For NCIS actor Wilmer Valderrama, becoming a dad deeply changed the way he approaches his acting career. “It hits so different doing this type of movie,” Valderrama told PEOPLE while on the ZOOTOPIA 2 red carpet. “It’s very different because at first, when I was doing the animation, I did it because I had a nephew was like, I don’t like what you’re watching on TV. I’m gonna do Handy Manny, right?”
Valderrama welcomed his second child, son Wolf Monte, in July with Amanda Pacheco. The couple also share 4-year-old daughter Nakano Oceana. Early in his career, Valderrama voiced Handy Manny, a bilingual Disney character, partly inspired by his nephew. He said his motivation was to make a show his nephew would enjoy. “So, Handy Manny was something that I loved. It was the first time a bilingual character was on television and invited everyone to discover a beautiful culture, and I just love Disney,” he told PEOPLE. He also voice acted Agustín in 2021’s ENCANTO, and the moment his daughter recognized his voice changed everything for him.
Fatherhood is a game-changer. It doesn’t just change your mornings or weekends—it changes the way you see the world, the way you prioritize, and yes, even the roles you choose as an actor. For stars in the limelight, like an iconic NCIS actor, being a dad brings a new lens to career decisions. From action-packed scenes to emotional storylines, fatherhood can make you rethink everything about your on-screen persona. Curious how? Let’s dive deep.
The Unseen Side of Hollywood Parenthood
Being a parent in Hollywood isn’t just about balancing a busy schedule; it’s about redefining who you are. While fans see the fame and the red carpet, few realize the personal recalibrations happening behind the scenes. For an NCIS star, fatherhood introduces a new perspective on danger, responsibility, and storytelling.
Why Parenthood Changes Role Selection
When you have kids, stakes become personal. Suddenly, taking on a role isn’t just about money or fame; it’s about legacy, values, and time. Dangerous stunts, morally ambiguous characters, or dark storylines might suddenly feel less appealing. Instead, actors often gravitate toward roles that align with the parent they want to be.
Protecting Your Time Off-Screen
No one wants to miss milestones like first steps or school plays. For a dedicated dad, filming schedules are evaluated with surgical precision. Many NCIS stars have openly shared how they negotiate contracts to prioritize family time.
Choosing Roles with Positive Messages
Fatherhood often sparks a desire to promote positive storytelling. Roles that depict resilience, heroism, and ethical behavior resonate more strongly with parents looking to set examples for their children.
The Emotional Depth Fatherhood Brings to Acting
Ever noticed how some actors deliver performances with extra layers of authenticity? Often, it’s fatherhood at play. Experiencing unconditional love and vulnerability at home allows actors to tap into raw, relatable emotions on screen.
From Fatherhood to Emotional Intelligence
Understanding complex emotions at home helps an actor convey them more convincingly on set. Scenes involving loss, compassion, or sacrifice suddenly feel less like acting—they feel lived.
Playing a Protector on Screen
Many roles in NCIS involve being a protector or leader. Fatherhood naturally complements this archetype, allowing an actor to draw from real-life instincts of safeguarding and nurturing.
How Fatherhood Shapes Genre Choices
While an actor may have explored horror or thriller genres in the past, parenthood can subtly steer them toward family-friendly or morally grounded projects.
Less Risk, More Purpose
High-octane action sequences or roles requiring extreme physicality might be toned down to reduce personal risk. Being a dad amplifies the desire to stay safe and available for family.
Storylines That Matter
Actors often gravitate toward scripts that tackle meaningful issues—justice, loyalty, or relationships. These themes mirror the values they want to instill in their kids.
Balancing Fame and Fatherhood
Hollywood is relentless. Long hours, location shoots, and press tours are par for the course. Fatherhood demands strategic balance.
Scheduling Around Family
Many actors schedule shoots around school calendars or family events. This often means prioritizing short-term projects over long-term but more demanding ones.
