Ashton Kutcher Discusses Hollywood and New Roles

Ashton Kutcher is looking to pursue projects without any baggage holding him back.

At 47 years old, he recently revealed that he lost out on a project due to his looks.

During a panel at New York Comic Con for the upcoming FX show “The Beauty,” Kutcher opened up about his experiences in the industry.

The discussion on October 11 was led by Ryan Murphy, the series creator, and also featured actors Evan Peters, Jeremy Pope, Rebecca Hall, and Anthony Ramos.

Murphy prompted Kutcher to talk about his role as a “hilarious supervillain” in the series.

“I think part of it is definitely based on your appearance. It’s a significant factor in how you portray a character,” Kutcher reflected. “There are roles I’ve landed because of how I look, and others that I missed out on for the same reason.”

But that’s not the whole picture for Kutcher.

“It can be quite frustrating,” he admitted, mentioning how his polished appearance sometimes leads to him being viewed as an “unlucky” character.

Yet, his role as a producer has offered him deeper insights into casting choices.

“When I create images, I aim to evoke emotions in the audience,” he explained, showcasing his multifaceted approach.

His latest project, “The Beauty,” has allowed him to explore new territories.

“Without giving too much away, most of us inhabit complex roles that reflect our own insecurities, often hidden from the world,” he shared.

Elaborating on his character, he noted, “I believe he’s fundamentally a good person. It’s important to remember that you can’t judge your character too quickly. People often act in ways they think are justified, even if they seem unfair.”

He further described the character’s perspective, saying, “He observes the judgment surrounding aesthetic enhancements and realizes that it’s becoming increasingly criticized.”

Kutcher praised Murphy for crafting truly unique characters.

“These days, it feels like you can only play familiar roles, as stepping outside of your lane goes against societal norms,” he commented.

He concluded, “In this series, we get the chance to embody intricate, layered characters. It’s been one of the highlights of my career thus far.”

“The Beauty,” created by Murphy Hodgson and Matthew Hodgson, is based on a comic series. The show focuses on two partners, Drew Foster and Carla Vaughn, as they confront a cosmetic STD that has grave consequences while navigating corruption and threats.

Contrary to common assumptions, Kutcher has taken on a wide range of roles over the years. He became a household name as Michael Kelso on “That ’70s Show” for eight seasons and later starred in “Two and a Half Men” as Walden Schmidt from 2011 to 2015.

He also headlined “The Ranch,” another eight-season show, with notable actors like Danny Masterson and Sam Elliott, which ran from 2016 to 2020.

Beyond hosting “Punk’d,” he’s appeared in several romantic comedies, including “Just Married,” “What Happens in Vegas,” and “No Strings Attached.”

In his personal life, Kutcher married his former co-star Mila Kunis in 2015 after his split from Demi Moore.

Kutcher and Kunis, now both 42, are parents to 11-year-old daughter Wyatt and 8-year-old son Dimitri.

For seasoned actors, some roles stand out more than others. Kutcher mentioned in 2023, “The most vital role for me is being a father. It’s the most significant part of my life.”