Jackie Burkhart: The Enduring Charm Of That '70s Show's Unforgettable Character

Have you ever thought about how some television characters just stick with you, long after the credits roll? It's almost like they become a part of our collective memory, isn't it? Well, when it comes to characters who leave a truly lasting impression, one name often comes to mind for fans of classic sitcoms: Jackie Burkhart from the beloved Fox series, That '70s Show. She was, in a way, more than just a character; she was a whole vibe.

This character, brought to life by the incredibly talented Mila Kunis, really did become a standout figure. Mila Kunis, an actress from America, made her acting debut at the tender age of 14, stepping into the high-heeled shoes of Jackie Burkhart on that very show. She played Jackie in all eight seasons, which is quite a commitment, you know? It’s pretty remarkable how a young actress could capture such a complex and, frankly, often hilarious personality so early in her career.

Jackie Burkhart might be the most memorable character of That '70s Show, and that’s not just a casual statement. It's because she wouldn’t have it any other way, actually. Her presence, her style, and her sharp wit certainly carved out a special place in the hearts of many viewers. So, let’s take a closer look at what made Jackie such a truly unforgettable part of television history, and what happened to her character when the Fox series eventually ended.

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Table of Contents

• Jackie Burkhart: A Closer Look at the Character
• Personal Details & Character Bio
• The Evolution of Jackie: From Brat to Backbone
• Love and Laughter: Jackie's Relationships
  • Jackie and Kelso: The First Couple
  • Jackie and Hyde: An Unexpected Connection
  • Jackie and Fez: A Journey of Acceptance
• A Fashion Icon of the '70s
• Jackie's Lasting Legacy and Return in That '90s Show
• Frequently Asked Questions About Jackie Burkhart
• Wrapping Things Up

Jackie Burkhart: A Closer Look at the Character

Jacqueline "Jackie" Beulah Burkhart, a fictional character from the Fox network television series That '70s Show, really does stand out. She is, as a matter of fact, portrayed by Mila Kunis in the original series, and Mila Kunis also returned to portray her in the recent That '90s Show. Jackie is introduced in the pilot episode primarily as Michael Kelso's girlfriend, and that's how we first get to know her.

At the start of the series, Jackie's character is, like, pretty typical for the popular, pretty, and somewhat ditzy girl of the group. She often seems nothing more than a ditz and a brat on the surface, you know? But underneath that perfect hair was, actually, a brain chock full of epic burns and lessons to live by. This characterization is, in some respects, wonderful to watch unfold over the years.

She goes from being that popular, seemingly shallow girl to a person with a real backbone, some serious smarts, and a genuinely caring side. Jackie is, without a doubt, one of the central characters on That '70s Show, and one of the two main female leads. Her journey, you could say, is a pretty significant part of the show's overall story, showing how people can change and grow, even if they start out a little rough around the edges.

Personal Details & Character Bio

Here's a quick look at some key details about Jackie Burkhart, the character we all came to know and, perhaps, even love:

The Evolution of Jackie: From Brat to Backbone

Jackie's character development is, arguably, one of the most interesting aspects of That '70s Show. She begins the series as, basically, Kelso's new, snobby girlfriend, and her initial interactions with the group often highlight her self-centered nature. She frequently looks down on others, especially Fez, seeing him as having a lower status than her, and generally being quite dismissive, you know?

However, as the series goes on, Jackie, more or less, starts to shed some of those initial layers. We begin to see glimpses of a more complex person underneath the surface. Her experiences with friendships, breakups, and the general ups and downs of teenage life in Point Place really do help shape her. She starts to show moments of vulnerability, kindness, and even a surprising amount of wisdom, especially when it comes to relationships.

By the end of That '70s Show, Jackie has, in a way, grown considerably. She’s no longer just the "dumb, pretty girl" of the group; she has developed a backbone, shown genuine smarts, and demonstrated a capacity for caring that wasn't always obvious early on. This transformation is, quite frankly, a big part of why she became such a beloved and dynamic character for so many viewers.

Love and Laughter: Jackie's Relationships

Jackie Burkhart’s romantic entanglements are, perhaps, some of the most talked-about storylines in That '70s Show. She had a few significant relationships that really shaped her character and provided some truly memorable moments, you know? Each pairing brought out different sides of her personality, showing her capacity for both deep affection and, sometimes, hilarious conflict.

Jackie and Kelso: The First Couple

The relationship between Kelso and Jackie, often called "Jelso," was the very first canon couple in the series, and that's pretty significant. They are portrayed by Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher, who, as many fans know, actually ended up together in real life, which is a fun little bit of trivia, isn't it? Their on-screen romance was, basically, a whirlwind of passion, jealousy, and, of course, Kelso’s general cluelessness.

Their relationship was, in a way, central to Jackie’s early character, as she was primarily introduced as his girlfriend. They were, you could say, the quintessential popular high school couple, with all the drama and silliness that entails. Even after their initial breakup, Kelso and Jackie were, in fact, a couple again at various points throughout the show, showing a strong, if sometimes chaotic, connection between them.

