An American Story

Everyone’s Invited

De: Wilmer Valderrama

Narrado por: Wilmer Valderrama

Read by the author.

A love letter to America from the pen of actor, producer, immigrant, and activist Wilmer Valderrama.

In this timely memoir, Valderrama looks back on his journey from a tiny pueblo in Venezuela to the big city of Los Angeles—how he discovered his calling as an actor and later as a USO Global Ambassador, found work in Hollywood as an unproven Latino actor, and used his determination and success to build a new life for himself, his family, and many others.

Raised by two hard working parents as they navigated their family through a rapidly changing country and the rise of Venezuela's controversial former leader Hugo Chavez, Valderrama delves into his family's flight from their home and the challenges of emigrating to the United States.

After being cast in a school theatre production, Valderrama knew he had found his calling and began thinking of ways to help support his struggling family. He would attempt the impossible: find work in Hollywood as an unproven Latino actor. Following countless auditions and frequent criticisms of his accent, he created the personality that would eventually land him the role as Fez on That 70s Show.

It catapulted him to stardom.

Over the coming years, he would create the smash show, Yo Mamma, voice the lead character in Disney's Encanto, and eventually join the cast of NCIS. But it was through service to others and his first USO trip where Valderrama found his further calling—entertaining and encouraging U.S. troops around the world.

The saga of a determined soul, An American Story: Everyone's Invited is an exploration of America through the eyes of a young immigrant from Venezuela who had a dream to change the world, a talent for entertaining, and the resolve to build a new life, taking as many as possible with him on the journey.

"This is my way of showing my love, my gratitude to the country that changed my whole life."

The photo insert can be found in the audiobook companion PDF download.

Truly he is such an inspiration!! Incredible human.

I loved everything about this/him. Such a determined person his whole life and his attitude behind it was truly astounding.

Compassion

I totally loved this book. Wilmer was very honest and vulnerable in sharing his American story. Thank you

Too close to home…

This book touched my heart in ways I never thought possible. As an immigrant, Wilmer Parents experiences mirrored my own in countless ways, evoking laughter, tears, and a surge of determination. I'm inspired to take action, praying for guidance to uplift myself, my family, and my community, knowing that everything is possible, you just need to believe and work for it! Your courage and honesty are truly uplifting. 10 out 10 .

Everyone Should Listen

I knew so little of Mr. Valderrama's story and life, but caught a short clip of the audio book and was hooked. Such a wonderful telling of his life and all of his achievements. I have to say I'm a fan! That 70s show came out right after I entered college so I never really watched it I'm definitely going back and watching it now! That and all of his work since!

What a great story!

His story telling is one of the best I’ve heard. I could feel his passion and extreme humbleness through his story telling.

A true American dream

Wilmer goes all out in his book, coming from another country to the USA at an every age and learning English at a new school to becoming an actor while struggling due to his race is just a story whole reading and checking out. How he got his start and is forever grateful for That 70’s show to independent films that ment a lot to him to working with his idol Tom Hanks to voice roles to becoming a father, wait did u know he was Handy Manny on Disney, totally blew my mind. But really tho he is the American dream and a true inspiration to all immigrants. I respect him and everything he has done. I’m actually looking forward to watch Zorro on Disney when it comes out. <3

Inspirational and motivational!

I bough a paper book and got “sucked in” after first few pages. I didnt have all day to read it, but i wanted to know it all, so i ordered a audio book the next day and let Wilmer read ir to me, as I was working on the computer, driving, cooking…. Loved it! Finished it in one day! Very inspirational! “Theres no such thing as luck. Theres only the luck you create”. Hard working man, father, son, who loves his family very much and will do anything for them!

Fun read

Nice story about his family, upbringing, goals for acting, finding himself outside of Fez, and pushing the buck for Zorro. Excited to see the future for him and his contributions for The Dreamers.

Perseverance

Excellent example of strength and perseverance. From poverty to wealth yet with wisdom. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Relatable

I love the story and how it relates to our present day struggle, and how it is told in a non-abrasive way so that those of any minority whether race, orientation culture can rrelate to.