Wilmer Valderrama (born January 30, 1980) is an American actor, producer, and television personality, best known for his role as Fez on the hit sitcom That '70s Show and as Special Agent Nick Torres on the long-running series NCIS.
Born in Miami, Florida, to parents of Venezuelan and Colombian descent, Valderrama moved to Venezuela as a child before returning to the United States. His multicultural upbringing shaped his identity and career as a performer.
Valderrama rose to fame in the late 1990s with That '70s Show, which became a cultural phenomenon. He later hosted MTV’s Yo Momma and built a versatile career in television, film, and voice acting, including roles in Disney’s Handy Manny and the animated hit Encanto.
Beyond acting, Valderrama is active in philanthropy, advocating for Latino representation in media and supporting organizations focused on education, voting rights, and veterans. He has emerged as a prominent voice for diversity in Hollywood.
Date of Birth: January 30, 1980
Place of Birth: Miami, Florida, U.S.
Nationality: American
Known for: That '70s Show, NCIS, Voice Acting in Encanto, MTV’s Yo Momma
From comedy to drama, Valderrama has demonstrated his versatility as an actor. His enduring role on NCIS has solidified his presence in American television, while his voice acting has connected him with younger audiences around the world.
| Year(s) | Project / Role | Type / Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998–2006 | That ’70s Show – Fez | Fox / Sitcom | Breakout role as the lovable foreign exchange student; became a pop-culture icon. |
| 2006 | Yo Momma – Host / Producer | MTV | Created and hosted the hit reality show focused on comedic battles and street culture. |
| 2011–2015 | From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series – Carlos Madrigal | El Rey Network | Portrayed a dark and charismatic antagonist in Robert Rodriguez’s action-horror series. |
| 2016–Present | NCIS – Special Agent Nick Torres | CBS / Procedural Drama | Joined the long-running crime series, earning praise for his depth and representation of Latino characters. |
| 2019 | Encanto – Voice of Agustín Madrigal | Disney Animated Film | Contributed to the Academy Award–winning film that celebrated Colombian culture and family values. |
| 2020–Present | Producer / Activist | WV Entertainment / Various Platforms | Produces diverse media projects and advocates for Latino inclusion in Hollywood. |
| Legacy | Actor, Producer, and Advocate | Film & Television | Recognized for breaking stereotypes and amplifying Latino voices in mainstream media. |
Valderrama has been open about his Latino heritage and its influence on his career. He is engaged to Amanda Pacheco, with whom he has a daughter, and continues to balance his professional and personal life with advocacy for community issues.
Wilmer Valderrama remains a leading figure in Hollywood, admired for his comedic talent, dramatic performances, and dedication to social causes. His career exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to representation in entertainment.