Topher Grace, the American actor widely recognized for his breakout role as Eric Forman, became a household name through his performance on the popular Fox sitcom That 70’s Show (1998–2006). Over the course of seven seasons, Topher Grace brought charm and humor to the character of the well-meaning but occasionally awkward teenager, earning both critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. Born in New York City and raised in Darien, Connecticut, Topher Grace discovered his passion for acting during his time at a boarding school in New Hampshire. There, he participated in school productions of beloved musicals like Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which sparked a deep love for the craft.
Interestingly, though his given name is Christopher, it was around this time that Topher Grace began going by “Topher”—a decision rooted in his dislike for being called Chris. During his early years in theater, Topher Grace crossed paths with a young actress named Chloe Sevigny, who would later become an acclaimed performer in her own right. The two appeared in several plays together, and despite their close ages, she even babysat the younger Topher on occasion—an amusing anecdote from the early days of his journey.
By the time he turned 18, Topher Grace was certain about his future in entertainment. He enrolled at the University of Southern California, strategically choosing a school near Hollywood to make auditioning easier. Balancing academics and ambition, Topher Grace began attending casting calls between classes. One of his first major breaks came when he auditioned for a new sitcom set in the 1970s. His performance stood out immediately, landing him the pivotal role of Eric Forman. When That 70’s Show premiered in 1998, it quickly gained popularity, turning Topher Grace and co-stars like Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis into instant stars.
As the 2000s rolled in, Topher Grace expanded his reach beyond television. He took on film roles that showcased his range, appearing in Steven Soderbergh’s Traffic (2000), the star-studded Ocean’s Eleven (2001), Mona Lisa Smile (2003), and the romantic comedy Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! (2004). These performances helped solidify Topher Grace’s reputation as a versatile actor capable of handling both dramatic and lighthearted material.
After seven successful seasons, Topher Grace made the decision to leave That 70’s Show in 2005 to focus more intensely on his film career. In the following years, he continued building an impressive resume, taking on notable roles such as the villainous Venom in Spider-Man 3 (2007), starring in Predators (2010), leading the comedy Take Me Home Tonight (2011), and appearing in ensemble films like The Big Wedding (2013) and Christopher Nolan’s epic Interstellar (2014).
A major highlight came in 2018 when Topher Grace worked with legendary director Spike Lee on BlacKkKlansman. In a bold and transformative performance, Topher Grace portrayed white supremacist David Duke—a role that earned widespread praise and contributed to the film winning the Academy Award for Best Picture. Sharing the screen with Adam Driver, Topher Grace demonstrated his ability to tackle complex, challenging characters with nuance and depth.
Then, in 2019—nearly 15 years after departing from his iconic TV role—Topher Grace made a strong return to the small screen. He starred in the National Geographic thriller miniseries The Hot Zone, alongside Julianna Margulies. The series, which premiered in May 2019, highlighted Topher Grace’s enduring presence and adaptability across genres and mediums. From sitcom beginnings to serious drama, Topher Grace has consistently evolved, proving himself a resilient and dynamic force in Hollywood.
When it comes to Topher Grace’s filmography, there’s quite a range in terms of critical reception. One standout is BlacKkKlansman from 2018, which ended up being Topher Grace’s highest rated movie by a noticeable margin. The film received widespread acclaim for its bold storytelling and direction, and Topher Grace’s performance as David Duke was both chilling and compelling. On the other end of the spectrum, also released in 2018, is Delirium—a psychological thriller that didn’t resonate as well with audiences or critics. This one turned out to be Topher Grace’s lowest rated movie, despite his solid effort in a more dramatic role. It’s interesting how two films from the same year could have such different receptions, but that’s just how things go sometimes in Hollywood. Still, Topher Grace continues to take on diverse roles, showing his range across genres.