Ashton Kutcher is making a comeback of sorts, reprising his star-making role as Michael Kelso on “That '90s Show.”
But the 44-year-old didn't take up the Netflix show because she needed the paycheck. In fact, Kutcher said in a Recent Profile in Esquire That he never needs to take a role for money again.
That's because over the past 13 years, Kutcher has quietly built a successful tech investment career Through his fund A-Grade Investments, which he founded in 2010 with entertainment manager Guy Oseary and billionaire Ron Burkle.
Investments in companies like Uber, Airbnb, Spotify and Warby Parker have paid off handsomely and completely removed the pressure of appearing in movies and shows just for the paycheck.
“Now all I can worry about is playing the roles I want to play,” the “Jobs” star said.
Indeed, his success in the world of venture capital has allowed him to make decisions throughout his Hollywood career that directly improve his quality of life.
He told the magazine that his upcoming rom-com “Your Place or Mine” was initially set to shoot in Georgia because of the state's production tax credits. However, this would have taken him away from his children during the school year.
“I have young kids, and I love my kids,” he said. “I love spending time with them.”
As a solution, Kutcher negotiated with Netflix to move the production to Los Angeles, near his Beverly Hills home, with the extra-budget costs taken directly from his paycheck.
This financial sacrifice allowed him to be with his family every night and attend his children's events at school, and he told Esquire that it was worth the tradeoff.
Now, Kutcher's financial security allows him to be selective about the jobs he takes and the ones he turns down.
He said, “I want to tell stories that say something.” “I want to tell stories that bring joy to people. And I want to tell stories that make people think. And I want to play characters that are fun to play. And I do my best to do that.” I'm ready to do it.”
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