The twins’ entry into the world came with a surprise. Their parents, Larry and Diane, believed they were expecting one child—until the delivery room revealed they were two. Born just five minutes apart, their arrival brought joy but also significant challenges.

The twin who came out first was strong and healthy, while the other weighed less than half his brother’s size and had undeveloped lungs. The weaker twin was not breathing at birth, and as he grew, his parents noticed delays in his development.

Outside the home, however, the reality was starkly different. “I had all of the stereotypes that come with having a disability,” he later revealed. “I was called every name in the book on the playground. I had difficulty making friends.”

By their teenage years, the brothers faced challenges that tested their resilience and strengthened their bond. Their family’s financial struggles deepened when their father lost his job. This forced them to rely on food stamps and endure the mounting stress at home.

Matters worsened when their parents divorced, leaving the boys to navigate a turbulent and uncertain time. The healthier twin, determined to contribute to the family and support his education, took on several jobs.

He worked tirelessly, sweeping cereal dust at a General Mills factory and even selling his blood for extra money. His relentless work ethic was fueled by a desire to help his family and pursue his dream of creating a better future.

At the age of 13, his twin was diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy, a condition that caused his heart to grow to four times its normal size. Doctors warned that he had only weeks to live, but his health rapidly declined, and he went into cardiac arrest.

Fortunately, a matching donor heart became available in time, and the transplant was successful. Reflecting on the experience years later, the twin who received the transplant said, “I’m just grateful to wake up every day.”

As they grew older, the brothers pursued different paths, shaped by their experiences. The healthier twin initially planned to study biochemical engineering at the University of Iowa. His goal was to study medical science, inspired by his twin’s health challenges. He wanted to work toward finding cures for conditions like viral cardiomyopathy.

But in his sophomore year, a modeling scout noticed him and invited him to a talent show in Iowa, which he won. This led to opportunities in New York, where he placed well in another talent competition. His success there opened doors to a modeling career, landing him on billboards for major brands, including Calvin Klein.

What started as a surprising detour eventually grew into a successful Hollywood career. Meanwhile, his twin chose a quieter but equally impactful path. After recovering from his heart transplant, he attended a small Catholic college in their hometown and later worked in the banking industry.

Present-Day Lives: A Story of Gratitude and Connection

Today, Ashton Kutcher and Michael Kutcher have each built fulfilling lives, shaped by the challenges and triumphs of their past. Ashton, now a household name in Hollywood, is best known for his roles in “That ’70s Show,” “Dude, Where’s My Car?”, and “The Butterfly Effect,” as well as his portrayal of Steve Jobs in “Jobs.”

The couple married in 2015 and maintain a private but grounded family life. “Mila and Ashton have a very fulfilling life,” a source told People magazine, four years into the couple’s marriage. “They are very happy.”