Who Is Wilmer Valderrama's Fiancée? All About Amanda Pacheco (2024)

Wilmer Valderrama and his fiancée, Amanda Pacheco, have celebrated several milestones together since they first started dating in 2019.

The couple, who were introduced by a mutual friend, got engaged in January 2020 and announced they were expecting their first child that December. In February 2021, their daughter, Nakano Oceana, arrived. Despite the faster timeline of their relationship, Valderrama says he and the model were on the same page about timing.

"Amanda and I were planning to have a family way before this pandemic. We had made up our mind that family in the very near future was part of the plan," the That ‘70s Show alum shared with PEOPLE.

He added, "We look at the upside of the pandemic. The only way to live is to look at the opportunity this pandemic gave us, as opposed to what it took from us."

So, who is Wilmer Valderrama’s fiancée? Here’s everything to know about Amanda Pacheco and her relationship with the actor.

She’s been linked to Valderrama since 2019

Valderrama was introduced to Pacheco through a mutual friend, and despite a busy schedule filming NCIS, he felt “a gravitational pull” toward her.

"There was just something about her that told me I needed to know this person," he told Parents.

He switched from texting in English to Spanish after she mentioned that she was of Mexican descent, but there was a small catch: "I'm not fluent," Pacheco said.

She added, "So I had Wilmer on my phone in one hand, and my dad translating for me on another phone in my other hand! We always joke that Wilmer and my dad are really the ones who fell in love with each other."

The couple were first publicly linked in April 2019, when they were seen shopping together in Los Angeles. In June of that year, they stepped out in France for the wedding celebrations of Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner.

She’s a model

Pacheco has worked as a model and is signed to Scout Model & Talent Agency. On Instagram, she regularly shares various professional photos of herself modeling bathing suits, bridal looks and more.

In addition to her work as a model, she is also a scuba divemaster. According to her Instagram bio, she is a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) divemaster.

Wilmer proposed to her in 2020

The actor got down on one knee on a beach in San Diego on New Year’s Day in 2020. Along with an Instagram photo announcing the happy news, he captioned it: “ ‘It’s just us now’ 01-01-2020”

Pacheco shared the same photo and caption to her Instagram, along with a second image showing off her pear-shaped engagement ring.

“The diamond looks to be about 4 carats and would retail for anywhere up to $100,000,” Mary Frances Joseph of privately owned jeweler Shane Co. told PEOPLE of the solitaire diamond set on a pavé band.

“Brides continue to love unique, fancy-shaped diamonds like pears for their engagement rings, especially as they tend to look larger and add a sense of personality to their ring,” Joseph added.

She’s a mother

In December 2020, Lauren announced she was pregnant with their first baby together. She gave birth to their daughter, Nakano Oceana, on Feb. 15, 2021.

The first-time parents announced jointly on Instagram: "Life is an ever evolving journey, and for all those times when our path needs a light.. often angels are sent to show us the way and that we can be more ... straight out of heaven we welcome our first daughter."

The actor shared with PEOPLE that they were inspired by a trip to Japan they had taken together. When considering a name for their baby, they researched ancient Japanese warriors before finally deciding on the female samurai Takeko Nakano.

"Nakano became something that felt strong, felt unique, felt different," the proud dad explained. "I thought what a cool, fun little conversation topic for our daughter to have as she grows older. But also, the respect and the heritage, and the tribute to one of those beautiful moments where my fiancée and I said 'I love you' for the first time. To commemorate that trip to Japan with our first labor of love."

As for his daughter’s middle name, they decided on a nod to Pacheco’s love for marine life and diving. "She's incredibly passionate about the ocean and diving and ocean life, so that was another tribute to her mom," Valderrama said.

She is passionate about cancer awareness

After losing her mother to ovarian cancer, Pacheco says her spirit lives on. "I felt her presence throughout my entire pregnancy," she told Parents. "There's no way it would've gone as smoothly as it did without my mom watching over me."

There’s also a connection between Pacheco's daughter and her mother — they share the same birthday: "I'm sure God had a lot to do with that. But I know that was my mom too."

In September 2021 she took part in a walk with Valderrama, their daughter and friends to raise funds for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. “I want to carry on her mission of raising awareness to every single woman,” she wrote on Instagram. “I’m so proud that this year for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month with my family and friends all by my side walked in honor of her.”

She makes her relationship with Valderrama a priority

Valderrama says he and Pacheco have worked hard on making sure they communicate and check in with each other, while appreciating the milestones their daughter hits along the way.

"I think that's a testament to us. They tell you, 'It's all about the baby,' but when you're both with the baby, you can forget about each other. The baby is our priority," he shared with Parents. "But," he added, turning toward Pacheco, "you are mine too."

Pacheco also chimed in about their relationship, "Wilmer is always doing sweet, loving things for me."

She and Valderrama attended the 2024 Golden Globes

In January 2024, Pacheco and Valderrama enjoyed a parent's night out at the Golden Globes in Los Angeles. The model stunned in a tuxedo-inspired gown, while the NCIS star donned a black suit.

She and Valderrama visited the White House

Pacheco and Valderrama attended a State Dinner at the White House in May 2024. The evening featured remarks by President Joe Biden and a special performance by Brad Paisley.