Mila Kunis is a household name in Hollywood, known for her natural charisma, acting versatility, and impressive career spanning decades. She first gained recognition as Jackie Burkhart in That ’70s Show and later became the voice of Meg Griffin in Family Guy. Over the years, she has proven herself in both comedy and drama, taking on roles in critically acclaimed films like Black Swan and blockbuster hits such as Ted and Bad Moms. But behind her success lies an incredible story of resilience, determination, and hard work.
Early Life and Move to America
Mila Kunis was born Milena Markovna Kunis on August 14, 1983, in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, which was then part of the Soviet Union. Her family faced significant hardships and decided to immigrate to the United States in 1991 when Mila was just seven years old.
Arriving in Los Angeles with only $250, her parents had to start over. Her father, Mark, who was a mechanical engineer, worked as a cab driver, while her mother, Elvira, took up a job as a pharmacist. The transition was difficult, especially for young Mila, who did not speak English. She later recalled feeling “blind and deaf” in her early years in America.
Despite these challenges, Kunis quickly adapted and thrived in her new environment. Her parents encouraged her to participate in activities to make friends, leading her to enroll in acting classes. This seemingly small decision would change the course of her life forever.
Breakthrough Roles in Television
Kunis’ first acting gigs were in commercials, followed by small roles in television series like 7th Heaven and The John Larroquette Show. But her big break came when she was cast as Jackie Burkhart in That ’70s Show at just 14 years old.
Though the role required actors to be 18, Kunis convinced the casting directors that she was “going to be 18″—without specifying when. Her performance as the sassy, self-absorbed, yet lovable Jackie made her a fan favorite and launched her into stardom.
Simultaneously, she began voicing Meg Griffin in Family Guy, bringing life to the character and establishing herself in the world of voice acting.
Big Screen Success in Hollywood
While still working in television, Kunis ventured into film. Her early movies, like Get Over It (2001), were largely unnoticed, but her career took off with Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008). Her role as the carefree and witty Rachel showcased her comedic skills and earned her critical acclaim.
Her most transformative role came in 2010 with Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan, where she played a dark and seductive ballerina opposite Natalie Portman. To prepare, she trained rigorously in ballet and underwent significant weight loss. Her performance earned her nominations for a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Kunis continued her success with blockbuster hits such as:
- Friends with Benefits (2011) with Justin Timberlake
- Ted (2012) alongside Mark Wahlberg
- Oz the Great and Powerful (2013) as the Wicked Witch
- Bad Moms (2016) and its sequel A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)
- The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018) in an action-comedy role
Personal Life and Family
Kunis’ love life has always intrigued fans. She was in a long-term relationship with actor Macaulay Culkin for eight years before they amicably split in 2011.
In 2012, she rekindled her on-screen romance with Ashton Kutcher, her co-star from That ’70s Show. The couple got engaged in 2014, married in 2015, and now have two children: Wyatt Isabelle (born in 2014) and Dimitri Portwood (born in 2016).
Despite their Hollywood status, Kunis and Kutcher prioritize a down-to-earth lifestyle and are known for their practical parenting approach.
Cultural Roots and Legacy
Kunis remains connected to her Ukrainian heritage. She frequently speaks Russian with her parents and acknowledges the struggles her family faced as immigrants.
Beyond acting, she is a strong advocate for immigration rights and women’s empowerment. Her journey from an immigrant who spoke no English to a celebrated Hollywood star is a testament to her resilience and determination.
Conclusion
Mila Kunis’ life is a story of perseverance, hard work, and authenticity. She has evolved from a struggling immigrant child to one of the most respected actresses in Hollywood.
With her impressive filmography, strong family values, and commitment to advocacy, she continues to inspire millions worldwide. Her journey proves that success is possible with dedication and self-belief.