Jackie and Hyde: An Unexpected Connection

The pairing of Jackie Burkhart and Steven Hyde, known as "Zenmasters," was, arguably, one of the most surprising and compelling relationships on the show. Portrayed by Mila Kunis and Danny Masterson, this couple truly challenged viewer expectations. Jackie, the seemingly superficial cheerleader, and Hyde, the cynical, anti-establishment rebel, seemed like an unlikely match, didn't they?

Yet, their dynamic brought out a different side of both characters. Jackie, in some respects, learned to be a little less concerned with appearances, while Hyde, perhaps, softened a bit and showed a more protective side. Their relationship was, actually, full of witty banter, genuine affection, and a lot of push-and-pull, making it a fan favorite for many who enjoyed seeing two very different people find common ground.

Jackie and Fez: A Journey of Acceptance

The relationship between Fez and Jackie, portrayed by Mila Kunis and Wilmer Valderrama, also underwent a significant transformation over the series. At the beginning of the show, Jackie, as I was saying, looked down on Fez quite a bit, seeing him as a lower status than her, and generally being pretty dismissive. It was, like, a classic example of unrequited affection on Fez's part for a long time.

However, as the series progressed, their dynamic shifted considerably. Jackie, perhaps, began to see Fez in a new light, recognizing his genuine kindness and loyalty. Their eventual romantic pairing was, in a way, a testament to Jackie's growth and her ability to look past superficial differences. It showed that she could, actually, develop deep feelings for someone she initially dismissed, which is a pretty big step for her character.

A Fashion Icon of the '70s

Beyond her relationships and character growth, Jackie Burkhart was, in fact, a true fashion icon of That '70s Show. She had a knack for putting together inventive and creative ensembles that always seemed to work for her, you know? Her style was, basically, distinct and very much a reflection of her personality: bold, confident, and always perfectly put together.

Jackie was, very often, spotted in mini skirts and dresses that really brought out the stylish young lady in her. Her wardrobe was, arguably, a vibrant representation of '70s fashion, from her perfectly coiffed hair to her carefully chosen accessories. She understood, in a way, how to use clothes to express herself and maintain her image as the popular girl.

Her fashion choices were, quite simply, aspirational for many viewers who watched the show. She proved that even in a casual setting like Point Place, one could, actually, make a strong style statement. Jackie's influence on the show's visual appeal and her status as a trendsetter within the group are, indeed, a big part of what made her so memorable.

Jackie's Lasting Legacy and Return in That '90s Show

Jackie Burkhart's legacy extends far beyond the original run of That '70s Show, which aired from 1998 to 2006. She remains, as a matter of fact, one of the most talked-about characters from the series, with countless fans still quoting her hilarious lines and discussing her various relationships. Her impact on pop culture is, actually, quite significant, demonstrating the power of a well-written and well-acted character.

What happened to the character when the Fox series ended? Well, fans got a delightful answer with the arrival of That '90s Show. Jacqueline Beulah Burkhart, portrayed once again by Mila Kunis, makes a special guest appearance, which is pretty cool, isn't it? In this continuation, she is revealed to be the partner of Michael Kelso, and the mother of Jay Kelso, who is one of the main characters in the new series.

She is also shown to be a real estate broker, selling a house where the kids had their party. This update provides a glimpse into her adult life, showing that she has, in some respects, continued to be successful and, perhaps, still maintains that sharp business acumen we saw glimpses of in the original show. Her return, along with Kelso's, really did tie the past to the present for long-time fans, making her enduring appeal even stronger today. Learn more about iconic TV characters on our site, and link to this page for more on the cast's reunion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jackie Burkhart

People often have questions about Jackie Burkhart, given her memorable presence on That '70s Show. Here are some common inquiries, with answers based on what we know about the character:

Was Jackie Burkhart a real person?

No, Jacqueline "Jackie" Beulah Burkhart is, in fact, a fictional character. She was created for the Fox network television series That '70s Show by Mark Brazill, Bonnie Turner, and Terry Turner. She's, basically, a product of creative writing and acting, designed to be a part of the show's narrative, you know?

Who played Jackie Burkhart in That '70s Show?

Jackie Burkhart was portrayed by the American actress Mila Kunis. She made her acting debut in this role at the age of 14 and continued to play Jackie for all eight seasons of That '70s Show. Mila Kunis also returned to play Jackie in the recent spin-off, That '90s Show, which is pretty neat, actually.

What happened to Jackie and Kelso after That '70s Show?

In That '90s Show, it's revealed that Jackie Burkhart and Michael Kelso are, in fact, still together. They are partners and have a son named Jay Kelso, who is a main character in the new series. This update confirms that their on-again, off-again romance from the original show eventually settled into a lasting relationship, which is, like, a happy ending for many fans of their pairing.

Wrapping Things Up

Jackie Burkhart, brought to life so vividly by Mila Kunis, remains a truly captivating figure from television history. Her journey from a seemingly superficial teenager to a more nuanced and caring individual, her unforgettable fashion sense, and her complex relationships all contribute to her lasting appeal. She really did, in a way, embody the spirit of the '70s while also showing growth that resonates with audiences even today. Her return in That '90s Show, moreover, solidifies her place as an iconic character whose story continues to unfold, proving that some characters just never truly fade away.

To learn more about the show's creation, you might check out its page on a reputable entertainment database, like IMDb's That '70s Show page. It's, basically, a great resource for details about the series and its cast.