls not being interested as much in the show and had performed the interview with no expectations of him getting the role. No prior experience and fame are what made him not take this position seriously, that was until he finally got called back and was given the character Eric Forman.
He worked on That 70s Show for many years until he decided to leave. His other works include Spider-Man 3, Ocean’s Eleven, In Good Company, and P.S., all of which were great hits.
The Reason Topher Grace Left That 70s Show:
As sudden as the announcement was, Topher had already made up his mind some time ago. He wanted to explore other parts of Television and films. The show’s frequent filming schedule made it hard for him to take up any other shows or movies, and that’s when he made up his mind to start another project, where he would be free to choose the path he’d like.
At that time, Topher had already been in quite a handful of movies, but none ended up becoming hits. The same went on after he stopped working on That 70s Show. He landed a role as Venom (Eddie Brock) in Spider-Man 3, but the movie wasn’t much of a hit compared to the previous adaptations.
Despite the downfalls, Topher continued to be a part of many movies, and a few examples include Interstellar (Getty), War Machine (Matt Little), Irresistible (Kurt Farlander), and Breakthrough (Pastor Jason Noble).
Topher Grace: What’s The Actor Up To Now?
After starring in many more movies, Topher has now chosen to be a part of the ABC show “Home Economics,” where he has been receiving tons of appreciation for his role as Tom, the eldest of all three siblings.
It has been confirmed that Topher will return on That 70s Show spinoff, which will now be titled “That ’90s Show,” but he will appear only as a guest in a few episodes.
Also Read: That 70s Show Spinoff – That 90s Show Is Confirmed By Netflix With Cast From The Original Sitcom
