An iconic figure from action movies in the 1980s and later a lovable grump on a popular sitcom, was recently seen looking quite different from his tough character portrayals during a rare public appearance in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

Now at the age of 81, this actor gained fame for playing the menacing antagonist Clarence Boddicker in the 1987 film RoboCop, and later impressed audiences with his role as CIA agent Robert Griggs in Rambo III.

However, to a whole generation of fans, he will forever be remembered as Red Forman—the stern, straight-talking father from the TV show That ’70s Show, where he affectionately bantered with Ashton Kutcher’s goofy character Kelso and delivered unforgettable witty remarks with impeccable comedic timing.

He even reunited with Kutcher years later on The Ranch, slipping right back into the role of a grumpy father figure with ease. 

Dressed casually in a bright blue polo and slacks, the Wisconsin native looked relaxed and content—nothing like his stern on-screen personas. 

Can you guess the star? 

One of the most unforgettable faces from ’80s action cinema— and later a beloved sitcom curmudgeon—was spotted looking worlds away from his tough-guy roles during a rare outing in Los Angeles on Wednesday

Now 81, the actor rose to fame as the chilling villain Clarence Boddicker in 1987’s RoboCop, and followed it up with a memorable turn as CIA operative Robert Griggs in Rambo III

But for a whole generation, he’ll always be Red Forman—the gruff, no-nonsense dad from That ’70s Show, where he sparred lovingly with Ashton Kutcher ’s dim-witted Kelso and delivered classic one-liners with perfect timing

If you said Kurtwood Smith, you’re absolutely right!

Back in 2023, Kurtwood Smith opened up about his audition for That ’70s Show — and the instant chemistry he shared with his future TV wife, Debra Jo Rupp.

‘She was already cast, and they were casting my role. I was the last person cast,’ he told Smashing Interviews.

‘So when I went in to read the final reading, I don’t know what his position was at the time, but he had a really big office (laughs). So I read with Debra Jo there. I guess we must’ve hit it off, you know.

‘I thought she was very funny, and she was. We had a great time.’

Smith, who grew up in the San Fernando Valley, graduated from Canoga Park High School in 1961.

He earned a B.A. from San José State and an M.F.A. from Stanford.

He later taught theater arts at Cañada College before diving into acting full-time.

If you said Kurtwood Smith, you’re absolutely right! (seen in 2024)

Robocop became a massive cultural phenomenon upon its release in 1987, captivating audiences with its innovative blend of action, science fiction, and social commentary

The film not only solidified Kurtwood Smith’s iconic role as the ruthless villain Clarence Boddicker, but also pushed the boundaries of special effects and became a defining entry in the sci-fi action genre of the 80s

Robert Griggs was a field operative at the Thailand U.S. Embassy in Rambo III

But for a whole generation, he’ll always be Red Forman—the gruff, no-nonsense dad from That ’70s Show, where he sparred lovingly with Ashton Kutcher ’s dim-witted Kelso and delivered classic one-liners with perfect timing

Back in 2023, Kurtwood Smith opened up about his audition for That ’70s Show — and the instant chemistry he shared with his future TV wife, Debra Jo Rupp

Beyond That ’70s Show, Smith’s career spans decades — from playing a KKK leader in A Time to Kill to memorable roles in Dead Poets Society, Star Trek, and even voice work in Green Lantern: First Flight and Fallout Tactics

Smith, who grew up in the San Fernando Valley, graduated from Canoga Park High School in 1961 and earned a B.A. from San José State and an M.F.A. from Stanford

Kurtwood is actually his real first name — a unique creation by his mother, who, inspired by a country singer named Kurt (or Curt) in the 1940s, thought ‘Kurt Smith’ sounded too plain and tacked on ‘wood’ to make it one of a kind

Beyond That ’70s Show, Smith’s career spans decades — from playing a KKK leader in A Time to Kill to memorable roles in Dead Poets Society, Star Trek, and even voice work in Green Lantern: First Flight and Fallout Tactics. 

He also voiced Carpenter K. Smith in AMC+’s Ultra City Smiths.

And Kurtwood is actually his real first name. 

According to a past interview on The Caroline Rhea Show, Smith’s mother was a fan of a country singer named Kurt (or Curt) back in the 1940s. 

She felt that ‘Kurt Smith’ sounded too short, so she added ‘wood’ to the end — making him likely the only Kurtwood out there.