Kurtwood Smith, the actor widely recognized for his portrayal of the gruff patriarch Red Forman on the sitcom "That '70s Show," was recently seen in Los Angeles at the age of 83. Smith appeared spry and active during his stroll, though he used a cane.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Wisconsin in July 1943, Smith grew up in the Los Angeles suburbs and spent summers on his grandparents' farm. His interest in acting was sparked during college when he decided to try an acting class, finding a natural comfort and aptitude for the craft. He began his professional acting career on the stage in the San Francisco Bay Area, honing his skills in repertory theater and at a Shakespeare festival.
During the 1970s, Smith shared the stage with a young Robin Williams for three plays. He recalled Williams as a "sweet and wonderful guy," noting that while Williams could be a dynamic performer in larger groups, he was more down-to-earth in smaller settings.
Hollywood Breakthrough and Notable Roles
Smith's Hollywood breakthrough came in 1987 when he played the ruthless mob boss Clarence Boddicker in Paul Verhoeven's science fiction film "RoboCop." In the film, Boddicker's actions lead to the death of policeman Alex Murphy, who is then resurrected as a cyborg law enforcement officer. Smith has recalled an incident during the filming of a riot scene where his jacket caught fire, leading to him being paid an extra $400 for the stunt.
He continued to build his filmography with roles in films such as "Rambo III" (1988), where he played a U.S. Embassy field operative assisting Sylvester Stallone's character. The following year, he portrayed the authoritarian father of the lead character in the boarding school drama "Dead Poets Society," a role that featured him alongside Robin Williams again.
Throughout the 1990s, Smith maintained a prominent career as a character actor. He appeared in the John Grisham adaptation "A Time to Kill" (1996) as the Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan. His television work during this period included guest appearances on shows like "The X-Files" and various "Star Trek" series.
Red Forman and Later Career
In 1998, Smith began what would become his most recognized role as Red Forman on "That '70s Show." The sitcom, which ran until 2006, centered on a group of teenagers in 1970s Wisconsin, with Smith and Debra Jo Rupp playing the parents of Eric Forman. Red Forman became a fan favorite for his memorable catchphrases and exasperated demeanor, often threatening to put his foot in someone's rear end or delivering sharp critiques of his son Eric's actions.
Following the end of "That '70s Show," Smith continued his acting career, appearing in "The Ranch," a Netflix sitcom that reunited him with "That '70s Show" co-stars Ashton Kutcher and Danny Masterson. He also had guest roles on numerous other television programs, including "Rick and Morty" and "The Simpsons."
In 2023, Smith joined a group of his "That '70s Show" co-stars, including Kutcher, Mila Kunis, and Debra Jo Rupp, in an unsuccessful plea for leniency for Danny Masterson, who was convicted of rape. Smith's acting career spans decades, establishing him as a notable figure in television and film.