Wilmer Valderrama, American actor and producer

Wilmer Eduardo Valderrama, born on January 30, 1980, is a versatile American actor, producer, and television personality. Born in Miami, Florida, Valderrama spent part of his childhood in Venezuela before returning to the United States, which contributed to his bilingual fluency and deep connection to his heritage. He is widely recognized for his captivating presence across diverse entertainment platforms, from iconic sitcoms to long-running dramas and impactful advocacy work.

One of Valderrama's most defining roles came early in his career as Fez in the critically acclaimed Fox sitcom That '70s Show, which aired from 1998 to 2006. As the enigmatic foreign exchange student, Fez quickly became a fan favorite, known for his unique accent, often-misunderstood cultural references, and endearing innocence. This role cemented Valderrama's place in pop culture and showcased his comedic timing for eight successful seasons. Following this, he took on a more dramatic turn as Carlos Madrigal in the El Rey Network's supernatural crime series From Dusk till Dawn: The Series (2014–2016), a gritty adaptation of the cult film franchise by Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino.

Beyond traditional acting, Valderrama has also made significant contributions as a television host and voice actor. He hosted the popular MTV improvisational comedy series Yo Momma from 2006 to 2007, where contestants engaged in insult-based rap battles. His distinctive voice also brought to life the beloved titular character, Manny Garcia, in the bilingual Disney children's animated show Handy Manny (2006–2013). This role was particularly impactful as it offered positive representation and introduced problem-solving concepts to a young audience in both English and Spanish.

In 2016, Valderrama demonstrated his dramatic range with recurring roles on two prominent television series: he appeared as Kyle Diaz, a patient with a neurological condition, on ABC's medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and as Umberto on the Netflix comedy series The Ranch. His career trajectory continued its upward climb when he joined the main cast of the CBS procedural drama NCIS in its 14th season (2016). As Special Agent Nick Torres, Valderrama portrays a highly skilled, often unconventional NCIS agent with a mysterious past, quickly becoming an integral part of one of television's longest-running and most-watched series.

Valderrama's filmography further illustrates his versatility, encompassing a variety of genres. His notable feature film performances include roles in the biographical drama Party Monster (2003), the ensemble comedy Beauty Shop (2005), the socio-political drama Fast Food Nation (2006) which explored the darker side of the American food industry, the family-friendly holiday film Unaccompanied Minors (2006), the romantic comedy Larry Crowne (2011) alongside Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, and the crime thriller The Adderall Diaries (2015). He also lent his voice to the charming character of Prince Philippe Charming in the 2018 animated family film Charming.

Wilmer Valderrama's Philanthropic and Advocacy Work

Beyond his extensive contributions to the entertainment industry, Wilmer Valderrama is a passionate advocate and humanitarian. He dedicates significant time and effort to various causes, leveraging his platform to effect positive change:

• Global Ambassador for the USO: Valderrama tours extensively with the United Service Organizations (USO), an American non-profit that provides live entertainment, morale-boosting programs, and support to members of the U.S. armed forces and their families worldwide. His commitment involves visiting military bases globally, demonstrating his unwavering support for service members.
• Voto Latino: He actively works with Voto Latino, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Latino millennials to participate more fully in the American democratic process. Through voter registration, education, and advocacy, Voto Latino aims to build a more representative democracy.
• Co-founder of Harness: In collaboration with America Ferrera and Ryan Piers Williams, Valderrama co-founded Harness, a non-profit organization that bridges the gap between artists, activists, and organizers. Harness's mission is to amplify social justice messages, foster collaboration, and create tangible impact through the power of storytelling and community engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wilmer Valderrama

What is Wilmer Valderrama best known for?

Wilmer Valderrama is most widely recognized for his role as Fez in the popular sitcom That '70s Show (1998–2006) and currently for his portrayal of Special Agent Nick Torres in the long-running CBS drama NCIS (2016–present).

What animated character did Wilmer Valderrama voice?

He provided the voice for the beloved main character, Manny Garcia, in the Disney children's show Handy Manny (2006–2013). He also voiced Prince Philippe Charming in the 2018 animated film Charming.

What are some of Wilmer Valderrama's philanthropic efforts?

Wilmer Valderrama is a Global Ambassador for the USO, actively supports the voting rights organization Voto Latino, and co-founded the non-profit organization Harness, which connects artists and activists for social justice causes.