Ashton Kutcher is clearly the star of his family, although it is his twin brother who is worthy of his own film. Michael Kutcher has been the protagonist of his own story of inspiration and triumph. The younger Kutcher's story is definitely one that deserves to be told, and we already have an inkling of who could play him.
Despite being twins, Michael and Ashton couldn't be any more different. The former twin has had to live and learn to deal with certain difficulties that have moulded him into an exemplary individual for those with disabilities. In fact, he is such an inspiration that he now uses his own experiences to influence young children in a similar situation.
Michael was born just five minutes after his more famous sibling, a surprise to his parents, who only found out they were expecting two babies very late into their pregnancy! The younger twin weighed so little that the doctors didn't believe he'd survive; he proved them wrong. However, it wasn't long before his parents noticed that Michael wasn't developing as quickly as Ashton and soon after, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Years later, Michael had to suddenly undergo a heart transplant when faced with the possibility of passing from heart disease. It was a hard time for the Kutcher family, affecting them all.
Overcoming the Challenges
Despite the transplant, Michael quickly learned that life outside of the house was another struggle altogether. One day when playing basketball with his brother, Michael encountered an issue of a different category; he couldn't shoot the ball into the net as a result of muscle limitations that affect the right side of his body. At the time, Ashton offered a few words of wisdom that have since stayed with the younger twin: "You can do anything you want. I can't make that shot for you. Mom's not here; she can't do it for you. It's your challenge. Stop using your disability as a crutch. This is your obstacle."
Ashton took on a protective role over his younger brother, so much so that when it was revealed Michael needed a heart transplant at only 13 years of age, the actor thought about donating it himself during the first 48 hours, when it was thought no donor would surface. They eventually found a donor, and since then the brothers have been inseparable. On many an occasion, Ashton has recounted how difficult those times were and, how he reached the decision to potentially end his life in order to save that of his twin.
University for a cure
While brothers normally maintain a close relationship, for Ashton, this bond was amplified by the possibility of losing Michael so early in his life. In 1996, Kutcher enrolled at the University of Iowa to study biochemical engineering with the intention of finding a cure to his brother's cerebral palsy.
Ashton's intentions were good, but before long he gave in to the party lifestyle of a student. At the suggestion of a friend, Kutcher entered and won a local modelling contest called 'Fresh Face' which took him to New York. From there, Kutcher found himself in Los Angeles where he began his acting career, soon appearing in titles such as, 'Dude, where's my car?' and 'That 70's Show'.
Ashton never found a cure for his brother's condition, but Michael had long before decided not to let it set him back in anyway. Quite the opposite in fact, Michael married and now has a son, he occasionally undergoes various heart surgeries, yet for the most part, he is very much a motivational figure. Young people are encouraged by Michael who tells them of his own experience, he inspires them to seize the day and not to be defeated in the face of any obstacles.
Philanthropy
Both Michael and Ashton work with numerous charities that look into disabilities and other conditions. In fact, it was the actor himself who introduced his brother's story to the world, which has since allowed Michael to become the well-known speaker he is today.
Nowadays, although separated both geographically and by the lives they lead, the brothers are still as close as they were before. Michael has mentioned that every time the two speak on the phone, they end with 'I love you'.
