Wilmer Valderrama photo: fox news
Wilmer Valderrama. He’s not just another pretty face and I found that out for myself as we chatted about his new movie The Dry Land. This moving story focuses on a soldier who returns home to Texas after war and has to adapt to his new surrounding while dealing with the deep traumas of his time in battle. The movie also stars America Ferrera, Jason Ritter, Ethan Suplee, and Ryan O’Nan. Whilst talking with Valderrama, I could see that his passion for the soldiers and the struggles they have to deal with, not only guided his choice of this movie role, but also keeps him coming back to visit his friends in the armed forces. And of course, this interview wouldn’t be complete without a nod to style-who knew Wilmer was a fan of The Rat Pack?-and of course, some talk of That 70’s Show and the remake of CHiPs. Enjoy!
WV: Your voice sounds just like mine right now!
RCR: I sound like a man! (After many loooong days and nights at Sundance)
WV: No, you sound sexy!
RCR: (Blushing) So tell me when that moment came to fruition for you when your success matched what you wanted to give your parents.
WV: When I was able to buy my family a home. That was the day I knew I was on the right track to achieve what I have wanted. I have yet to reach it. But I know I am walking a very determined pace. But that was the day when I could buy my Mom a house and tell her we aren’t paying rent anymore.
RCR: What was her reaction?
WV: Well, I joke around a lot, so she was like OK! But then I drove her and we went in to the house and it was great. It was a really surreal moment for all of us. It was the moment that we knew that the American dream was reachable.
RCR: You have a new movie called The Dry Land. Tell me a little bit about what is was like creating your character.
WV: For years I have been a member of the USO and I have traveled the world. I have been to South Korea, Germany, and I have had the privilege to go to Iraq and Afghanistan. I have met thousands of soldiers and been to those hospitals when the soldiers have only been back for 24 hours after they have gotten hit with an RPG. I was able to draw from that.
RCR: What is it like to see something like that? How did you feel?
WV: You try not to feel. That’s number 1 because the last thing they want is for someone to feel sorry for them. For me, the more I meet them, the more I hear their stories, and understand what they are going through, it fueled my passion to find a role that didn’t talk about a soldier behind the cause, but rather the human behind the soldier. And that is what drew me to The Dry Land. And I read it and it felt like it was justice to these people who need to have their story told. And to understand that it is OK to admit that you need help because a big problem a lot of the soldiers have is that they can’t admit that they need help. It is a pride thing as an armed forces member and to admit defeat and that they are going through something outside of their control, it’s very hard. So it is our hope with this movie that people walk away with saying that it is OK to feel that way. It is OK to voice the way that you are feeling because there are people out there that want to help.
RCR: I heard the cast had some pretty serious poker showdowns in between takes.
WV: I didn’t indulge in the poker sessions, I was just there making fun of them!
RCR: What did you say?
WV: They would get so pissed and so mad and I would pretend like I was playing with them so that I would just throw off the games. It was funny. I don’t gamble, so it was really funny to see when they were betting cigarettes and a pot of dollar bills. For them, it was more a pride thing-they just wanted to win. For me, it was funny-I just kept cracking jokes.
RCR: Does your excitement for what you are doing remain the same as you go from premiere to premiere?
WV: Yes, because movies are very personal. That is why I went away for a little while, so I could find the right projects. That was when I grew hungry to find roles that meant something to me and that said something, socially or about humanity.
RCR: What did you do in your time away?
WV: I produced a lot and launched a production company. Tom Forman (Relativity Real) has joined forces and our companies will create scripted and unscripted stuff. And I launched Handy Manny and I have directed a bunch of stuff too. But I wanted to take a break and I wanted to take a break from in front of the camera. But now I am coming back.
RCR: So, will there be a That 70’s Show movie?
WV: A lot of fans have asked. I think it could be hilarious. I don’t say no, I can’t say yes. But I wouldn’t be opposed to it.
RCR: Would you do it?
WV: I think it would be hilarious. That was one of the most powerful and iconic moments of our careers, so to relive it one more time would be super special. Plus, I have retired the voice the last episode and I have never done it again.
RCR: Where do you think your character Fez would be right now?
WV: I think Fez would be still teaching disco in Canada and probably has over 30 kids. I don’t even know what he is. I seriously thought he was an alien! He probably owns a few dance studios.
RCR: With awards season going on right now, what is your favorite and least favorite part of awards season?
WV: To have the ability to be in the same room as your peers, because it isn’t very often you get to be in the same room as everyone. The unity of artists is super fun. My least favorite part is when awards shows are driven by the flavor of the month or the heat of the moment or the 15 minutes of fame. Or who is going to bring the ratings. That is why some of these awards shows are BS and are corporate commercials.
RCR: Who has the best Red Carpet style?
WV: I don’t know, everyone always tries to outdo each other.
RCR: You always look great on the Red Carpet.
WV: Thanks! I have got to say, David Beckham has really raised the bar as far as wearing suits. The guy wears an amazing suit every time. And the classics. I am a huge Rat Pack fan, so Frank Sinatra in those days when you dressed up to go to work. All the boys on That 70’s Show would dress up every Friday and Monday in a 3 piece suit to go to work.
RCR: And what is up with the remake of CHiPs?
WV: We haven’t shot it yet. We are very excited ab0ut it though. And I might or might not come back to TV.
RCR: Did Erik Estrada give you any advice for CHiPs?
WV: He says he is going to teach me how to ride that big motorcycle.
RCR: That’s fantastic! We will be on the lookout for it. Thank you so much!
WV: Thank you!
