Born on February 7, 1978, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, this boy entered the world, embarking on a journey that would transition him into a model and later into a beloved actor and successful producer. He was born minutes ahead of his fraternal twin brother.
At the tender age of 13, the boy faced the harsh realities of life. His parents divorced, marking a pivotal moment for their family. At around the same time, his twin brother underwent emergency heart transplant surgery due to a virus-induced damage to his heart. This period defined their childhood, testing the bonds of family and resilience.The twins, along with their older sister, weathered the storms of their parents’ divorce, navigating the challenges of a fractured family. However, he was able to forge his way and make a name for himself in the entertainment world.
Brotherly Bonds
In a groundbreaking joint interview, Ashton Kutcher and his twin brother, Michael Kutcher, delved into their shared experiences. Born with cerebral palsy and having undergone a lifesaving heart transplant at age 13, Michael’s challenges resonated with Ashton.
The brothers openly discussed the emotional story of a childhood defined by extreme life-and-death health challenges, and how they have dealt with them.The brothers shared insights into their remarkable journey and the complexities of navigating individual paths. The siblings delved into the challenges that strained their relationship, with Michael acknowledging that he was at one point jealous of Ashton, and it led them to drift apart.
The actor shared a transformative moment when Michael confronted him and emphasized the need to see each other as equals, each with their unique journey. Ashton had been feeling guilty for having made remarkable achievements while his brother dealt with his health issues.
Michael told him he didn’t need to feel sorry for him because of who he was. He told Ashton:
“Every time you feel sorry for me, you make me less.”
This realization marked a pivotal shift, solidifying their bond on equal footing.
Ashton Kutcher’s Health Struggles and Recovery
Reflecting on his own health challenges, Ashton expressed gratitude for the lessons learned. He acknowledged that his brother’s enduring spirit in the face of cerebral palsy and other health issues shifted his perspective. In his adulthood, Ashton also confronted a rare disease that nearly claimed his life.
In the candid interview for the Paramount+ original docuseries “The Checkup with Dr. David Agus,” he shared the harrowing details of waking up one day with vision issues, hearing loss, and a loss of balance, leading to difficulty in walking. Diagnosed with a rare form of autoimmune vasculitis, Kutcher fought through the tumultuous period determined to overcome it.
Ashton’s battle with vasculitis became a topic of discussion on various platforms, including an episode of “Running Wild With Bear Grylls.” The actor, grateful for being alive, emphasized the transformative power of health challenges. Despite the severity of his condition, Ashton, along with his twin brother, faced the adversities head-on, emerging stronger and closer than ever.
Ashton has since been open about his struggles with hearing loss, a lasting effect of his battle with vasculitis. He humorously shared the difficulties of navigating red carpets during a podcast, highlighting the challenges of being “hard of hearing in one ear” while relying on the other.