When we see a famous star like Mila Kunis on screen, we often see the result of their hard work. But behind many successful people is a family that helped them. For Mila Kunis, her story starts with her father, Mark Kunis. He is not an actor or a celebrity. He is a father who made big sacrifices. His decisions gave his family a new life and a chance for success in America.
Quick Bio of Mark Kunis
| Feature | Detail |
| Full Name | Mark Kunis |
| Known For | Father of actress Mila Kunis |
| Spouse | Elvira Kunis |
| Children | 2 (Mila Kunis and Michael Kunis) |
| Original Profession | Mechanical Engineer |
| Immigration | Moved from Ukraine to the U.S. in 1991 |
Who is Mark Kunis?
Mark Kunis is a man who stays out of the spotlight. He is known as the father of actress Mila Kunis and her brother, Michael Kunis. He is a private person, but his daughter has shared parts of his story. His journey shows the hard work of an immigrant parent.
He was born in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, when it was part of the Soviet Union. In his home country, Mark Kunis had a professional career. He was a mechanical engineer, a skilled and respected job. His life was set in Ukraine, but he and his wife saw a problem.

The Big Move to America
In 1991, he and his wife, Elvira Kunis, made a life-changing decision. They decided to leave the Soviet Union and move to the United States. They had two young children: Mila, who was seven, and Michael, who was older.
This was not an easy choice. They were leaving their home, their jobs, and everything they knew. Mila Kunis has said her parents left for a clear reason. They saw no future for their children in the Soviet Union. As a Jewish family, they also faced antisemitism (unfair treatment). They wanted their children to grow up with freedom and opportunity.
Starting Over in Los Angeles
The Kunis family arrived in Los Angeles, California, with very little. Mila has famously said her family came with only $250. They had to start from zero. The professional degrees that Mark Kunis and his wife earned in Ukraine were not accepted in the U.S.
He had to find any job to feed his family. His engineering skills were useless at first. He took on many jobs, including delivering pizzas, painting houses, and working as a cab driver. It was hard work, but it showed his children what it means to be dedicated.
His wife, Elvira Kunis, had a similar story. She was a physics teacher in Ukraine. In America, she started working at a pharmacy. Both parents gave up their proud careers so their children could have a future.
Mark Kunis and Elvira Kunis: A Strong Team
The story of Mark Kunis is also the story of his wife. The Mark Kunis and Elvira Kunis partnership was key to the family’s survival. They worked together to build a new life.
They also made sure their children remembered their roots but embraced American culture. They spoke Russian in the home. They taught their children the value of money and hard work. Mila Kunis has said she knew her family was poor, but she never “felt” poor because her parents provided a loving home.
Mark Kunis’s Children: Michael and Mila
Mark Kunis is the father of two children. While the world knows Mila, his son Michael is also a big part of the family.
Michael Kunis The relationship between Michael Kunis and his father is private, just like Michael’s life. Michael is older than Mila and works in business. He stays away from the fame that surrounds his sister.
In 2013, Michael Kunis got married to a dancer named Alexandra Blacker. Mila and her partner at the time, Ashton Kutcher, attended the wedding. This shows the family is close and supports each other during big life events.
Mila Kunis The Mark Kunis and Mila Kunis connection is the reason he is known to the public. When Mila was 9 years old, he helped her start her acting career. He enrolled her in acting classes at the Beverly Hills Studios.
He was supportive, but he also wanted her to stay grounded. When Mila got her first big role as Jackie Burkhart on “That ’70s Show”, she was only 14. Her parents were strict and made sure she finished her schoolwork.
The Success His Sacrifice Helped Build
The hard work of his family paid off. His daughter became one of the most famous actresses in Hollywood.
Mila Kunis has starred in many hit movies. She received praise for her role in the 2010 movie “Black Swan”. She also starred in comedies like “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”, “Friends with Benefits”, and “Bad Moms”. She is also the voice of Meg Griffin on the long-running TV show “Family Guy”.
Mila has always said that her parents’ hard work is what motivates her. She understands the sacrifices her father made. Because of this, she has said she wants her own children to understand the value of work.
Mark Kunis as a Grandfather
Today, Mark Kunis has a new and important role: grandfather. His daughter, Mila, married her “That ’70s Show” co-star, Ashton Kutcher, in 2015. They have two children together.
The grandchildren of Mark Kunis are:
- Wyatt Isabelle Kutcher (born in 2014)
- Dimitri Portwood Kutcher (born in 2016)
The relationship between Wyatt Isabelle Kutcher and her grandfather is special. Mila has shared that her parents are loving grandparents. The same goes for Dimitri Portwood Kutcher.
Mila and Ashton are famous for trying to raise their children to be normal and grounded. They have said they do not plan to leave their large fortune to their kids in a trust fund. This idea of working for what you have is a value that came directly from Mark Kunis and Elvira.
Answering Common Questions About Mark Kunis
Because he is the father of a star, people are curious about Mark Kunis. Here are answers to some common questions.
What is Mark Kunis’s Age? The exact Mark Kunis age is not public. He and his family are private about personal details like birthdays.
What is the Mark Kunis Net Worth? As a private person, the Mark Kunis net worth is not known. He worked as a cab company owner after his first jobs in the U.S. He lives a comfortable life, but he is not a public figure with a reported net worth like his daughter.
Who are Mark Kunis’s Parents? There is no public information about the Mark Kunis parents. His family history before his move to the U.S. is kept private.

Is He Related to Rabbi Mark Kunis? No. There is a “Rabbi Mark Kunis” who is an author and religious leader. This is a different person. The Rabbi is not related to Mila Kunis’s father.
The Quiet Legacy of Mark Kunis
The story of Mark Kunis is a story of quiet strength. He is not famous for being on camera or on a red carpet. He is famous for being a father.
He left his home and his career to give his children a chance. He worked hard jobs to put food on the table. He taught his children that nothing is given to you and that you must work for your success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is Mark Kunis?
He is the father of the American actress Mila Kunis and her brother, Michael Kunis. - What did Mark Kunis do for a living?
He was a professional mechanical engineer in his home country of Ukraine. After immigrating to the U.S., he worked various jobs, including as a cab driver. - Why did Mark Kunis and his family leave Ukraine?
They left the Soviet Union in 1991 to escape antisemitism and find a better future and more opportunities for their children. - Who is Mark Kunis’s wife?
His wife is Elvira Kunis, a former physics teacher who later worked in a pharmacy in the U.S. - Is Mark Kunis related to Rabbi Mark Kunis?
No, they are two different people with a similar name and are not related.
Conclusion
The story of Mark Kunis is a powerful example of the immigrant dream. He is much more than just the father of a Hollywood star; he is a man who showed great courage.
By leaving his career and homeland, he gave his children the gift of opportunity. His hard work as a cab driver and his dedication, alongside his wife Elvira Kunis, built the foundation for his family’s success.
While he remains a private person, his values of hard work and humility live on. We see these values in his daughter Mila’s career and how she raises her own children. He truly represents the quiet strength of a father who put his family first.
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