Mila Kunis: From Childhood Struggles to Hollywood Icon – A Deep Dive

Mila Kunis is a Ukrainian-born American actress celebrated for her captivating screen presence, sharp comedic timing, and ability to bring depth to a wide range of characters. She first gained widespread recognition as the sassy and spoiled Jackie Burkhart on That ’70s Show, a role she landed at just 14 years old. Her television success quickly paved the way for a thriving film career, with standout performances in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Black Swan, Friends with Benefits, and the Bad Moms franchise. Whether voicing Meg Griffin in Family Guy or portraying a driven ballerina in Black Swan, Kunis has consistently demonstrated her versatility, seamlessly transitioning between comedy, drama, and action-packed roles.

But beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Kunis’ journey is one of resilience, cultural adaptation, and ambition. Born in Soviet Ukraine, she and her family immigrated to the United States when she was just seven years old, arriving with little more than a suitcase and a dream of a better future. The transition was far from easy—Kunis had to learn a new language, navigate an unfamiliar culture, and carve out her own path in a foreign land. This article delves into the formative years that shaped her, from her childhood in Ukraine to the struggles and triumphs of adjusting to life in America, and how those early experiences laid the foundation for her career in the entertainment industry.

Early Life in Soviet Ukraine: A Childhood of Restriction and Identity

Milena Markovna Kunis was born on August 14, 1983, in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union. Her early years were shaped by the rigid and oppressive atmosphere of Soviet rule, particularly for Jewish families like hers.

Her parents, Mark and Elvira Kunis, were both well-educated professionals—her father worked as a mechanical engineer, while her mother was a physics teacher. Despite their qualifications, they faced systemic discrimination that hindered career advancement. Kunis has openly spoken about how, as Jews, her parents had limited professional opportunities in Ukraine and encountered antisemitism on a daily basis.

Her family’s Jewish identity remained largely concealed due to Soviet restrictions on religious expression. Kunis recalled that Bar Mitzvahs were not held, and open practice of Judaism was discouraged. However, her parents instilled in her a deep sense of cultural identity despite the circumstances.

“My family was like, ‘You are Jewish in your blood.’ But in Russia, you couldn’t openly practice. You believe what you believe, and that’s what’s important.”

Kunis’s childhood in Ukraine was also marked by hardships reflective of the instability of Soviet society. Economic struggles, food shortages, and an unpredictable daily life convinced her parents that their children’s future would be limited if they remained in the USSR. She has since spoken about a deep-seated fear of hunger, a mindset that likely developed during those years. Determined to provide better opportunities, her parents made the life-altering decision to leave their homeland.

A Difficult Move to America: Culture Shock, ADHD Diagnosis, and Adaptation

In 1991, at the age of seven, Kunis and her family immigrated to the United States with only $250 to their name. Leaving behind their careers, extended family, and the only life they had ever known, her parents took a leap of faith in search of a brighter future.

The transition was traumatic for Kunis. She was abruptly thrust into an English-speaking school without prior knowledge of the language.

“I was blind and deaf for a year,” she later recalled. “I cried every day. I didn’t understand the culture. I didn’t understand the people. I didn’t understand the language.”

Her father, once a mechanical engineer, took on various low-paying jobs, including driving a cab and painting houses. Her mother, a former physics teacher, found work at a pharmacy. Despite their struggles, they remained committed to providing stability and opportunities for their children. Her older brother, Michael, later became a biochemist, reflecting the family’s strong emphasis on education.

To help Kunis adapt, she attended Rosewood Elementary School. The experience was overwhelming as she struggled to understand her teachers and classmates, often feeling alienated in the unfamiliar environment.

ADHD Diagnosis and Early Struggles in School

On top of the language barrier, Kunis also struggled with hyperactivity, leading to an ADHD diagnosis at a young age. She was prescribed Ritalin, a medication she has continued to take into adulthood.

This additional challenge made school even more difficult. Concentrating in class was a struggle, and her inability to grasp English initially left her feeling lost. However, she was naturally social, and with the help of her childhood best friend, Maria Osadchy—a Russian-speaking classmate—she gradually began to find her footing.

Despite these hardships, Kunis developed a strong-willed and independent personality, qualities that would later help her navigate the cutthroat world of Hollywood.

Discovering Acting: A Father’s Decision That Changed Everything

Kunis’s parents never intended for her to pursue acting. However, her father, hearing about an acting class on the radio, thought it might help build her confidence and allow her to make friends. At the age of nine, she was enrolled in acting classes at the Beverly Hills Studios.

This seemingly small decision changed the course of her life. During one of the studio’s public talent showcases, entertainment manager Susan Curtis spotted Kunis’s talent and offered to represent her.

Early Acting Gigs and Breakthrough

Kunis quickly began booking commercial roles, appearing in ads for Barbie and Lisa Frank. Her first credited acting role was in Make a Wish, Molly (1995), playing a character named Melinda.

Her career trajectory skyrocketed at 14 when she auditioned for That ‘70s Show. However, there was a catch—the show’s producers required actors to be at least 18. Thinking on her feet, she answered, “I’ll be 18 on my birthday,” without specifying which birthday. By the time they realized she was only 14, she had already won them over with her talent.

Her role as Jackie Burkhart on That ‘70s Show made her a household name, but balancing school and a full-time acting job was challenging. She attended Fairfax Senior High School, graduating in 2001 while juggling long hours on set.

However, life as a child actress wasn’t always glamorous. Kunis suffered from chronic iritis, a condition that left her blind in one eye for years. She eventually underwent corrective surgery, but the experience added to the physical and emotional toll of her teenage years.

Family, Culture, and Staying Grounded

Despite achieving fame at a young age, Kunis remained deeply connected to her family’s values. Her parents instilled in her a strong work ethic, emphasizing that fame was temporary but education and character were lasting.

“My parents raised me to work hard and value things beyond material wealth.”

Although she fully embraced her American identity, Kunis never abandoned her Ukrainian roots. She is fluent in Russian and has passed down cultural traditions to her own children. She has also incorporated more Jewish traditions into her family life, embracing religious practices such as Shabbat and Hanukkah after becoming a mother.

Her commitment to her heritage became particularly evident in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. Alongside her husband, Ashton Kutcher, she helped raise over $35 million for Ukrainian refugees, demonstrating that her connection to her homeland remained deeply personal.

She has also emphasized the importance of ensuring her children understand both their Ukrainian and American heritage.

“I turned to my kids and was like, ‘You are half-Ukrainian, half-American!’ They were like, ‘Yeah mom, we get it!'”

Refrences

https://people.com/mila-kunis-was-told-never-talk-about-jewish-faith-growing-up-8766698

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005109/bio/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm