NCIS and NCIS: Hawaii kick off new seasons on Monday with a special crossover, and only ET was on the set of the upcoming premiere event. Hawaii star Noah Mills takes over the ET mic as he goes from actor to interviewer, chatting it up with the casts of both CBS dramas. The action kicks off on the season 20 premiere of NCIS, before concluding on the sophomore opener of Hawaii. “You and Vanessa [Lachey] have known each other a long time, tell me something about her that you think might surprise her fans,” Mills asked NCIS star, Wilmer Valderrama.
“Honestly, I don’t know if the fans understand the amount of energy that she has and I think it’s a big testament to being a supermom. Nick [Lachey] is a badass and them together complement each other so well,” Valderrama praised.
Valderrama and Lachey have been friends for two decades, so it was like an old hat when he flew over to the set of Hawaii to film the two-hour crossover. When the Hawaii cast members were asked a similar question about what they liked best about working with Valderrama for this episode, they all had equally glowing things to say about their NCIS cohort. “I think he’s hilarious,” Yasmine Al-Bustami said, while co-star Jason Antoon joked, “I can just ask him about That ’70s Show.”
When it came time to show off the guns in a battle of who’s tougher — Lachey’s Jane Tennant or Valderrama’s Nick Torres — it was an impressive showdown. “Let’s see who’s tougher,” Lachey teased, flexing her impressive biceps. “No, no, I could never,” Valderrama said, graciously acknowledging defeat as she egged him on. Finally, he complied and showed off his muscular strength.
But ask which NCIS team has the “most swag” and they’ll fight tooth and nail for their respective crews. “I would argue, NCIS. Mark Harmon, sexiest man alive!” Valderrama quipped. “Noah Mills. Y’all see his surfing episode?” Lachey promoted, before becoming the interviewer herself and asking Mills about his love life. When he began to say he was married with three kids, Lachey shut his response down, clarifying, “No, not your character!”
When NCIS Stars Show Real-Life Admiration
The NCIS franchise isn’t just about crime-solving, suspenseful cliffhangers, and military drama. Sometimes, it gives us wholesome off-screen moments that fans can’t get enough of. One such moment? When Wilmer Valderrama, star of NCIS, publicly praised his fellow franchise actress Vanessa Lachey of NCIS: Hawaii, calling her a “supermom.”
This sweet acknowledgment didn’t just tug at heartstrings—it proved how much admiration and mutual respect exists behind the scenes of this globally-loved franchise.
Who Is Wilmer Valderrama?
From ‘That 70s Show’ to ‘NCIS’
Wilmer Valderrama has grown up on our screens—from playing the lovable Fez on That 70s Show to becoming Special Agent Nick Torres on NCIS. His versatility as an actor is undeniable, but it’s his personality off-screen that makes him even more likable.
A Dad Himself
What many fans love is that Wilmer recently became a dad himself. So, when he calls someone a “supermom,” he’s speaking from a place of newfound understanding and respect for the challenges of parenting.
Meet Vanessa Lachey: The Heart of ‘NCIS: Hawaii’
Breaking Barriers as Jane Tennant
Vanessa Lachey made history as the first female lead in the NCIS franchise, playing Jane Tennant, the Special Agent in Charge of the Pearl Harbor branch. Her performance is strong, grounded, and layered—a mix of command and compassion.
A Real-Life Mom of Three
While she dominates her role on-screen, Vanessa is also a hands-on mom to three children in real life. Between early call times, action scenes, and script rehearsals, she still finds time for bedtime stories and school pick-ups.
The Moment Wilmer Called Her a “Supermom”
A Genuine Compliment on Social Media
During a recent interview and later echoed on social media, Wilmer Valderrama publicly stated that Vanessa is the definition of a “supermom”, juggling her career and family life with grace and power.
More Than Just Flattery
This wasn’t just a casual shout-out. It was clear that Wilmer deeply respects Vanessa—not just as an actress, but as a human being. In Hollywood, where egos often clash, that kind of praise speaks volumes.
What Makes Vanessa a Supermom in Wilmer’s Eyes?
Multitasking Like a Pro
Between filming intense episodes and managing mom duties, Vanessa has proven she’s got superhero-level multitasking abilities. She even shares moments from her family life online, making fans feel connected.
Maintaining Positivity on Set
Wilmer shared that Vanessa brings positive energy to the set, no matter how chaotic life might be behind the scenes. That uplifting spirit is something he—and others—greatly admire.
How Vanessa Lachey Responded
Gracious and Humble
Vanessa responded with her signature grace, thanking Wilmer and saying how much she appreciates his kind words. She also credited her husband, Nick Lachey, and their “village” of support that helps make it all possible.
The NCIS Franchise’s Family Vibes
More Than Co-Stars
It’s clear that the cast of NCIS and NCIS: Hawaii operate more like a family than just co-workers. From bonding on set to supporting each other off-screen, these stars have each other’s backs.
A Legacy of Respect
In a world where celebrity feuds grab headlines, it’s refreshing to see genuine appreciation and respect among cast members.
Why Fans Love This Moment
Authenticity Wins Hearts
People crave authenticity. When stars step out of their roles and reveal their human side—like Wilmer did here—it creates connection and relatability.
Empowering Working Moms
Wilmer’s tribute also sparked conversations about the challenges working moms face, especially in high-pressure jobs. Vanessa’s ability to thrive in both roles is nothing short of inspiring.
The Power of Representation
A Woman Leading the Charge
Vanessa isn’t just playing a character—she’s setting a precedent. Seeing a woman of color lead a primetime procedural drama while balancing motherhood gives young girls and women a powerful example.
A Cultural Milestone
Wilmer, who also represents the Latino community in Hollywood, understands the impact of visibility. His praise for Vanessa carries cultural weight and reminds fans of the importance of uplifting each other.
What This Says About Wilmer as a Person
A Supportive Co-Star
Being successful doesn’t just mean talent—it also means supporting others. Wilmer is known for using his platform to lift up those around him.
Walking the Talk on Fatherhood
Since becoming a father, Wilmer has been open about the challenges and joys of parenting. That’s probably why Vanessa’s journey resonates with him so deeply.
The Ripple Effect in Hollywood
Setting an Example
In an industry that’s often competitive, moments like this set a new standard—one where admiration trumps ego and kindness leads the way.
Encouraging More Real Talk
This interaction encourages more actors to be vocal about supporting working parents, advocating for better work-life balance, and praising behind-the-scenes effort.
Fan Reactions and Media Buzz
Social Media Lit Up
Fans took to Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to share their love for Wilmer’s words. Hashtags like #SupermomVanessa and #WilmerSupportsVanessa started trending.
Media Outlets Caught On
Entertainment news platforms highlighted the moment, calling it “touching,” “heartwarming,” and a “breath of fresh air” in an otherwise fast-paced, drama-heavy industry.
Conclusion: Celebrating the Supermoms
At the end of the day, Wilmer Valderrama’s tribute to Vanessa Lachey is more than just a sweet comment—it’s a reminder of the real-life superheroes walking among us. Whether on-screen or in their kitchens packing lunchboxes at 6 AM, moms like Vanessa Lachey deserve the spotlight.
And when respected peers like Wilmer Valderrama take the time to recognize that? It’s a moment worth celebrating.
