Topher Grace: Nerdiness Got Me 'That '70s Show' Role TV The 'Spider-Man 3' actor believes he landed his lifetime role on the classic television comedy show, despite his lack of acting experience, because he was a 'real, actual nerd.' Apr 11, 2021 Topher Grace is convinced he was only cast in TV comedy " That '70s Show" because he's a "real, actual nerd" as he had no idea about acting when he first auditioned. The star was still a teenager trying to figure out his future career path when a friend suggested he try out for the new sitcom - but Topher had already decided acting was "never" going to be part of his plan.