5 Surprising Facts About Donna Pinciotti: Where Is The Star Of That '70s Show Now?

The character of Donna Pinciotti, the smart, fiery, and fiercely independent feminist next door from That '70s Show, remains one of television's most beloved sitcom characters. Played by the talented Laura Prepon, Donna was the central love interest of Eric Forman, and her journey from a high school student in Point Place, Wisconsin, to a young adult defined much of the show’s eight-season run. But for fans wondering what the actress has been up to since the show ended in 2006, and especially since her recent return to the role, the answers are far more diverse and surprising than you might expect.

As of late 2024, Laura Prepon is not just an accomplished actress; she is a celebrated television director, a New York Times best-selling author, and a successful wellness entrepreneur. Her career trajectory after leaving the basement for good has been anything but conventional, cementing her status as a versatile Hollywood figure. The latest updates include her starring and directing roles in the highly anticipated sequel series, That '90s Show, which saw its second season released in two parts in June and August 2024.

Laura Prepon: Full Biography and Career Milestones

The woman behind the iconic character, Laura Prepon, has built a career defined by strong, complex female roles and a surprising move behind the camera. Her professional life has spanned over two decades, transitioning seamlessly from network comedy to prestige streaming drama and beyond.

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• Full Name: Laura Helene Prepon
• Date of Birth: March 7, 1980
• Place of Birth: Watchung, New Jersey, United States
• Spouse: Ben Foster (m. 2018)
• Children: Two (a daughter and a son)
• Breakthrough Role: Donna Pinciotti in That '70s Show (1998–2006)
• Major Roles: Alex Vause in Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019), Hannah in The Girl on the Train (2016)
• Other Notable Work: Director (episodes of Orange Is the New Black and That '90s Show), Author (*The Stash Plan*)

From Point Place to Litchfield: Prepon's Post-'70s Show Evolution

While the role of Donna Pinciotti made Laura Prepon a household name, her biggest critical success came nearly a decade later on a different platform. Her career after the Forman basement proved that she was an actress capable of immense range, moving far beyond the comedic teen role.

The Alex Vause Era on Netflix

Prepon's next major role was as Alex Vause, the calculating drug smuggler and on-again, off-again love interest of Piper Chapman in the Netflix hit series Orange Is the New Black (OITNB). This dramatic shift allowed Prepon to showcase a darker, more nuanced performance, earning her critical praise and two Screen Actors Guild Awards as part of the ensemble cast. The show, which ran from 2013 to 2019, solidified her place as a major streaming star and proved her versatility in both comedy and drama.

Stepping Behind the Camera as a Director

One of the most significant—and perhaps lesser-known—aspects of Laura Prepon’s career is her work as a television director. She began directing early in her career, even serving as a second unit director when she was just 21 years old. This passion for filmmaking continued, and she went on to direct multiple episodes of Orange Is the New Black, including the Season 5 episode "The Reverse Midas Touch."

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Her experience behind the lens came full circle when she returned for the sequel series. For That '90s Show, Prepon not only reprised her role as Donna Pinciotti-Forman but also directed an episode, adding a new layer to her involvement in the franchise. This directorial work highlights her commitment to the craft of storytelling, making her a true multi-hyphenate in the entertainment industry.

The Wellness Chef and Author: Prepon's Life Beyond Acting

In a surprising career pivot that began in the mid-2010s, Laura Prepon has become a notable figure in the health and wellness space, adding the titles of author and entrepreneur to her resume. This unexpected turn showcases her personal interests and desire to share her life experiences with a wider audience.

A New York Times Best-Selling Author

In 2016, Prepon co-authored the book The Stash Plan: Your 21-Day Guide to Shed Weight, Feel Great, and Take Control of Your Health. The book, which became a *New York Times* bestseller, focuses on her personalized approach to meal preparation and wellness, earning her the moniker of an "unconventional wellness chef." The book popularized the concept of "stashing" meals to save time and promote healthier eating habits, a practice she frequently discusses in interviews.

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The PrepOn Kitchen Entrepreneur

Building on the success of her book and her passion for cooking, Laura Prepon launched her own line of cookware and kitchen accessories called PrepOn Kitchen. This venture, which debuted in 2021, positions her as a lifestyle entrepreneur, providing practical tools for fans to adopt her meal preparation philosophies. This business side of her career is a major, fresh development that many fans of her acting roles may not be aware of.

The Future of Donna Pinciotti: That '90s Show Update

For fans craving more of Donna Pinciotti, the biggest news is her continued involvement in the sequel series, That '90s Show. The series, which follows Eric and Donna's daughter, Leia Forman, spending the summer with grandparents Red and Kitty, has been a major success for Netflix. Laura Prepon reprised her role as Donna, who is now a successful author—a nod to Prepon's real-life career.

The most current update is the release of Season 2 of That '90s Show, which was split into two parts, airing in June and August 2024. This confirms that Prepon's role as Donna, alongside Topher Grace (Eric Forman), remains a key component of the franchise, even as the focus shifts to the younger generation. Her return has delighted long-time fans who appreciate seeing the original cast members transition into the roles of parents and mentors, providing a bridge between the two iconic sitcom eras.

Laura Prepon’s journey from the basement in Point Place to the director’s chair and the bestseller list is a testament to her drive and multifaceted talent. Whether you know her as the fiery redhead Donna Pinciotti, the complex inmate Alex Vause, or the wellness chef Laura Prepon, her career continues to evolve in exciting and unpredictable ways.