The twins entered the world a few minutes apart, but their early moments could not have been more contrasting. One was a robust, nearly 11-pound baby, while the other was underweight and born not breathing.
Growing up, the healthier twin took on the role of protector, standing up against bullies and ensuring his brother was never left out. But when a life-threatening crisis struck during their teenage years, that unshakable bond would be tested in ways no one could have foreseen.
The Early Bond: Twins Against the Odds
The twins’ entry into the world came with a surprise. Their parents, Larry and Diane, believed they were expecting one child—until the delivery room revealed they were two. Born just five minutes apart, their arrival brought joy but also significant challenges.
The twin who came out first was strong and healthy, while the other weighed less than half his brother’s size and had undeveloped lungs. The weaker twin was not breathing at birth, and as he grew, his parents noticed delays in his development.
By age three, doctors diagnosed him with cerebral palsy, a condition that impacted his vision, speech, hearing, and mobility in his right hand. Despite the struggles, their home life provided a safe and loving environment because their family treated the boys equally.
Outside the home, however, the reality was starkly different. “I had all of the stereotypes that come with having a disability,” he later revealed. “I was called every name in the book on the playground. I had difficulty making friends.”
Through it all, his twin remained his fiercest ally. Whether standing up to playground bullies or refusing to attend sleepovers unless his brother could join, the healthier sibling made it clear that they were a package deal.
“Most of the time they’d say yes,” he shared, “but sometimes they’d say no, and [my brother] would go, ‘Well, then I’m not coming.'” Even as children, the stronger brother took his role of a protector seriously.
He couldn’t bear to see his brother suffer and did everything in his power to shield him from the harshness of the outside world. “[He] would tell me, ‘I wish I could take all of this off of you—and take it myself,'” his brother recalled. Those words would carry a much deeper meaning in their teenage years.
Teenage Trials: A Life on the Line
By their teenage years, the brothers faced challenges that tested their resilience and strengthened their bond. Their family’s financial struggles deepened when their father lost his job. This forced them to rely on food stamps and endure the mounting stress at home.
Matters worsened when their parents divorced, leaving the boys to navigate a turbulent and uncertain time. The healthier twin, determined to contribute to the family and support his education, took on several jobs.
The elder twin pictured in 1999 | Source: Getty Images
He worked tirelessly, sweeping cereal dust at a General Mills factory and even selling his blood for extra money. His relentless work ethic was fueled by a desire to help his family and pursue his dream of creating a better future.
At the age of 13, his twin was diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy, a condition that caused his heart to grow to four times its normal size. Doctors warned that he had only weeks to live, but his health rapidly declined, and he went into cardiac arrest.
With just 48 hours left for him to live, and to find a donor, the situation became dire. The healthier twin, desperate to save his brother, offered his heart. The thought of losing his sibling became so overwhelming that he even contemplated jumping off a balcony, believing it might allow his heart to be transplanted.
Fortunately, a matching donor heart became available in time, and the transplant was successful. Reflecting on the experience years later, the twin who received the transplant said, “I’m just grateful to wake up every day.”
Although he couldn’t play football or enjoy salty foods like pizza while he was recovering, he was simply thankful to have a second chance at life. The recovery process was long and grueling, but the brothers emerged from the ordeal closer than ever.
Separate Paths: One Twin’s Stardom, Another’s Advocacy
As they grew older, the brothers pursued different paths, shaped by their experiences. The healthier twin initially planned to study biochemical engineering at the University of Iowa. His goal was to study medical science, inspired by his twin’s health challenges. He wanted to work toward finding cures for conditions like viral cardiomyopathy.
The older twin pictured in 1998 | Source: Getty Images
But in his sophomore year, a modeling scout noticed him and invited him to a talent show in Iowa, which he won. This led to opportunities in New York, where he placed well in another talent competition. His success there opened doors to a modeling career, landing him on billboards for major brands, including Calvin Klein.
The elder twin walking the runway in 1998 | Source: Getty Images
What started as a surprising detour eventually grew into a successful Hollywood career. Meanwhile, his twin chose a quieter but equally impactful path. After recovering from his heart transplant, he attended a small Catholic college in their hometown and later worked in the banking industry.
For years, he avoided discussing his cerebral palsy, preferring to keep his condition private. That changed in 2003 when his brother revealed it publicly on national television. Though initially upset, he later came to appreciate the moment, saying, “He allowed me to be myself.”
The brothers’ lives were now on separate tracks—one pursuing stardom, the other advocacy—but their bond remained as strong as ever. Each drew inspiration from their struggles and the sacrifices they made for one another.
The brothers photographed in Minnesota in 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Present-Day Lives: A Story of Gratitude and Connection
Today, Ashton Kutcher and Michael Kutcher have each built fulfilling lives, shaped by the challenges and triumphs of their past. Ashton, now a household name in Hollywood, is best known for his roles in “That ’70s Show,” “Dude, Where’s My Car?”, and “The Butterfly Effect,” as well as his portrayal of Steve Jobs in “Jobs.”
Ashton Kutcher during the series wrap party for “That 70s Show” on May 6, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
Beyond acting, he has built a successful career as a producer, writer, and tech investor. He is married to actress Mila Kunis, with whom he shares two children, Wyatt and Dimitri.
Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher with their children on July 17, 2017, in Budapest | Source: Getty Images
The couple married in 2015 and maintain a private but grounded family life. “Mila and Ashton have a very fulfilling life,” a source told People magazine, four years into the couple’s marriage. “They are very happy.”
Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis in Los Angeles on January 29, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Michael has taken a quieter but equally impactful path. On December 11, 2024, he will celebrate the 33rd anniversary of his heart transplant—a milestone that underscores his strength and determination. In a January 2019 interview, Michael shared that he was raising his son alongside his new partner.
“I’m thankful for the ability to enjoy the holidays another year with my family.[..] I have recently built a new family here in Colorado and found an amazing woman with two younger children herself. It’s another chapter in my life,” he shared.
As an advocate, Michael has embraced his platform to raise awareness about organ donation through campaigns like #BeTheGift. He works tirelessly to inspire others to give the gift of life, just as he received decades ago.
Although they are on separate paths, the bond between the 46-year-old Kutcher brothers remains as strong as ever. Discussing their connection, Michael shared, “It’s a connection that you can’t explain.[..] I really can’t put words to it.”
