Kurtwood Smith, the actor widely recognized for his iconic portrayal of the gruff patriarch Red Forman in the sitcom "That '70s Show," was recently observed enjoying a walk in Los Angeles. Smith, who is 83 years old, appeared spry and active despite using a cane.
Born in Wisconsin in July 1943, Smith's acting career began on stage in the San Francisco Bay Area. He gained wider recognition in Hollywood in 1987 for his role as the villainous mob boss Clarence Boddicker in the science fiction film "RoboCop." His other notable film roles include appearances in "Dead Poets Society" and "A Time to Kill," as well as a role opposite Sylvester Stallone in "Rambo III."
Smith achieved significant popularity as Red Forman on "That '70s Show," which aired from 1998 to 2006. His character, the father of Eric Forman, was known for his distinctive, often harsh, parenting style and memorable catchphrases. He starred alongside Debra Jo Rupp, who played his wife Kitty Forman.
Following the conclusion of "That '70s Show," Smith has continued to work in television, with guest appearances on shows such as "The X-Files," "Star Trek" programs, "Suits," and "Rick and Morty." He also had a recurring role on the Netflix sitcom "The Ranch" from 2017 to 2020.
In recent years, Smith, along with several of his "That '70s Show" co-stars, publicly appealed for leniency for actor Danny Masterson following his conviction for rape. Smith, who had worked with Masterson on both "That '70s Show" and "The Ranch," was among those who submitted letters to the judge.
Beyond his acting career, Smith was born less than two years before his father was killed in World War II. He spent summers at his grandparents' farm in Wisconsin during his childhood. His interest in acting was sparked in college when he decided to take an acting class, finding a natural comfort and aptitude for the craft.