Sofia Vergara

Vergara’s stunning looks and hard work allowed her to make a mark by landing several modelling gigs that included a promising role in one of the giant Pepsi commercials.

Personal Life

A year later when she was 18, Sofia got married to her high school sweetheart, Joe Gonzalez. After two years she became a proud mother to a boy who was christened Manolo.

However, the marriage did not last for long. Vergara and Gonzalez called it quits in the year 1993 and she took on the responsibility of being a single, working mother. Vergara relocated to Miami to pursue and take advantage of more lucrative opportunities that lay ahead in the industry.

Life was not easy for Sofia and things took a tragic turn when Sofia’s brother was murdered during a botched kidnapping attempt. Her family moved to Miami with her. At that time Sofia was rising slowly to popularity as the host of a Spanish language game show by Univision called A que no te atreves (I Dare You).

Time and fate tested Sofia again when she was diagnosed with a thyroid cancer in 2002. She battled with the deadly disease successfully and went into remission after the removal of her thyroid gland.

Vergara says that she had emerged stronger from the harrowing experience and said she wears her scars proudly, taking them in her stride. She had her son do a photoshop of Frankenstein scar on her neck, sending it to all her friends with the caption, ‘I’m fine, I look perfect.

Career

Her acting career took off brilliantly after the cancer episode, landing good roles in the movies like Big Trouble and Chasing Papi. These films made her a recognizable face in acting and Sofia landed more significant roles in films that followed. Four Brothers, Meet The Browns and Madea Goes to Jail are some more where her acting shone. Sofia even earned the ALMA Award Nomination for her performance in Madea Goes to Jail. 

Sofia went on to reprise Queen Latifah’s character Mama Morton in the Broadway version of Chicago which customarily was a matronly and a matured character. The warmth and the toughness with which Sofia represented the act led her to get the part.

Sofia became a household name with the success of Modern Family as she paved her way into the audience’s hearts with her loud, warm hearted, funny, and not to forget, extremely sexy, Gloria Pritchett.

Sofia says that she relates to that character on a personal level, as she too is an immigrant in the country apart from being a single mother to a boy. She felt that she could bring her personal experience to the character which is perhaps the reason why Gloria Pritchett is one of the most popular characters on television right now.

Business Ventures

Sofía Vergara, renowned for her acting career, has also established herself as a successful entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio of business ventures:

1. Latin World Entertainment (LWE): In 1994, Vergara co-founded LWE, a talent management and entertainment marketing firm aimed at representing Latino talent in the U.S. market. Over time, LWE expanded into licensing, production, and new media, becoming a premier agency in its field.

2. EBY (Empowered By You): Vergara co-founded EBY, a subscription-based lingerie brand that emphasizes comfort and inclusivity. A portion of EBY's net sales funds microloans for women entrepreneurs worldwide, aligning with Vergara's commitment to female empowerment.

3. Raze: In 2017, Vergara launched Raze, a digital media company focused on Latino culture. Raze produces original content and serves as a platform for emerging Latino creators, aiming to showcase diverse stories within the community.

4. Fashion and Home Collections:

• Sofía Jeans by Sofía Vergara: In partnership with Walmart, Vergara introduced an affordable denim line offering a variety of styles and sizes, reflecting her personal fashion sense.
• Furniture Line: Collaborating with Rooms To Go, she launched a collection of stylish and accessible home furnishings, bringing elegance to everyday living.

5. Beauty and Fragrance Lines: Vergara has ventured into the beauty industry with products such as perfumes and skincare items, further expanding her brand's reach.

6. Culinary Brand: In June 2024, Vergara and her son, Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, launched Toma, a culinary brand offering Latin-inspired foods like empanadas and salsas, aiming to share the richness of Latin cuisine with a broader audience.

Sofia Vergara Interview