Wilmer Valderrama’s essentials: sweatshirts, early runs, and ‘The Golden Bachelor’
With nearly thirty years in the industry, Wilmer Valderrama shows no signs of stopping his evolution.
The actor of Venezuelan and Colombian descent, known for his roles in “That ’70s Show,” “NCIS,” and “Handy Manny,” opens up about his journey and career in his latest memoir, “An American Story: Everyone’s Invited” (available now).
Valderrama shares, “When you realize that various generations are growing up with different aspects of your work, it’s not just humbling—it’s a significant responsibility to elevate your game.”
Starting his career at 18 as the lively Fez in “That ’70s Show,” Valderrama expresses, “Everything I’m currently working on will feel like a fresh introduction to me.” He aims to lead fans on fun, healing, exciting, and hopefully inspiring adventures.
Juggling busy days filming for television and movies, running several businesses, and being a parent to his 3-year-old daughter Nakano, here are Wilmer Valderrama’s essentials for managing his busy lifestyle.
Wilmer Valderrama’s effortless style
For Valderrama, simplicity is the key in fashion.
When he’s not in sharp business suits for work, he’s usually in athletic wear. As the founder of E.P.U. activewear, his top choice? A classic crewneck sweatshirt.
“There’s something truly effortless about it,” Valderrama explains. “Add jeans, and you still look put-together without trying too hard.”
In terms of hair, he keeps it straightforward with a wax paste from Baxter of California.
“I have so much thick hair; it’s the only product that can tame it. Otherwise, it turns into Erik Estrada hair,” he jokes, referencing the “CHiPs” star’s voluminous hair.
Wilmer Valderrama’s fitness regimen: ‘Therapeutic’ morning jogs and ‘ceremonial’ coffee
As the saying goes, the early bird gets to stay fit, and Valderrama follows this philosophy.
Each day begins at 4:30 a.m. with his workouts: “With limited hours in the day due to being on set and managing production companies, early starts are essential,” he notes.
Valderrama’s fitness routine includes circuit training, weight lifting, and mixed martial arts, but he particularly enjoys outdoor runs.
“Running in the early morning presents a peaceful environment—no cars, just tranquility. The air is crisp and clean; you can see the stars while listening to your favorite tunes. It’s a very therapeutic experience,” he describes.
After his morning workout, he rewards himself with a “perfect espresso shot.”
“Selecting and grinding the beans is a ritual for me,” Valderrama states. “Making coffee has to be done by me”
You’ll have to patiently watch as it trickles into the cup. And there’s just a tiny cube of coconut brown sugar resting at the bottom.
Wilmer Valderrama is loving this fantastic album
Recently, Valderrama has been in the mood for some nostalgic tunes from the ’90s.
The “Encanto” star has been enjoying the first three albums of salsa legend Marc Anthony—”Otra Nota,” “Todo a Su Tiempo,” and “Contra la Corriente”—playing them back-to-back.
He’s also revisiting Santana’s hit 1999 album “Supernatural,” which includes the iconic collaboration with Rob Thomas on “Smooth.” Valderrama shares, “That album is incredible. You really don’t realize how many hits are packed into it.”
Moreover, Valderrama has a long-standing appreciation for Rob Thomas’ band, Matchbox Twenty. “I grew up listening to them. Rob Thomas is one of my favorite songwriters.”
Wilmer Valderrama describes this reality show as a ‘beacon of hope’
When Valderrama tunes into TV, he enjoys the drama it brings.
Some of his recent favorites include the Netflix legal thriller “The Lincoln Lawyer,” starring his friend and former co-star Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, as well as the Emmy-winning historical drama “Shōgun.”
Valderrama is also a proud fan of Bachelor Nation, as he and his fiancée Amanda Pacheco have made it a habit to watch “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette.”
“I’m not embarrassed to admit that I look forward to those Monday nights, and sometimes Tuesdays,” Valderrama admits. “It’s something Amanda and I share a connection over. Watching that show is entertaining yet often frustrating.”
He also appreciates the franchise’s senior spin-off, “The Golden Bachelor,” affectionately dubbing Gerry Turner “my boy.”
“I had the chance to meet him, and he was incredibly kind. To me, ‘The Golden Bachelor’ was a beacon of hope. I felt so uplifted watching it.”