See How Laura Prepon, Donna from ‘That ’70s Show’, Has Changed at 46
Remember Donna Pinciotti from That ’70s Show? Laura Prepon has come a long way since her days as the quirky, smart next-door neighbor on the hit Fox sitcom. Prepon, now 46, started acting young, performing in plays like A Woman of Property and Ascension Day in New York. She also studied drama under Caroline Thomas at the Total Theatre Lab in 1996, gaining a strong foundation that would guide her future career. Before her big break, she even worked as a model in Paris, Milan, and Brazil.
Prepon’s life changed in 1998 when she was cast as Donna Pinciotti on That ’70s Show. She played the girlfriend and neighbor of Eric Forman, portrayed by Topher Grace. The role made her a household name and opened doors in both television and film.
Prepon balanced the show with her studies in film, showing early on that she was determined to learn behind the camera as well as in front of it. The popularity of the show helped her land other projects, including the college comedy Slackers in 2002, and earned her a Teen Choice Award nomination the same year.
During her early film work, Prepon appeared in Southlander (2001) and The Pornographer: A Love Story (2004). She also voiced a cameo in the video game Halo 2 and starred in the dark drama Lightning Bug, where she expanded her role to executive producer. Around this time, she received recognition from magazines, being named one of Stuff’s “102 Sexiest Women in the World” in 2002 and included in Maxim’s “Hot 100” in 2005.
After That ’70s Show ended in 2006, Prepon explored more diverse roles. She co-starred in the psychological thriller Karla and appeared in the ABC drama October Road. She also worked as an executive producer on E! Hollywood Hold’em and tried her hand at voice acting for the original pilot of American Dad!.
Prepon continued appearing on television with guest spots in In Plain Sight, How I Met Your Mother, and House M.D., while also developing her skills behind the camera through directing classes. Her short film Abide with Me, about a boy rendered mute after witnessing his father’s murder, showed her interest in telling more complex stories.
In 2011, Prepon took on new projects, including directing and editing the web series Neighbros. She starred as Chelsea Newman on NBC’s Are You There, Chelsea?, although the series was short-lived. Her career took another turn in 2012 when she joined the cast of Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black, playing Alex Vause. Prepon’s role as a former drug importer and Piper Chapman’s girlfriend became a defining part of her career. She remained a regular on the show for multiple seasons and even directed an episode, “The Reverse Midas Touch,” in the fifth season.
Alongside acting, Prepon has explored wellness and cooking. In 2016, she co-wrote The Stash Plan with nutritionist Elizabeth Troy, a guide based on her lifelong focus on healthy eating and personal challenges with energy and digestion. She later launched a line of kitchen products called PrepOn Kitchen and shared her expertise through online videos.
Prepon’s personal life has also drawn attention. She was in relationships with Christopher Masterson and Scott Michael Foster before having two children with actor Ben Foster, whom she married in 2018. In 2024, Ben Foster filed for divorce. Prepon had been a Scientologist but revealed in 2021 that she no longer practices.
That ’70s Show played a pivotal role in shaping Laura Prepon’s career. It gave her visibility, credibility, and the chance to explore diverse projects in film, television, and behind the camera. The show not only introduced her to fans but also allowed her to take creative risks, from independent films to directing and writing. It truly laid the foundation for her multi-faceted career.
Laura Prepon’s journey shows how early opportunities, like a role on a hit sitcom, can set the stage for a versatile and evolving career. She has managed to grow from a beloved teen star into a mature actress, director, and author. What do you think about her career path and transformation since That ’70s Show? Share your thoughts in the comments.
