Wilmer Valderrama is known to a generation of fans as Fez, the lovable foreign exchange student from the hit sitcom “That ’70s Show”. But there’s more to the actor than just his comedic timing and exaggerated accent. In recent years, Valderrama has become a vocal advocate for immigration reform and a spokesperson for the Latino community.
Valderrama was born in Miami, Florida in 1980, but grew up predominantly in Venezuela with his mother and siblings. He returned to the U.S. when he was 13, and launched his acting career soon after. He got his big break in 1998 when he was cast as Fez on “That ’70s Show”, which ran for eight demi–lovato-when-she-started–dating–wilmer–valderrama” title=”How Old Was Demi Lovato When She Started Dating Wilmer Valderrama”>seasons and made him a household name.
Since then, Valderrama has appeared in numerous film and television projects, including the drama series “NCIS” and the animated children’s show “Handy Manny”. He’s also lent his voice to several video games, including “Scarface: The World Is Yours” and “Call of Duty: Black Ops”.
But Valderrama’s most impactful work might be his activism. He’s been a passionate advocate for immigrant rights and has spoken out against policies that seek to restrict or criminalize undocumented immigrants. He’s also been vocal about the need for more representation and diversity in Hollywood.
In 2013, Valderrama teamed up with Voto Latino, a non-profit organization that works to engage and empower Latino millennials in the democratic process. He’s served as the organization’s spokesperson and has helped register thousands of new voters. He’s also hosted events, like the Power Summit, where he and other celebrities highlight issues that matter to young Latinos.
Valderrama was also instrumental in the creation of the Immigrant Archive Project, which seeks to document the stories of immigrants to the U.S. and preserve them for future generations. The project collects and shares stories from immigrants of all backgrounds and nationalities, and serves as a reminder of the contributions that immigrants have made to American society.
In addition to his activism, Valderrama has also continued to pursue his acting career. He recently appeared in the Netflix series “The Ranch” and the film “Charming”, where he voiced the character of Prince Philippe Charming. He’s also set to star in the upcoming film “Blast Beat”, a coming-of-age story about two Colombian brothers living in suburban America.
Valderrama’s success as an actor and activist is a testament to his talent and hard work. He’s shown that it’s possible to use one’s platform for good and make a positive difference in the world. As he said in a 2019 interview with Forbes, “It’s not about the fame or the spotlight. It’s about using your voice to create movements that empower people and make the world a better place.”
Wilmer Valderrama may have made a name for himself as an actor, but his work off-screen is just as impressive. He’s a beacon of hope for the Latino community and a reminder that each one of us can make a difference in the world.