The duo subsequently created a show titled Ron and Fez Dot Com as they moved to overnights on WNEW-FM in New York City.

After a relatively short stint there, they then retitled the show: Ron and Fez Dot Com and premiered on overnights on New York City radio station WNEW-FM on April 17, 2000.

Whatley graduated from Pinellas Park High School in Largo, Florida in 1982, and received a publication award from the International Thespian Society.

[13] Fez had been playing a flamboyant character on the air for more than 20 years, but became increasingly uncomfortable in the role after recognizing his sexual orientation and being unable to publicly embrace it.

[14] After admitting his sexuality to his co-host Ron Bennington three years earlier, Whatley spoke openly on the air about his issues as a closeted man, but had remained unable to say it explicitly.

Following an interview on May 9, 2007, with author Elmore Leonard, Whatley left the studio during the show to check into an emergency room, and had a second stent inserted May 11, 2007.

[18] A year later, Bennington announced on The Anthony Cumia Show that Whatley had suffered his fifth heart attack, and had a total of thirteen stents inserted.