Basic Information:
Name: Sofía Margarita Vergara
Date of Birth: July 10, 1972
Nationality: Colombian-American
Profession: Actress, Television Personality, Model, Producer, and Businesswoman
Social Media Links:
Instagram: @sofiavergara
Facebook: Sofia Vergara
Biography:
Sofía Margarita Vergara Vergara was born on July 10, 1972, in Barranquilla, Colombia, to Margarita Vergara Dávila de Vergara, a homemaker, and Julio Enrique Vergara Robayo, a cattle rancher. She was nicknamed "Toti" by her five siblings and many cousins. Raised in a Roman Catholic family, she initially pursued dentistry at the National University of Colombia for three years but left two semesters shy of completing her degree to explore opportunities in modeling and show business. A chance encounter with a photographer on a Colombian beach at the age of 17 led to her first break, a Pepsi commercial in Latin America. She then worked as a model and appeared in a Mexican telenovela.
Vergara relocated to the United States in the mid-1990s, becoming a television personality on Univision, hosting shows like "Fuera de Serie" and "A Que No Te Atreves". In 1998, her family relocated to Miami after her brother was murdered in a kidnapping attempt in Colombia. Her early acting roles in English-language films were often smaller parts that highlighted her looks, such as in the 2003 film Chasing Papi. However, she continued to build her career with supporting roles in Four Brothers (2005) and Tyler Perry's comedies Meet the Browns (2008) and Madea Goes to Jail (2009). Her big break came with the role of Gloria Delgado-Pritchett in the hit ABC sitcom Modern Family (2009-2020), establishing her as a prominent actress in Hollywood and one of the highest-paid actresses in television. She further cemented her versatility by starring as Griselda Blanco in the 2024 Netflix miniseries Griselda, earning her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress. Beyond acting, Vergara has proven to be a savvy businesswoman, launching clothing lines, fragrances, jewelry, and a furniture line, as well as serving as a brand ambassador for various companies.
Career Timeline:
1990s: Begins career as a model and television host in Latin America. Hosts "Fuera de Serie" and "A Que No Te Atreves" on Univision.
1999: Makes her first major appearance on Baywatch.
2002: First film role in Big Trouble.
2003: Appears in Chasing Papi, her first English-language film.
2008-2009: Appears in Meet the Browns and Madea Goes to Jail.
2009: Broadway debut in Chicago as Mama Morton; Lands the role of Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on Modern Family, which premieres on ABC.
2010-2013: Receives four Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Modern Family.
2011: Launches clothing line for Kmart and becomes the face of CoverGirl.
2012: Named AskMen's most desirable woman.
2015: Receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Marries Joe Manganiello.
2020: Joins America’s Got Talent as a judge.
2024: Stars in the Netflix miniseries Griselda, receiving a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
2025: Launches her new apparel line with Walmart.
Achievements:
Sofía Vergara has garnered numerous accolades for her work in television and film. For her role as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett in Modern Family, she received four Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series from 2010 to 2013 and four Golden Globe Award nominations. She won the People's Choice Award for Favorite Comedic TV Actress in 2017, and Favorite Comedy TV Star in 2020. In 2024 she received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her performance in Griselda. Furthermore, she was awarded an Imagen Award in 2011 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, and in 2024 for Best Actress in a Drama (Television) for her role in Griselda. She also received an NAACP Image Award in 2011 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Modern Family. Beyond acting, Vergara has been recognized for her business acumen, being named one of Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Women in the World in 2014 and becoming one of the highest-paid actresses in U.S. television. She has also been recognized by The Hollywood Reporter and Billboard as one of the most influential Latin women in Hollywood and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2015.
Vergara is also deeply involved in philanthropy. She has worked closely with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and created the "Peace and Hope for the Children of Colombia" foundation in 2001, which has helped thousands of children in her native country. She has also donated a pediatric cancer pavilion in Barranquilla. Additionally, she has been involved in campaigns supporting cancer research, children's health, and women's empowerment, including her work with the BeLive Gala, which raises money for Colombian non-profits. She co-founded the underwear company EBY, which gives 10% of its sales to the Seven Bar Foundation to provide microfinancing to businesswomen.
Key Quotes / Catchphrases:
"I'm not afraid to look silly or dumb or ugly. That's the way to do comedy."
"Beauty is really all about confidence. If you feel beautiful, then you are beautiful."
"I'm fearless, I don't complain. Even when horrible things happen to me, I go on."
"Confident people have a way of carrying themselves that makes others more attracted to them."
"The more you give, the more you receive. Helping others is not just an act of kindness; it is a way of enriching your own life."
"Never take no personally. Sometimes people tell you no for a reason that has nothing to do with you. You must keep going.”
“I’ve always been pretty confident. I grew up in a family of strong women, so I was always taught to be proud of who I am, the way I am.”
"If you see me without mascara, my eyelashes are completely blonde, I'm very, very fair-skinned."
"I like business, and the truth is I save way more than I spend. I invest. I plan for the future."
“I understand English; I read and write English perfectly, but the accent won’t go away.”
Multimedia:
Gallery:
Videos/Interviews:
Fun Facts/Trivia:
Sofía Vergara is a natural blonde. She dyes her hair brunette for roles to portray a more stereotypical Latina image.
She studied pre-dentistry for three years before pursuing a career in entertainment.
She is a big fan of the movie Scarface and named her son, Manolo, after a character in the film.
She is one of the few Latina women to appear in U.S. advertising campaigns.
She was named one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the World by Forbes magazine.
She co-founded Latin World Entertainment in 1994 with Luis Balaguer, which has grown to be a leading Hispanic talent management and media marketing firm.
Her first and second husbands share the same first name, Joe.
Impact/Legacy:
Sofia Vergara has become a global icon, celebrated for her talent, beauty, and business acumen. As one of the most successful Latina actresses in Hollywood, she has broken down cultural barriers and stereotypes, paving the way for future generations of Hispanic actors and actresses. Her entrepreneurial success with various businesses and products serves as an example for other women and underrepresented groups. She has also used her platform to engage in a multitude of philanthropic endeavors to support cancer research, children’s health, and women’s empowerment. Her inspiring journey from a small town in Colombia to a globally recognized star is a testament to her resilience, hard work, and determination. Vergara has shown the world that it is possible to achieve great success while remaining true to oneself and giving back to the community.
