Wilmer Valderrama played the character Fez on the Fox period sitcom That '70s Show, which aired for eight seasons from 1998 to 2006. As the group’s lovable but eccentric foreign exchange student, Valderrama’s performance became a cornerstone of the series, eventually leading him to reprise the role in the Netflix sequel series, That '90s Show.
The character of Fez is one of the most recognizable figures in American sitcom history, defined by his mysterious origin, unique accent, and obsession with candy and romance. While the show featured an ensemble cast, Valderrama’s portrayal of the "outsider" provided much of the show’s physical comedy and long-running gags. As we look back from 2026, the character’s legacy continues to be discussed in the context of both comedic timing and the evolution of international representation on television.
The Origins of Fez and the Casting of Wilmer Valderrama
When That '70s Show began development in the late 1990s, the creators, Bonnie and Terry Turner, sought to capture the essence of being a teenager in 1970s Wisconsin. The character of the "foreign exchange student" was designed to be a blank slate—a character who could react to American culture with fresh eyes.
Wilmer Valderrama was only 18 years old when he landed the role. At the time, he was a relatively unknown actor who had moved to the United States from Venezuela at age 13. During the audition process, Valderrama made a creative choice that would define the character for nearly three decades: he invented a completely unique, non-specific accent.
Valderrama has often explained that he intentionally blended various linguistic patterns so that the audience—and the other characters—could never pinpoint exactly where Fez was from. This decision protected the "mystery" of the character and allowed the writers to make jokes about various cultures without offending any specific nation. The name "Fez" itself is actually an acronym for Foreign Exchange Student. While the phonetic spelling uses a "z," the source is the abbreviation F.E.S.
The Mystery of Fez’s Homeland
One of the longest-running jokes in That '70s Show was the absolute refusal of the show’s writers to reveal Fez’s home country. Throughout all 200 episodes of the original series, several "near-reveals" occurred, but the truth remained hidden.
Key Moments of Ambiguity
In the episode "Kelsey's Burger," Fez finally says his real name, but the dialogue is completely drowned out by a school bell. Later, Valderrama revealed in interviews that he was actually reciting the names of his real-life cast members during that take, as no actual name had been written in the script.
Other hints provided throughout the series only served to confuse the audience further:
- Fez once mentioned that his people are "the sworn enemies of the British," which could apply to dozens of nations.
- He noted that his country has "no islands" but also suggested it was surrounded by water.
- He once claimed his country's primary export was "guano" (bird droppings).
- In one episode, a character from his home country appears, but he also speaks in the same ambiguous accent.
By the time the series concluded in 2006, the mystery had become so central to the character's identity that revealing the truth would have been a disappointment to the fanbase. In the 2020s revival, the mystery remained intact, honoring the original creative vision.
The Evolution of the Character (1998–2006)
Fez’s journey across the eight seasons of That '70s Show saw him transition from a naive newcomer to a confident, albeit still quirky, member of the Point Place social circle.
Early Seasons: The Naive Outsider
In the first few seasons, Fez is frequently confused by American customs, particularly those involving disco, dating, and the casual drug use of the era (often depicted in "The Circle"). He is often the target of Michael Kelso’s (Ashton Kutcher) jokes, though Fez often proves to be more emotionally intelligent than his peers.
Middle Seasons: The Ladies' Man
As the show progressed, Fez developed a persona as a "hopeless romantic" with a surprising amount of "game." His obsession with Jackie Burkhart (Mila Kunis) was a recurring theme, which eventually culminated in a controversial romantic pairing in the final season. His love for candy, particularly "bit-o-honey" and "pop rocks," remained a consistent character trait.
The Final Season and Professional Growth
By Season 8, Fez had transitioned from a student to a professional. He worked at a local salon, demonstrating a talent for hair styling—a plot point that would serve as the foundation for his character’s status in the 2023 sequel.
Reprising the Role: That '90s Show
In 2023, Netflix released That '90s Show, a sequel set 15 years after the original finale. Wilmer Valderrama was one of the first original cast members to express enthusiasm for returning. In the new series, set in 1995, Fez is no longer the tag-along friend; he is a successful entrepreneur.
He is the owner of "Chez Fez," the leading hair salon in Point Place. This evolution felt natural to fans who remembered his career aspirations in the original series' final episodes. Valderrama’s return was met with critical acclaim, as he managed to recapture the specific vocal cadences and physical comedy of the character after a 17-year hiatus.
As of 2026, his portrayal in the sequel series has added new layers to the character. We see Fez navigating adulthood, dealing with the next generation of teenagers (led by Eric and Donna's daughter, Leia Forman), and maintaining a relationship with Sherri Runck, the Formans' neighbor.
Analyzing the "Fez Accent" and Performance
The technical depth of Valderrama’s performance lies in his vocal work. To maintain the accent for eight years—and then resurrect it decades later—required significant consistency. Valderrama has noted that the voice is slightly higher in pitch than his natural speaking voice and involves a specific "lilt" that mimics Spanish, Portuguese, and even various island dialects.
