That '70s Show

Filming The Final Episode Of That ’70s Show Was A Nightmare For Laura Prepon

It was an emotional final episode for Laura Prepon and the rest of the That '70s Show cast.

That 70s Show is one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. While the show was quite popular during its initial run from 1998 to 2006, it still remains a beloved series among young audiences. And now, fans will get to see more of their favorite characters with the upcoming premiere of Netflix’s sequel series, That 90s Show

It’s no secret that That 70s Show didn’t end on a good note for most fans. After all, two of the show’s most popular cast members, Topher Grace and Ashton Kutcher, had decided not to reprise their roles as Eric and Kelso for the series last season.

But filming the eighth season of That 70s Show was also very hard for the cast. Laura Prepon, who played Donna Pinciotti, recalls that filming the final episode of the show was a nightmare.

RELATED:Is Topher Grace On Good Terms With His That ’70s Show Co-Stars?

That ’70s Show Became A Major Hit For FOX Early On

That 70s Show (1998 – 2006) focuses on the lives and adventures of a group of six teenage friends living in Point Place, Wisconsin, during the 70s. The main teenage cast members were played by Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson, Laura Prepon, and Wilmer Valderrama. While the main adult cast members were portrayed by Debra Jo Rupp, Kurtwood Smith, Don Stark, Tommy Chong, and Tanya Roberts.

Cast of That 70s Show
Instar

That 70s Show gained quick popularity soon after its first season premiered back in 1998.

In fact, the series grew so much in popularity that over the course of its initial run, it became one of Fox’s flagship shows. Its popularity among young audiences even inspired a British remake titled Days Like These and a short-lived spin-off series called That 80s Show.

RELATED:What Really Happened Behind The Scenes When ‘That ’70s Show’ Was Canceled

Laura Prepon Landed The Role Of Donna In That 70s Show Because Of These Two Words

Laura Prepon
via Instar

That 70s Show launched many young stars into international stardom, including Laura Prepon. Before appearing on the show, Prepon had only had a couple of professional acting gigs, including appearing in plays like A Woman of Property and Ascension Day and starring in the Levi Strauss-developed soap opera, They Go On. In addition to this, Prepon also worked as a model.

It’s hard to imagine That 70s Show without Laura Prepon. This talented actress was born to play Donna Pinciotti, and the creators of the show knew this immediately after her first audition. In a 2020 interview for Entertainment Weekly, Prepon revealed how she actually landed this iconic role.

“One of the things that’s really funny is later after I got on the show, I had said to our creators, Bonnie and Terri Turner, ‘What was the thing that made you know that I was Donna?'” she revealed.

“They said, ‘First of all, when you came in, you just were Donna. You were Donna Pinciotti; you were perfect for her.’ And at the end of the audition, I looked at them and I said, ‘We good?’ And I put my hands on the table and I pushed off like a total tomboy. It was just how I got up from my table. They said that sealed the deal.”

RELATED:The Real Reason Laura Prepon Was Forced To Dye Her Hair During The Final Seasons Of That ’70s Show

Filming The Final Episode Of That 70s Show Was Terrible For Laura Prepon

The finale of That 70s Show was a big deal for the fans but also for the cast and crew. In fact, this episode, titled That 70s Finale, holds a near-perfect rating on IMDb. But as much as fans love this episode, filming it wasn’t easy for the cast, especially for Laura Prepon.

The filming of the final episode was delayed because Laura Prepon couldn’t stop crying when it was her turn to shoot. It’s no secret that That 70s Show was a big part of Prepon’s life and career. Plus, her cast mates had become family to her, so seeing the show come to an end hit her really hard.

But she wasn’t the only one feeling emotional at the time. In fact, most of the cast shed a tear or two while filming their scenes for That 70s Finale, and some of these emotional moments even made it to the final cut.

Fortunately for Laura Prepon and the fans, that wouldn’t be the last time the actress would get to play Donna Pinciotti. Prepon came back to reprise her role as Donna for That 90s Show.

In fact, the actress told US Magazine what it was like to walk into the set after all those years. “When I first went there, I cried. I’m just like, ‘The nostalgia is so strong and it was such an incredible time in my life.’ I can’t wait for people to see it. I think they’re really, really gonna get a kick out of it.”

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