LiveWorld Transcripts

CosmoGIRL! presents

Wilmer Valderrama
Co-star of "That '70s Show"

December 11, 2000

Kind of like his character Fez, on "That '70s Show," Wilmer Valderrama came to this country at age 13 without knowing a single word of English. Since then, Wilmer picked up English and American culture, but still managed to keep those way hot Venezuelan looks, (not to mention those sexy dance moves!). Read what Wilmer had to say about his show and his life in America.

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CosmoGIRL: Welcome to our chat with Wilmer Valderrama! This chat is sponsored by CosmoGIRL!, a magazine for REAL girls with REAL issues.

Hot Pinky53: Hi, I was wondering if you liked being famous, and what are the ups and downs?

Wilmer Valderrama: There are a couple of good things and bad things to this business. The good thing is that you are basically admired by people you have never met. It is a way of connecting with those people. There are so many great things. Being respected for something that you do is great. Sometimes it can get pretty scary though, like when you think you have a lot of friends, and you find yourself in a room not actually knowing anyone.

Wiz: Awesome show, and your character is terrific. Do you get to input much into the scripts?

Wilmer Valderrama: Thank you, I am glad you like the show! We have an amazing writing staff. Pretty much everything they write for us is gold, so it's tough for us to have input in the script. But every once in a while, we kinda add a little thing here and there.

Fez: Wow! Great show! When you are not busy acting, what do you do in your spare time?

Wilmer Valderrama: I try to spend as much time with my little sister as possible. I also have a newborn brother who's about 5 months old. I don't get to stay home that often; therefore, it is exciting to be at home. I try to remain very close to my best friends, because in this profession, you have to be sure of who your real friends are.

Kellis: Why did you pick "That '70s Show" to play on, and when is your birthday?

Wilmer Valderrama: The truth is most of the first time actors have no choice in what show to do or not to do. We are just glad to be working, happy to do what we like to do. So the fact that I am part of this wonderful show is very gratifying. I was born January 30, 1980.

Boonebay: Being the talented and awesome actor that you are (sucking up here), has it put a strain on your life? How has your relationship with girls changed from before you were an actor and now?

Wilmer Valderrama: First of all, thank you for such wonderful recognition! You know, it is interesting--when I was in high school, my accent was a lot stronger then it is today. So a lot of girls thought I was this adorable thing, you know? They liked to have me around, but they probably wouldn't date me. Now I am a lot more experienced, and being in this industry you really have to be quick in the mind to survive. Otherwise, you will be just another actor who tried. I now realize what to do and what not to do, what to say and what not to say, and when to say it or not say it.

Fezfan: How did you teach yourself English?

Wilmer Valderrama: I had to; I had no choice. The truth is when you are in junior high and you find yourself sitting in the cafeteria with your sister next to you, you realize that you don't want to live in fear. It was terrifying to me to be sitting in a school basically mute. I could not communicate with anyone. I couldn't have any friends. And let's not even think about social life in the classroom! A lot of those things just kinda motivated me to work really hard. I didn't want to be average. I wanted my parents to be proud, and I wanted to feel proud of myself. I am really proud today!

Tinkerbell141: Wilmer, you have been on "That 70s Show" for a while now, but are you thinking about ever making movies?

Wilmer Valderrama: Actually, last summer I made my first movie. I am very excited about it, because I worked with amazing and awesome people. The movie has such an amazing cast—it stars Freddie Prinze Jr., Matthew Lillard, Brian Dennehy, Fred Ward, Jessica Biel, Brittany Murphy, and so many others that I respect as performers. It was just an awesome summer! The film is called either "Summer Catch" or just "Catch."

Aquagirl: Is Fez destined to get all the girls?

Wilmer Valderrama: Thank you! My answer is let's hope to God!

Trantasgal: What do you think of the 70s clothes? Do you like them?

Wilmer Valderrama: I don't mind them. I think they are a lot of fun to wear. I only wear them once a week. My butt looks pretty good!

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