Wilmer Valderrama is a versatile American actor, producer, and television personality who rose to international fame with his role as Fez on the hit sitcom “That '70s Show.” Since then, he has built an impressive career spanning television, film, and voice acting, currently starring as Special Agent Nicholas Torres on the long-running series “NCIS.”
| Full Name | Wilmer Eduardo Valderrama |
|---|---|
| Profession | Actor, Producer, TV Personality |
| Birthday | January 30, 1980 |
| Age | 45 (as of 2025) |
| Birth Sign | Aquarius |
| Birthplace | Miami, Florida, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Net Worth | $20 million (estimated 2025) |
Early Life & Background
Wilmer Eduardo Valderrama was born on January 30, 1980, in Miami, Florida, to parents of Colombian and Venezuelan descent. Though born in the United States, Wilmer spent a significant portion of his childhood in Venezuela before his family returned to the US when he was 14. This multicultural upbringing gave him fluency in both English and Spanish. He has three siblings: Christian, Marylin, and Stephanie. After returning to America, he attended high school in California where he became involved in theater productions, which sparked his interest in acting.
Career Journey
Early Career
Wilmer’s professional career began with a Spanish-language Pacific Bell commercial, his first official acting job. This initial exposure to the entertainment industry led to small roles in various productions before his big break.
Breakthrough Role
In 1998, Valderrama landed the role that would define his early career – Fez, the charismatic foreign exchange student in Fox’s hit sitcom “That '70s Show.” For eight seasons until 2006, his portrayal of the lovable character with an unspecified foreign accent earned him widespread recognition and a devoted fan base.
Expanding Horizons
Following “That '70s Show,” Wilmer diversified his career by hosting the MTV series “Yo Momma” from 2006 to 2007. He also ventured into film with roles in movies like “Fast Food Nation,” “Zoom,” and “Larry Crowne.”
Voice Acting
Valderrama has established himself as a successful voice actor, most notably providing the voice for the character of Manny in the animated children’s series “Handy Manny” from 2006 to 2013.
Recent Success
Since 2016, Valderrama has portrayed Special Agent Nicholas Torres on CBS’s hit procedural drama “NCIS,” cementing his status as a television mainstay. He has also had recurring roles on other popular series including “Grey’s Anatomy” and “The Ranch.”
Personal Life
Wilmer Valderrama’s personal life has often garnered significant media attention. He dated actress Lindsay Lohan in 2004 and had a highly publicized relationship with singer and actress Demi Lovato from 2010 to 2016.
In January 2020, Valderrama announced his engagement to Amanda Pacheco on New Year’s Day. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Nakano Oceana Valderrama, on February 15, 2021. As of 2025, the family resides in Los Angeles, California.
Beyond his family life, Valderrama is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly with organizations supporting the Latino community and immigration rights.
Net Worth & Financial Success
As of 2025, Wilmer Valderrama’s net worth is estimated at approximately $20 million. His wealth stems from multiple sources:
- Television salary: Particularly from long-running roles on “That '70s Show” and “NCIS”
- Film projects: Both as an actor and producer
- Voice acting work: Including his long stint on “Handy Manny”
- Production company: Through his company WV Entertainment
- Endorsement deals: Various brand partnerships throughout his career
Valderrama has invested wisely in real estate, owning several properties in the Los Angeles area that have appreciated significantly in value.
Notable Facts & Trivia
- Wilmer became a United States citizen in 2018, despite living in the U.S. most of his life
- He has been active in voter registration campaigns targeting Latino communities
- Valderrama purchased the iconic car from the classic TV show “CHiPs”
- He has served as a spokesperson for organizations focused on immigration rights
- His character Fez’s home country was never specified on “That '70s Show”
- He has directed several music videos for artists
- Valderrama has been nominated for several ALMA Awards, which recognize Latino contributions to entertainment
- He speaks fluent Spanish and English
Physical Appearance
Wilmer stands at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall. He maintains a fit physique through regular exercise and training, particularly for his action-oriented role on “NCIS.” His distinctive features include his charismatic smile and expressive eyes that have been part of his on-screen charm throughout his career.
Social Media Presence
Valderrama maintains an active presence across various social media platforms where he shares insights into both his professional projects and personal life, including family moments with his daughter. He often uses his platform to advocate for causes important to him, particularly those affecting the Latino community.
FAQ
1. How old is Wilmer Valderrama? Wilmer Valderrama is 45 years old as of 2025, having been born on January 30, 1980.
2. Who is Wilmer Valderrama married to? As of 2025, Wilmer is engaged to Amanda Pacheco. They have been engaged since January 1, 2020.
3. Does Wilmer Valderrama have children? Yes, Wilmer has a daughter named Nakano Oceana Valderrama, born on February 15, 2021.
4. What is Wilmer Valderrama’s most famous role? He is best known for playing Fez on “That '70s Show” and more recently as Special Agent Nicholas Torres on “NCIS.”
5. What is Wilmer Valderrama’s net worth? As of 2025, his estimated net worth is approximately $20 million.