It was one of the biggest recurring mysteries of That ’70s Show, so where is Fez from? That ’70s Show quickly became an audience favorite following its debut in 1998 and launched the careers of many actors, including Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Topher Grace, and Laura Prepon (Orange Is The New Black). The show follows the misadventures of a gang of friends in 1970s Wisconsin.
The chemistry and comic timing of the young cast is what made That ’70s Show a hit, with great supporting turns by Tommy Chong, Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith (RoboCop) as Red Forman – who became a cult character among fans. That ’70s Show also spawned a short-lived British remake dubbed Days Like These, featuring Emma Pierson (Killing Eve). Despite being an almost direct adaptation of scripts used on That 70s Show, the series was cut short after ten episodes, with three remaining unaired.
That ’70s Show also made a star of Wilmer Valderrama (From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series), who played Fez. Since the main characters can’t pronounce his actual name the character is dubbed Fez by the gang, which stands for Foreign Exchange Student. The show also makes his country of origin a mystery, which soon became a recurring gag. Valderrama intentionally made Fez’s accent vague so viewers couldn’t pinpoint his nationality.
In sitcoms, it’s a long-standing tradition to either have unseen characters, like Maris from Frasier, or a mystery that’s never fully resolved, like Fez’s home country. While this gag wouldn’t be considered particularly PC nowadays – or even back when the show aired – it has still invited lots of debate among fans of That ’70s Show. Constant hints were dropped throughout but just when it seemed Fez was about to give a definite answer, like coming from an Island or that he speaks languages like German, he stops short of an actual answer.
In That ’70s Show season 8 episode “Love Of My Life,” Justin Long (F Is For Family) guest stars as Andrew, a countryman of Fez. The two are asked directly where they come from, only to tease the British “hate” their Island and that Andrew himself speaks with a heavy English accent because he’s from the “West” side of the Island.
Of course, where is Fez from is a mystery That ’70s Show never intended to fully reveal, and the hints are supposed to be confusing. Some credible fan theories suggest Fez came from Papua New Guinea, with many details from “Love Of My Life” syncing up nicely, but it’s doubtful Wilmer Valderrama or the showrunners will ever provide a clear answer; if they even have one in mind.
