From Fez to Now: See How Wilmer Valderrama (46) Has Changed Since ‘That ’70s Show’
Remember Fez from That ’70s Show? Wilmer Valderrama, now 46, has had a long and varied career in entertainment since his breakout role as the lovable foreign exchange student on the hit sitcom. Valderrama started acting in plays like A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Rumors before moving into television.
He first appeared in a Spanish-language Pacific Bell commercial and soon landed roles in the CBS miniseries Four Corners and Disney Channel’s Omba Mokomba. His film debut came with the movie Summer Catch.
In 1998, Valderrama was cast as Fez on That ’70s Show. He was just a senior in high school when filming began, but his performance quickly made him a fan favorite. The show ran for eight seasons, giving Valderrama both steady work and national recognition. In addition to acting, he appeared in films like Party Monster in 2003 and hosted MTV’s Yo Momma from 2006 to 2007. He also had guest spots on Punk’d, hosted by co-star Ashton Kutcher.
Valderrama continued to explore theater, appearing in plays such as Blackout in 2003 and a reading of Sunset Boulevard in 2004. He also starred in short films like La Torcedura and independent features including The Darwin Awards and El Muerto. He lent his voice to animated projects, including Clifford’s Really Big Movie and Disney Channel’s Handy Manny. More recently, he voiced characters in Pixar’s Onward and Disney’s Encanto.
Valderrama’s career expanded into television again with roles on shows like Wizards of Waverly Place and Royal Pains, and in 2016 he joined NCIS as Special Agent Nicholas Torres, a role that brought him to spin-offs like NCIS: New Orleans and NCIS: Hawaiʻi. He also made a guest appearance in That ’90s Show, connecting back to his roots.
Beyond acting, Valderrama has explored music. In 2011, he released the song The Way I Fiesta under his alter ego Eduardo Fresco, with a video directed by Akiva Schaffer of The Lonely Island. He also appeared in music videos for Wisin & Yandel and LMFAO. Valderrama has spoken about creating music in both English and Spanish and collaborating with producers from both sides of the industry.
Valderrama has been active in philanthropy and social causes. Since 2007, he has participated in USO tours, traveling to locations like Afghanistan, Iraq, and South Korea, and was named a USO Global Ambassador in 2021. He co-founded the non-profit Harness in 2017 with America Ferrera and Ryan Piers Williams, aimed at improving representation for marginalized communities.
Valderrama has also supported voter participation through Voto Latino and served as a spokesperson for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s Ready to Lead program. In 2021, he launched the iHeartRadio podcast Essential Voices with Wilmer Valderrama, highlighting the work of essential workers.
In his personal life, Valderrama has been linked to several high-profile relationships. He dated Mandy Moore, Lindsay Lohan, and Demi Lovato at different points. Since 2020, he has been engaged to Amanda Pacheco, with whom he has two children. Outside of entertainment, he is a car collector and famously purchased the original 1969 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser used in That ’70s Show for $500.
That ’70s Show was a major turning point for Valderrama. It gave him visibility, a loyal fan base, and opportunities in television, film, and voice acting. The role of Fez helped him establish himself in Hollywood while also opening doors for hosting, music, and philanthropic work.
Valderrama has successfully turned a single iconic role into a diverse and lasting career. He continues to entertain, produce, and advocate for social causes. What do you think about his journey from Fez to today? Share your thoughts in the comments.