ncis-wilmer-valderrama-addresses-his-absence-from-social-media-i've-been-working-so-hard

‘NCIS’ Star Wilmer Valderrama Addresses His ‘Absence’ From Social Media: ‘I’ve Been Working So Hard’

Wilmer Valderrama, ‘NCIS’ star, took to Instagram today to address his absence from social media over the past couple of weeks. After joking about changing a lot of diapers as of recently, he also took the opportunity to tease fans with some secret projects that should be revealed soon. Valderrama’s Instagram Story consisted of three short clips of him walking through what appeared to be a set. He reassured fans that he is doing well and that there is a lot to look forward to. Valderrama seemed to be in genuinely good spirits as evidenced by a cheesy grin throughout the Story. He ended things with a heartfelt display of gratitude for the fans that got him to where he is today.

Wilmer Valderrama’s Advocacy Podcast Is Steadily Growing

Back in July, we reported a first look at Wilmer Valderrama’s “Essential Voices” podcast available through iHeart Radio. The Covid-19 Response and emergence of a so-called “Essential Workers” class inspired the project. Wilmer recognizes the workers who so readily put others before themselves by nature of recorded intimate conversations with them directly. These conversations reveal real barriers these people face in terms of access to food, transportation, child-care and so on. Other podcast guests include well-known activists and celebrity allies.

The latest episode marks the 5th episode of the show to go live. At 40 minutes in total length, this episode focuses on domestic workers. The roundtable guest is Kristina Mevs-Apgar from the National Domestic Workers Alliance. 

Navigating Fatherhood

After welcoming his first baby daughter into the world, Wilmer Valderrama finds himself in the thick of fatherhood. Although Nakano Oceana Valderrama is only about 6 months old, her daddy is looking forward to bonding over his work together. Wilmer joked with E!News about eventually introducing Nakano to cult-classic That 70’s Show.

“I think I’m going to introduce her to Handy Manny first. If you remember, I did Handy Manny on the Disney Channel for a long time, and it was an amazing show—really funny. So, I think that will be the first thing I introduce her to will be Handy Manny.

Valderrama went on to describe how perceived image affects which roles he chooses to move forward with. He is very cognizant of how he wants to be portrayed and refuses to be less than anything authentic. Especially with a daughter in the mix now, Valderrama wants to set a good example.

“I’ve always been very responsible with the characters I’ve portrayed,” he explains. “I mean, beyond my family, I also feel indebted and very responsible for how my community, the Latino community and the immigrant community, is portrayed on screen. So, I’ve said no to a lot of the things that perhaps doesn’t further our reframing of who we are.”