Laura Prepon: Biography, Kids, Divorce, Net Worth, and More

For millions of viewers, she’ll always be Donna Pinciotti, the redheaded best friend with the quick wit on That ’70s Show. But Laura Prepon’s life since the sitcom ended has taken turns that are far more complicated than any script, including a high-profile marriage, two kids, and a divorce that landed in court with serious allegations. Here’s what we actually know about her career, family, and what happened next — backed by verified filings and interviews.

Born: March 7, 1980 ·
Known for: Donna Pinciotti (That ’70s Show) and Alex Vause (Orange Is the New Black) ·
Marriage: Ben Foster (2018–2024, divorced) ·
Children: 2 ·
Net worth (approx.): $9 million ·
Height: 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m)

Her financial profile reflects a career built on two iconic television roles and a bestselling cookbook.

What happened with Laura Prepon?

Divorce from Ben Foster

The biggest recent shift in Prepon’s life is her divorce from actor Ben Foster. Foster filed for divorce in November 2024 after about six years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences, according to documents obtained by People (celebrity news outlet). The filing listed September 9, 2023 as the date of separation, meaning the couple had been living apart for over a year before the legal papers were submitted.

Custody and legal proceedings

The divorce has not been straightforward. TMZ (entertainment news) reported that Foster asked the court to enforce the couple’s prenuptial agreement from 2018. Prepon’s legal team denied allegations of wrongdoing, and the couple reportedly agreed to share custody of their two children. Court documents obtained by Us Weekly (celebrity weekly) showed Foster agreed to pay $5,500 per month in child support.

Current living situation

Reports from late 2024 placed Prepon living in Tennessee while Foster remained in Los Angeles, according to TMZ (entertainment news). This geographic divide adds complexity to the co-parenting arrangement for their two young children.

The implication: Prepon’s personal transition mirrors a professional one — she has shifted her focus from Hollywood to family and entrepreneurial life. Whether she returns to acting will likely depend on how the custody arrangement settles.

How many kids does Laura Prepon have?

Names and ages of Prepon’s children

Laura Prepon and Ben Foster have two children. Their daughter Ella was born in summer 2017, and their son arrived in February 2020, per reporting from People (celebrity news outlet). One report in Us Weekly (celebrity weekly) noted that the couple’s son has not been publicly named in reporting. A March 2025 update from USA Today (national newspaper) described them as a 7-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son.

Custody arrangement details

The couple reportedly agreed to share joint custody of their children, according to divorce-related documents cited by Us Weekly (celebrity weekly). Prepon’s move to Tennessee while Foster remains in Los Angeles makes the logistics of shared custody a central issue in ongoing proceedings.

The pattern: Prepon’s priority shift from acting to family is clear. She told USA Today (national newspaper) in 2024, “Now that I have two kids, everything is a family decision.” Her professional choices are now measured against parenting demands.

Why did Ben Foster leave Laura Prepon?

The divorce filing and allegations

Foster’s divorce filing cited irreconcilable differences, the standard legal ground in California. But TMZ (entertainment news) reported that the actor alleged “cruel” treatment in legal documents — a more specific charge that can influence divorce outcomes. Prepon denied the allegations through her legal team, and the specifics of the claim remain under seal, making independent verification impossible.

Timeline of separation

• 2016: Prepon and Foster began a romantic relationship (TMZ (entertainment news))
• June 2018: Married in a private ceremony
• September 9, 2023: Date of separation listed in divorce filing (People (celebrity news outlet))
• November 2024: Foster files for divorce (People (celebrity news outlet))

Official statements from both parties

Neither Prepon nor Foster has made extensive public statements about the divorce. Prepon’s most recent comments about her marital status came indirectly — she told USA Today (national newspaper), “Now, my first question is how long is it going to take me away from my family” — framing her career decisions through the lens of parenting rather than partnership.

The trade-off: The allegations remain one-sided in public record because the specific details of the “cruel” treatment claim are sealed. Without access to the court filings or statements from both parties, readers should treat the claim as contested.

Are Mila Kunis and Laura Prepon friends?

On-screen friendship in That ’70s Show

Laura Prepon and Mila Kunis played best friends Donna Pinciotti and Jackie Burkhart on the hit Fox sitcom That ’70s Show, which ran from 1998 to 2006. Their characters’ dynamic — the outspoken feminist and the materialistic popular girl — became a defining part of the show’s appeal.

Off-screen relationship and public appearances

Kunis and Prepon have appeared together publicly outside the show, including at red carpet events and in social media posts. Kunis has spoken warmly about Prepon in interviews, describing a mutual respect that has lasted well past the show’s ending. Prepon also appeared on Kunis’s podcast Armchair Expert in 2021, where the two caught up and reminisced about their time on set. Kunis told USA Today (national newspaper) in an earlier interview that the cast remained close, calling the relationship “genuine.”

What this means: Their friendship appears genuine and ongoing, though neither has made it a central part of their public persona in recent years. For fans of the show, the bond between the two actresses is a lasting connection to a beloved cultural moment.

What ethnicity is Laura Prepon?

Family background and ancestry

Laura Prepon is of Italian, Irish, and Russian descent. Her mother, Marjorie, is of Italian ancestry, while her father, Michael Prepon, has Irish and Russian roots. She was born and raised in Watchung, New Jersey, and has described her upbringing as a blend of these cultural influences in interviews.

Public statements about ethnicity

Prepon has not made ethnicity a major public focus, but she has occasionally referenced her Italian heritage in interviews related to her cookbook The Stash Plan (2016), which features healthy Italian-inspired recipes. She told USA Today (national newspaper) that her family’s cooking traditions informed her approach to health and wellness.

Does Laura Prepon still act?

Recent roles and appearances

Prepon’s last major acting role was Alex Vause on Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black, which ended in 2019 after seven seasons. Since then, she has not taken on new on-screen acting roles. She directed episodes of Orange Is the New Black during its later seasons, marking her transition behind the camera.

Future projects and directorial work

In her 2024 interview with USA Today (national newspaper), Prepon said she misses acting but her life is “pretty dominated” by entrepreneurial work, including her wellness brand and other business ventures. She has not announced any upcoming acting projects as of early 2025.

The catch: Prepon’s directorial ambitions could be a natural evolution. She told USA Today she still loves the creative process — just on her own terms now, with family as the first filter.

Timeline of key events

• March 7, 1980: Born in Watchung, New Jersey (People (biography))
• 1998–2006: Played Donna Pinciotti on That ’70s Show (IMDb (industry database))
• 2013–2019: Played Alex Vause on Orange Is the New Black (IMDb (industry database))
• 2016: Published The Stash Plan cookbook and wellness guide
• 2016: Relationship with Ben Foster began (TMZ (entertainment news))
• August 2017: Daughter Ella born (People (celebrity news outlet))
• June 2018: Married Ben Foster
• February 2020: Son born (TMZ (entertainment news))
• September 9, 2023: Date of separation listed in divorce filing (People (celebrity news outlet))
• November 2024: Ben Foster files for divorce (People (celebrity news outlet))

Frequently asked questions