Beyond the voice, Fez was a highly physical character. Valderrama utilized dance (especially disco) and exaggerated facial expressions to convey Fez’s emotions. This physical comedy was essential in making Fez a "breakout" character who could hold his own alongside established actors and the natural charisma of his young co-stars.
| Feature | That '70s Show (Fez) | That '90s Show (Fez) |
|---|---|---|
| Age Range | 16–22 | 35–40+ |
| Occupation | Student / Shampoo Boy | Salon Owner (Chez Fez) |
| Primary Goal | Finding a girlfriend / Fitting in | Running a business / Romance |
| Main Love Interest | Jackie Burkhart (Season 8) | Sherri Runck |
| Signature Look | Bell bottoms, polyester shirts | 90s silk shirts, manicured hair |
| Key Catchphrase | "I said good day!" | "I said good day!" (Legacy) |
Cultural Impact and Modern Perspectives
In 2026, looking back at a character created in 1998, there is often a discussion regarding the "Foreign Exchange Student" trope. Some modern critics have debated whether Fez was a stereotype. However, Wilmer Valderrama has consistently defended the character, noting that Fez was often the "smartest person in the room" and that his "otherness" was his greatest strength.
Valderrama has often stated that Fez represented the immigrant experience in a way that was accessible to a broad audience. He wasn't just a caricature; he was a core member of the group who was loved by his friends. For many Latino viewers in the early 2000s, seeing Valderrama (a Venezuelan-American) as a series regular on a major network was a significant moment of representation, even if the character’s specific nationality was never defined.
Wilmer Valderrama’s Career Beyond Fez
While Fez remains his most famous comedic role, Valderrama successfully transitioned into a versatile actor in both drama and voice work. His ability to move away from the "Fez" persona was crucial to his long-term success in Hollywood.
- NCIS: Valderrama joined the cast of the long-running CBS procedural NCIS as Special Agent Nick Torres in 2016. This role was the polar opposite of Fez—tough, physical, and serious.
- Handy Manny: He provided the voice for the title character in the Disney Junior animated series, becoming a staple of children’s programming for several years.
- Encanto: In 2021, he voiced Agustín Madrigal in the Academy Award-winning Disney film Encanto, further cementing his place in the Disney family.
- Production: Through his production company, WV Entertainment, Valderrama has worked to bring more diverse stories to television and film, often focusing on the Latino community.
For more information on his career, his official IMDb profile provides a comprehensive list of his credits.
Common Misconceptions About Fez
Despite the show's popularity, several myths persist about the character and the actor.
- The "Hidden Country" Myth: Some fans believe the writers actually had a country in mind. However, the creators have confirmed in various "Behind the Scenes" specials that they never chose a specific nation to keep the joke alive indefinitely.
- Valderrama’s Accent: Many viewers originally thought Valderrama spoke with that accent in real life. In reality, he speaks perfect English with a standard American accent, which often surprised fans during talk show appearances in the late 90s.
- The Name: While commonly thought to be a real name, the script originally referred to the character as "F.E.S." until the name Fez was adopted for easier reading and pronunciation.
Summary of Fez's Historical Timeline
- 1998: Wilmer Valderrama debuts as Fez in the pilot episode of That '70s Show.
- 2001: The character's popularity peaks with "Fez-centric" episodes like his various dream sequences and musical numbers.
- 2005: Wilmer Valderrama starts voice acting for Handy Manny while still filming the final seasons of the show.
- 2006: That '70s Show ends; Fez ends the series in a relationship with Jackie.
- 2023: Valderrama returns as "Special Guest Star" Fez in That '90s Show on Netflix.
- 2024–2026: Fez continues to be a recurring fan-favorite in the sequel series, bridging the gap between generations of fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name "Fez" stand for?
The name "Fez" is an acronym for Foreign Exchange Student. In the show's lore, the characters found his real name too difficult to pronounce, so they simply called him by his status in the group. The spelling was changed from FES to Fez for the scripts.
What is Fez’s real name?
Fez’s real name is never revealed to the audience. In one episode, he tells the group his name, but the sound of a school bell rings throughout the entire duration of his speech, making it impossible for the viewer to hear it. Wilmer Valderrama has stated that there was no "real" name written in the script for that scene.
Where is Fez from in That '70s Show?
His country of origin is never named. The show used this as a long-running gag, providing contradictory clues that made it impossible to identify a real-world location. This allowed the character to remain a "universal" foreigner.
Is Wilmer Valderrama in the new That '90s Show?
Yes, Wilmer Valderrama reprises his role as Fez in the Netflix series That '90s Show. In this sequel, his character has become a successful hair salon owner in Point Place and appears as a recurring guest star to guide the new generation of kids.
Why did Fez and Jackie end up together?
In the final season (Season 8), the writers decided to pair Fez and Jackie Burkhart together. This was a polarizing decision among fans, as Jackie had previously been in long-term relationships with Kelso and Hyde. However, the writers felt it rewarded Fez’s long-standing crush on Jackie.
Future Outlook for the Character
As of 2026, Wilmer Valderrama remains active in the industry, and his portrayal of Fez continues to be celebrated as a masterclass in comedic character acting. Whether through reruns of the original series or new episodes of the revival, the character of Fez remains a vital part of television history. Valderrama's ability to balance the character's inherent "otherness" with a deep sense of humanity is what allowed Fez to transcend being a simple punchline and become a beloved icon.
For fans looking to revisit the character, the original series is frequently available on various streaming platforms (subject to licensing agreements), while That '90s Show remains a staple of the Netflix comedy lineup.
