PLAIN TWP. − America made an immediate impression on television star Wilmer Valderrama when he drove across the country as a young boy on the way to Los Angeles. The 13-year-old boy and his family had left Venezuela because of political turmoil and a desire to find a better life. Driving across the United States, Valderrama was taken by the patchwork of different states and cultures. Each place unique with its own scenery and music and food, he said. Also catching his attention were the American flags he often saw waving in the wind at gas stations and other places. "I just started falling in love with all of it," Valderrama said. "And I just wanted to be part of all of it."
That is when he started to believe anything was possible in this country if you worked hard and believed in yourself. Acting would be his outlet for pursuing his dream and earning a living. Commercials at first and then a role that changed the trajectory of his life — portraying Fez on "That '70s Show" from 1998 to 2006."It was that quick reminder that anything can happen," he said of his entry into showbiz. "In that moment, it told me that anything can really happen in this country."
Valderrama shared the inspiring story Thursday night at a Stark Library author series event at First Christian Church in Plain Township. Speaking to an estimated 2,000 people, the 45-year actor told a gritty story of how his family arrived in America with a work ethic and determination but little else. It became a central theme in his memoir, "An American Story: Everybody's Invited." "What this book became for me was a reminder of our American story," Valderrama said. "The American story that we hold together, that we're not very different you and I. That whether it's our faith, our culture, our common sense of humanity or just the commonality of a single dream, no matter what that dream looks like." The author also discussed a gamut of other topics while answering questions from moderator Mike Gallina, vice president of organizational development and community engagement for Aultman Health System. Subjects included the popularity of his character on "That '70s Show," acting with Tom Hanks in "Larry Crowne," the advice he received from late acting icon Robin Williams, and his longtime and current role on the CBS television series "NCIS."
Fez was the 'secret weapon' on 'That '70s Show'
Valderrama initially thought his audition for "That '70s Show" bombed. Laughter was so loud during his tryout that he had trouble hearing the other person who was speaking lines. But the outbursts from those overseeing the audition were triggered by Valderrama's comedic charm. "Fez, this character became like this secret weapon," he said of "That '70s Show." "If a scene got too heavy, they said, 'Oh, bring Fez in.'" Valderrama also played Fez in the first season of "That '90s Show" in 2023. "The character became so familiar to people that people took him in," he said. "And it became very quotable. I have so many things quoted to me when I'm at restaurants."
What advice did Robin Williams give Valderrama?
While filming "That '70s Show," a young Valderrama had the opportunity to meet Williams. An 18-year-old Valderrama asked the legend for advice. Williams implored him to never forget the fans and the impact an actor can make during even a brief encounter. Williams also said of acting: "It's supposed to be fun." It motivated the newcomer. "If you wake up this morning, you're a winner, and how much winning do you want to do today," Valderrama said.
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Ed Balint
Canton Repository
