Since 'That 70's Show' went off the air, Wilmer Valderrama has been better known for his tabloid exploits than for his acting. Now it's time to find out if his bite can still live up to his bark in a new sitcom based on 'Dog Whisperer.'According to Variety, Valderrama has been tapped by Fox to star in a new sitcom based on the National Geographic Channel series, which follows the adventures of canine guru Cesar Millan.
Millan, who is known for hobnobbing with the elite of the entertainment community thanks to his renowned dog training abilities, has published a book about his exploits and has appeared as himself on such shows as 'Ghost Whisperer' and 'Bones'.
Now he'll be the one getting the Hollywood tratment. While details have yet to be finalized, it appears Valderrama will play the Millan role in a series written and produced by 'Hung' co-producer Emily Kapnek. Valderrama, who in recent years has gained notoriety thanks to apperances on 'The Howard Stern Show' where he discussed intimate details of his relationships with such ingenues as Ashlee Simpson, Lindsay Lohan and Mandy Moore, is currently doing voice work for the Disney Channel show 'Handy Manny'.
Whether or not this new role will be able to rehabilitate his pubic image remains to be seen, but one thing seems clear: 'The Dog Whisperer' represents his best chance yet to get out of the media's doghouse.
Reader Comments (12)
K9Trainer at 11:17AM on Oct 20th 2009
Ceaser Maloon is a joke in its self. As a REAL dog trainer (And I know I speak on behalf of most all REAL dog trainers. The Dog Whisperer is comedic without spoofs.
Denise L at 3:41PM on Oct 20th 2009
I agree with K9Trainer. Millan is a joke without needing a sitcom to back it up. "Renowned trainer" - give me a break. Every educated trainer in the whole country could write a book on the things he does wrong and why his show is a harmful fake.
However, Valderrama is just obnoxious enough to play the role of that idiot Cesar . . . so good job, whoever did the casting.
Cnnreader at 3:47PM on Oct 20th 2009
K9Trainer, Cesar's techniques work. Just because you choose to be bitter and ignorant does not mean he is a joke. I am also a dog trainer and have been for 22 years. You do NOT speak for most "real" dog trainers. I have used some of Cesar's techniques on some of my tougher cases, and they worked. If I hear of a technique for bitter and jealous humans, I will let you know,
John at 7:29PM on Oct 20th 2009
I agree with you totally! It is so easy to bad mouth a public figure. I too have used some of his methods and met with success. Alot of the dogs he deals with have been to trainers before he gets to them, they are severe cases. I could go on and on, I'm glad to see that someone agrees!
Lea at 7:29AM on Oct 22nd 2009
I applaud you as a dog trainer for standing with Cesar.
I love his techniques because they are based on
common sense, and they work.
I do not understand why some see Cesar as abusive.
His love for dogs shines in his eyes!
When we are calm, assertive, and natural with our dogs,
there is a huge difference in their obedience, as well as their
calmness and trust shown toward us and others.
Michelle at 11:47AM on Nov 2nd 2009
The guy snuck into this country ILLEGALLY! He has NO training as a behaviorist which is evident in his treatment of dogs. His "methods" are outdated and have been retracted by the ones who popularized them. The guy is an idiot, an animal abuser and shouldn't even be in this country. He makes me sick!
Benduh at 5:22PM on Oct 24th 2009
Small minded people with nothing better to do than attempt to discredit someone who has made something of their life with hard work and an intuitive sense of human/animal interactions.
People who make ridiculous comments based clearly on ignorance need to look within themselves and see what’s missing.
As for the territorial slur by Michelle, I'm so sorry you have not developed fully.
Carol Olson at 10:07PM on Nov 15th 2009
Whoa back oh ignorant one. Cesar paid a huge fine for sneaking into the U.S. He is completely open and honest about that. His methods of rehabilitating dogs is exactly what another dog would do to deal with the offending dog. This makes so much sense. Now, offending, ignorant, and racist humans as you appear to be, need more than a tap on the behind to be rehabilitated. I would hazard a guess that Cesar has contributed more compassion and wisdom to the world than you could in your entire lifetime.
dvmpdx at 4:31PM on Oct 21st 2009
Check out the position statement of American Humane on Cesar Millan's
show below.
http://www.americanhumane.org/about-us/newsroom/news-releases/06-dog-whisperer.html
And the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior's statement on
Dominance Theory (used by Mr. Millan)
http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=80&Itemid=366
mary at 8:37AM on Oct 23rd 2009
good grief! I read the links provided by dvmpdx and that stuff is just ridiculous! What a bunch of whiners trying to stir up trouble. Seriously, give me a break!! In the case they were talking about, where they say Cesar "hung" the dog (yes, for about, what? a half second?), the dog was on the verge of being euthanized! The dog was constantly going into a red zone. It had bitten at least one or two people and this was the dog's last chance for survival, literally! Not many people are willing to get in there and work with a dog as dangerously agressive as that dog was, and MOST people would have put the dog to sleep. The REASON cesar had to "hang" the dog (again, for a split second), was that it was trying to eat him!! The dog ended up being rehabilitated and is living a happy life. So I ask you, what is more inhumane, euthanizing a dog because it has never been handled/trained properly? Or doing what it takes to train and rehablitate a dog so it lives a happy and calm life?