Wilmer Valderrama to Be Honored at the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards
Actor, producer and advocate to be recognized Oct. 13 for his commitment to charitable work and service
Atlanta, GA – September 9, 2026 — Points of Light today announced that actor, producer and longtime advocate Wilmer Valderrama will be honored at the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards on Oct. 13, recognizing his dedication to charitable work and his commitment to using his platform to strengthen communities and inspire others to serve.
Throughout his career, Valderrama has paired his success in entertainment with a deep commitment to community. Through his advocacy and philanthropy, he has championed causes that expand opportunity, uplift young people and support communities in need.
Valderrama is the co-founder of Harness, a group dedicated to connecting communities through conversation to inspire action and power change; serves on the board of Voto Latino and is co-chair of their artist coalition; spokesperson for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) and founder of their Ready 2 Lead program; and sits on the National Hispanic Media Coalition’s (NHMC) Visionary Alliance. He is also deeply involved with the military community, serving as a USO Global Ambassador, participating in over 45 trips worldwide.
“Wilmer Valderrama exemplifies what it means to turn influence into meaningful impact,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, Points of Light. “His commitment to serving others and using his voice to create opportunity reflects the spirit of the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards. We are proud to honor him and uplift his commitment to the communities and causes he works to improve and support.”
Valderrama’s work reflects a belief that meaningful change happens when individuals use their talents and resources in service to others.
“Service has been transformative for me; one of the most meaningful parts of my life,” said Wilmer Valderrama. “What continues to inspire me is knowing that even the smallest act of kindness can help someone feel seen, supported, or even hopeful. I’m deeply honored to be recognized by Points of Light, an organization that reminds us that we all have the ability to make a difference. I’m grateful for the continued opportunities I have to give back, and to be part of creating positive change in our communities and beyond.”
The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards celebrate individuals who demonstrate the transformative power of service and embody the belief of President George H.W. Bush that every person has the ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
The evening bring together leaders in service, philanthropy, business, entertainment and civic life to recognize extraordinary examples of people creating positive change. Valderrama joins this year’s esteemed honorees, including David Rubenstein, Evan Spiegel, Morril and Karen Worcester, and Olivia Zhang.
Valderrama will be honored during the awards celebration on Oct. 13, 2026, at the Ritz Carlton in Washington, D.C.
About Points of Light
Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to create positive change through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs in communities. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 32 countries.
Wilmer Valderrama is an actor, producer, and activist, currently starring in the #1 TV drama NCIS on CBS, its 24th season airing this October 2026. On the big screen, he lent his voice to 2025’s Disney animated film Zootopia 2, Hollywood’s highest grossing animated film in history. Valderrama has a production company, WV Entertainment (WVE), which has recently added WV Sound and WV Social House. Valderrama is active across several philanthropic causes, including Voto Latino and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Harness as co-founder and the USO. Raised in Venezuela from 3-13, he currently resides in Los Angeles with his fiancé and two young children. In 2024, Valderrama released his memoir An American Story: Everyone’s Invited. As he reflects on his formative years in Venezuela, his breakthrough in Hollywood, his ascent to stardom, and his significant philanthropic endeavors, the book is Valderrama’s most heartfelt tribute to his immigrant journey and the embodiment of the American Dream.