Maintaining Public Image
Being a father in the public eye also influences how stars engage with media. Interviews, social media posts, and even paparazzi encounters are weighed carefully. Maintaining a family-friendly image becomes a priority.
The Impact on Character Development
Actors are storytellers, and fatherhood gives them a richer palette to draw from.
Layering Characters with Parental Instincts
Fatherhood teaches patience, empathy, and resilience—all qualities that can be infused into an on-screen character.
Authentic Vulnerability
The first time you witness your child’s joy or fear, it transforms your emotional depth. This authenticity translates into performances that resonate with audiences.
Real-Life Examples from NCIS Stars
While many actors keep personal lives private, several NCIS stars have shared insights into how fatherhood has influenced their career choices.
Selecting Roles with Moral Complexity
One star revealed that he declined a violent role because he felt the storyline conflicted with the values he wants to share with his children.
Embracing Leadership Roles
Another NCIS actor has leaned into roles that showcase leadership and mentorship, reflecting the fatherly traits honed at home.
Fatherhood and On-Set Dynamics
Parenting skills don’t stay at home; they seep into professional life.
Mentorship for Co-Stars
Just as dads guide children, parent-actors often mentor younger cast members, creating a nurturing set environment.
Patience and Conflict Resolution
Dealing with tantrums or bedtime negotiations can surprisingly improve patience on set, particularly during tense filming situations.
Why Audiences Connect More With Parental Actors
Ever notice how performances by parent-actors feel relatable? There’s a reason for that.
Authentic Reactions
Audiences pick up on genuine emotional experiences. Parenthood equips actors to portray joy, frustration, and protectiveness in a more natural way.
Broader Appeal
Viewers, especially parents, see themselves in characters portrayed by actors who genuinely understand the highs and lows of family life.
The Long-Term Career Benefits of Fatherhood
While some may worry that prioritizing family could limit opportunities, fatherhood often opens new doors.
Diversifying Roles
Parenthood encourages exploration of varied genres—family dramas, biopics, or heartfelt comedies—broadening an actor’s portfolio.
Deepening Audience Loyalty
Fans appreciate actors who embody family values, leading to a stronger, loyal following.
Challenges Fatherhood Brings to Acting
Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. Parenthood comes with challenges in a demanding industry.
Travel and Separation
Long location shoots can strain parent-child relationships. Actors often face difficult decisions balancing career ambition with presence at home.
Emotional Strain
Handling intense storylines while managing personal responsibilities can be exhausting. Many actors find themselves seeking mindfulness or support systems to cope.
How Fatherhood Shapes Future Projects
Fatherhood doesn’t just impact current roles—it influences long-term career strategy.
Legacy-Driven Choices
Actors often choose projects that reflect the values they want to leave behind, shaping a meaningful body of work.
Inspiring Future Generations
Being a visible, principled parent can inspire both fans and colleagues, creating ripple effects across the industry.
Fatherhood as a Career Compass
Ultimately, fatherhood acts like a compass, guiding actors toward roles and decisions that resonate personally and professionally.
Aligning Personal and Professional Values
Parenthood encourages harmony between life and work, ensuring actors take on roles that reflect both their public image and private identity.
Enhancing Storytelling
With the wisdom of parenthood, performances are enriched with empathy, nuance, and emotional resonance.
The Takeaway: Fatherhood and Fame Can Coexist
Being a dad doesn’t mean giving up thrilling projects or high-profile roles. Instead, it shifts the lens. Parenthood encourages actors to evaluate scripts through a personal and ethical filter, enhancing storytelling, deepening audience connection, and nurturing authenticity. It’s not about limiting potential—it’s about amplifying meaningful choices.
Conclusion
Fatherhood transforms the NCIS star from just a performer into a more thoughtful, intentional storyteller. By choosing roles that reflect personal values, prioritizing family time, and infusing performances with authentic emotion, the experience of being a dad enriches every aspect of their career. For fans, it means characters with depth, authenticity, and relatability. For the star, it means a career aligned with life’s most important role: being a parent.
