Ashton Kutcher Reflects on His Modeling Influence in Acting

Ashton Kutcher recently shared his thoughts on how his modeling background might have posed challenges in his acting career.

“I think your appearance definitely plays a role in the characters you get to portray,” he remarked while discussing his part as a “bubbly supervillain” in the upcoming FX series “The Beauty” during a panel at New York Comic Con.

He continued, “There are roles I secured because of how I looked, but on the flip side, I’ve also missed out on roles for the same reason.” Kutcher, now 47, expressed feeling “unlucky” at times due to missing key opportunities linked to his appearance, admitting, “It can really be frustrating.”

Despite these setbacks, Kutcher indicated that he has come to understand the casting choices that are made. “I’m trying to convey a story visually, and the image should evoke emotion,” he explained.

Discussing his character in “The Beauty,” he described the role as “complex” and “subtle.” He mentioned, “Without revealing too much, most of us play roles that are deeply nuanced, where we may be presenting our authentic selves or something entirely different at various moments.” The thriller series is slated to premiere on Hulu in 2026.

He added, “It brings up underlying insecurities that you might conceal, pushing them down so they remain hidden from the world.”

Kutcher acknowledged feeling “unfortunate” for missing out on roles due to his looks, but during the Comic Con discussion, he reflected on deeper issues like the societal double standards around cosmetic enhancements, a theme set to be explored in future episodes of the series.

“People can get dental work done and no one bats an eye,” he stated. “But the moment someone opts for rhinoplasty, it raises eyebrows.” He pondered, “It’s acceptable to enhance your teeth, so why not your face or nose?”

The series creator, Ryan Murphy, describes “The Beauty” as a sci-fi medical drama focused on a new virus that mutates and is sexually transmitted, transforming individuals into their ideal selves. Murphy poses thought-provoking questions about beauty: “How far would you go to achieve it? What sacrifices are you willing to make? Does it really matter?”

Kutcher first gained fame from the FOX sitcom “That ’70s Show,” running from 1998 to 2006, alongside his now-wife Mila Kunis. Since then, he has starred in various films such as “Just Married,” “No Strings Attached,” and “Parenthood.”