🌱 Then: From Miami to Venezuela and Back
Wilmer Eduardo Valderrama was born on January 30, 1980, in Miami, Florida. 🌴
At age three, his family moved to Venezuela — his father’s homeland — and he spent his formative years there before returning to the U.S. at 13.
Back in Los Angeles as a teenager, he caught the acting bug fast. Still in high school, he landed the role that would define a decade: Fez on That ’70s Show.
As the lovable exchange student with the unplaceable accent, Valderrama stole scenes for all eight seasons, from 1998 to 2006.
He arrived as part of a sitcom boom that minted a generation of stars — the same era that gave us The Office and Jenna Fischer. 📺
Early film roles followed: Summer Catch (2001), Party Monster (2003), and Beauty Shop (2005).
He also hosted MTV’s Yo Momma (2006–2007) and voiced Manny in Disney’s Handy Manny (2006–2013). 🎙️
🎬 Middle: Shedding Fez, Building an Empire
After That ’70s Show ended, Valderrama deliberately chased darker, dramatic roles to escape Fez’s shadow.
He headlined NBC’s Awake (2012), played Carlos Madrigal in From Dusk till Dawn: The Series (2014–2016), and joined The Ranch in 2018.
In 2016, he landed the role that became his second act: Special Agent Nick Torres on NCIS, joining in the show’s fourteenth season.
A decade later, he’s still there — a run of longevity few TV actors ever reach.
Like Aaron Paul, Valderrama turned one iconic TV role into a career of steady reinvention, adding producing to his résumé through his company WV Entertainment.
He’s also developing a Zorro series at Disney Branded Television, attached to star as Diego de la Vega and executive produce — though no premiere date has been announced. ⚔️
His voice work includes Disney’s Encanto (2021), and he was named a USO Global Ambassador in 2021 after touring for troops since 2007.
In 2017, he co-founded the nonprofit Harness with America Ferrera to boost Latino representation in media.
Off screen, he got engaged to model Amanda Pacheco in January 2020. They share two children: daughter Nakano Oceana (born February 15, 2021) and son Wolf Monte (born July 11, 2025). ❤️
✨ Now: Season 24 of NCIS and Counting
Valderrama’s eleventh season on NCIS is its biggest yet. Season 24 premiered on CBS on October 6, 2026, after the network renewed the show on January 22, 2026.
The new season picks up the cliffhanger from the season 23 finale “Sons and Daughters,” which left Torres in a tense standoff with Mateo — the son of Timothy McGee.
Fans finally got answers in the premiere, “Wayward Son.” 🙌
The season also brings back Michael Weatherly as Tony DiNozzo for a season-long arc — his biggest return since leaving in 2016.
It’s a changing of the guard: Director Leon Vance, played by Rocky Carroll, was killed off in the show’s milestone 500th episode during season 23.
New episodes air Tuesdays at 8/7c on CBS and stream on Paramount+. 📺
At 46, Valderrama has gone from the kid with the funny accent to one of TV drama’s longest-running stars — and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
❓ Wilmer Valderrama FAQ
How old is Wilmer Valderrama?
Born January 30, 1980, Wilmer Valderrama is 46 years old as of October 2026.
Is Wilmer Valderrama still on NCIS?
Yes — he returned as Special Agent Nick Torres for season 24, which premiered October 6, 2026 on CBS.
Is Wilmer Valderrama married?
He’s engaged to model Amanda Pacheco (since January 2020). They have two children: Nakano Oceana (2021) and Wolf Monte (2025).
What happened to Torres in the NCIS season 23 finale?
The finale “Sons and Daughters” ended with Torres in a standoff with Mateo, McGee’s son. The outcome was revealed in the season 24 premiere.
Is Wilmer Valderrama making a Zorro series?
He’s attached to star in and executive produce a Zorro series in development at Disney Branded Television, but no premiere date has been announced.
What else is Wilmer Valderrama known for?
Fez on That ’70s Show (1998–2006), voicing Agustín in Disney’s Encanto (2021), hosting MTV’s Yo Momma, and his work as a USO Global Ambassador.