(AP) A star of television's "That '70s Show" will be in western New York this month to pay tribute to comedians Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball.

Wilmer Valderrama will present "A Tribute to Desi Arnaz" on Saturday night as part of the Lucy-Desi Days Memorial Day Weekend festival. He'll do a question-and-answer session on Arnaz's work, and show some clips of his favorite scenes.

Valderrama, who played Fez on "That '70s Show" and hosts MTV's "Yo Momma!" said he's always been inspired by Arnaz as a performer and Hispanic American. Arnaz, who died in 1986, was Cuban-American.

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"I'm sure a lot of performers say this, but I think 'I Love Lucy' was one of the most influential pieces of work in any decade," said Valderrama. "It kind of paved the way for people who wanted to think outside the box."

The 28-year-old actor and producer, who grew up in Venezuela before moving to the United States in 1994, said watching sitcoms like "I Love Lucy" helped him learn English. He said it was exciting to see a Hispanic actor established on television so many decades ago and to see someone who looked and sounded a little like himself.

Valderrama said that much like Arnaz, he's tried to make bold choices with the roles he takes on. He's had parts in several movies, including "Fast Food Nation" and the upcoming "Columbus Day," and runs his own production company. He'll also play Francis "Ponch" Poncherello in a movie version of "CHiPs" in 2009.

The actor's appearance in Lucille Ball's hometown of Jamestown, N.Y., headlines dozens of events during the annual Lucy-Desi Days Festival, including art exhibits, tours and workshops.

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