Emily Garbutt
Updated on: October 12, 2024 1:33 pm GMT
Wilmer Valderrama’s new memoir, *An American Story: Everyone’s Invited*, recounts a life-altering incident that shook him and his fellow actors during a turbulent flight back to Hollywood from the Super Bowl. The harrowing experience on a small chartered plane not only tested their resolve but also prompted Valderrama to reevaluate his life and career in Hollywood.
Flight into Turmoil
Valderrama describes the flight, filled with his *That ’70s Show* co-stars Ashton Kutcher and Danny Masterson, as nothing short of terrifying. As the plane flew through a winter storm, panic set in among the passengers. Valderrama writes, “A winter storm rages across the skies, and the mood on board is shaky.”
– The passengers included:
– Wilmer Valderrama
– Ashton Kutcher
– Danny Masterson
– Colin Hanks
– A few other friends
As the plane pitched violently, Valderrama detailed feelings of disorientation and fear, recalling that “oxygen masks drop from the ceiling” and uncertainty gripped the cabin.
Life Support in the Sky
The tension escalated as the pilot donned an “Air Force mask,” advising the passengers of a dire situation. Valderrama recalls, “Colin clutches the armrests… Ashton’s jaw has dropped to his lap. … Our plane is going down.”
The cabin filled with alarming carbon monoxide due to a malfunctioning oxygen valve. This led to a flurry of frantic actions:
– Masterson reported, “I have no feeling in my arm.”
– Valderrama and Kutcher shared an oxygen mask to assist Masterson.
– Valderrama struggled to envision a way out, considering the worst-case scenarios, including crash landing in a remote location.
A Tumultuous Landing
Eventually, the pilot managed to perform an “incredibly turbulent” landing. Valderrama portrays the moment vividly: “We let out a cheer, but it feels like a lifetime has just passed. It’s not a happy cheer; it’s a wobbly cheer.”
The plane safely reached El Paso, Texas, where they were stuck waiting for a replacement. Amidst the stress, Valderrama called his mother, choosing not to disclose the frightening details of the flight. Instead, all he expressed was, “I love you.”
Aftermath and Reflections
The plane incident took place “a few years into *That ’70s Show*,” although Valderrama did not specify the exact date. He mentioned that his flight experience was reported in a sensationalized manner, which he later felt compelled to address in his memoir.
After the show concluded in 2006, Valderrama shared how he took a hiatus from acting. This time allowed him to pursue personal growth and reassess his career path.
He explained his choice of roles post-hiatus, stating: “I was particular about the roles I wanted to take on.” One notable role was Dell Gordo in *Larry Crowne*, directed by Tom Hanks, who provided invaluable insights into life and professionalism.
– Key career moments post-academy:
– Dell Gordo in *Larry Crowne*
– Learning from Tom Hanks about life and professionalism
Wisdom from a Friend
Valderrama also alluded to advice he received from actor Johnny Depp after the plane incident. Feeling overwhelmed, Valderrama felt a need to reach out for guidance. Their connection was facilitated by a mutual agent, leading to a meeting while Depp was filming *Pirates of the Caribbean*.
Depp evidently helped Valderrama in navigating the pressures he faced in the entertainment industry.
Marking a Turning Point
the terrifying flight experience became a crucial turning point for Valderrama. It taught him resilience and instilled in him the desire to live a more purposeful life in Hollywood. The chapter in his book serves as a reminder of how moments of crisis can lead to profound personal reflection and growth.
Wilmer Valderrama shared a scary story about a flight that shows how dangerous flying can be. His experience also reminds us that our adventures help us learn more about ourselves and make important choices in life.
