50 Facts About Sofia Vergara

Early Life and Family

Sofia Vergara's journey to stardom began in Colombia, where she was born into a large, close-knit family.

1. Sofia Margarita Vergara Vergara was born on July 10, 1972, in Barranquilla, Colombia.
2. Her mother, Margarita Vergara de Vergara, was a homemaker, while her father, Julio Enrique Vergara Robayo, worked as a cattle rancher.
3. Nicknamed "Toti" by her five siblings and many cousins, Sofia grew up surrounded by family.
4. She initially studied dentistry at the National University of Colombia but left two semesters before completing her degree to pursue modeling and show business.

Career Beginnings

Sofia's career took off after a chance encounter on a Colombian beach, leading to her first big break.

5. At 17, a photographer discovered Sofia while she walked on a beach in Colombia.
6. This encounter led to her first television commercial for Pepsi, which aired across Latin America.
7. Sofia began modeling and quickly became a hit in the Latin American market.
8. She co-hosted two shows on the Univision network, boosting her profile further.

Tragedy and Relocation

A tragic event in Sofia's life led her to move to the United States, where her career continued to flourish.

9. In 1998, Sofia's older brother Rafael was murdered during a kidnapping attempt in Colombia.
10. This tragedy prompted her family to relocate to Miami, Florida.
11. Sofia emigrated to the U.S. to pursue more opportunities and escape the unrest in Colombia.
12. She settled in Miami and began landing small roles in American films and TV shows.

Breakthrough Role

Sofia's big break came with a role that made her a household name in the United States.

13. In 2009, she joined the cast of the ABC sitcom "Modern Family" as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett.
14. This role earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
15. She became one of the highest-paid actresses in the United States due to her success on "Modern Family."

Awards and Recognition

Sofia's talent and hard work have earned her numerous awards and nominations throughout her career.

16. For her performance in "Modern Family," Sofia received five Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
17. She also earned four Golden Globe Award nominations for the same role.
18. Sofia won several Screen Actors Guild Awards for her work on "Modern Family."

Philanthropy and Citizenship

Sofia is deeply involved in various philanthropic efforts and has made significant contributions to several causes.

19. She supports the BeLive Gala to raise money for Colombian non-profits.
20. Sofia has campaigned for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
21. She contributes to Follow the Script, supporting people living with Thyroid cancer, a disease she survived.
22. In 2014, Sofia became an American citizen.
23. Later that year, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Business Ventures

Beyond acting, Sofia is an accomplished businesswoman with several successful ventures.

24. She designed her own fashion line for Kmart.
25. Sofia has worked with companies like Pepsi and CoverGirl.
26. In 2014, she launched her first fragrance, "Sofia by Sofia Vergara," followed by four more fragrances.
27. In 2024, she launched Dios Mios Coffee, a brand devoted to elevating female Colombian growers.

Television and Film

Sofia's versatility as an actress has allowed her to take on diverse roles in both television and film.

28. Since 2020, Sofia has been a judge on "America's Got Talent."
29. In 2024, she starred as Griselda Blanco in the Netflix miniseries "Griselda," earning her an Emmy nomination.
30. Some of her notable films include "Chasing Papi," "Four Brothers," and Tyler Perry's comedies "Meet the Browns" and "Madea Goes to Jail."
31. Sofia has lent her voice to animated films such as "Happy Feet Two," "Escape from Planet Earth," "The Emoji Movie," and "Despicable Me 4."

Personal Life

Sofia's personal life has been marked by both joy and challenges, influencing her roles and public image.

32. She has been married twice, first to her high school sweetheart Joe Gonzalez, and later to actor Joe Manganiello.
33. Sofia has one son, Manolo, born in September 1992.
34. Her experience as a single mother has influenced her roles in various TV shows and films.
35. Sofia stands at 5'7" and hails from Barranquilla, Colombia.

Impact and Influence

Sofia Vergara's impact on the entertainment industry and beyond is significant, making her a cultural icon.

36. She has been a significant figure in promoting Hispanic culture and representation in the entertainment industry.
37. In 2014, Sofia was named one of People magazine's "50 most beautiful people."
38. Forbes ranked her as the 32nd most powerful woman in the world in 2014.
39. She was the highest-paid actress in television in 2016, earning $43 million that year alone.
40. Sofia made her Broadway debut in 2009 in the revival of "Chicago," playing the role of Mama Morton.

Versatility and Entrepreneurship

Sofia's career spans a wide range of genres and ventures, showcasing her versatility and entrepreneurial spirit.

41. She has appeared in several romantic comedies, including "Chasing Papi" and "Hot Pursuit."
42. Sofia has also ventured into action films, such as "Machete Kills" and "Bottom of the 9th."
43. Her voice acting skills have added another dimension to her career.
44. Sofia's fashion line for Kmart has been a significant contribution to the fashion industry.
45. Her fragrance brand has also had a significant impact on the beauty industry.

Philanthropy and Cultural Impact

Sofia's philanthropic efforts and cultural impact extend far beyond her acting career.

46. She has supported various causes, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and organizations that help people living with Thyroid cancer.
47. Sofia has served as a cultural ambassador for Colombia and the Hispanic community.
48. Her work has helped bridge cultural gaps and promote understanding between different communities.
49. Sofia is highly active on social media, engaging with her fans and promoting her various projects.
50. Her influence on pop culture, television, film, and beyond is undeniable, making her one of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry today.

Sofia Vergara: A Multifaceted Icon

Sofia Vergara's journey from Barranquilla, Colombia to Hollywood stardom is nothing short of inspiring. Her role as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett in "Modern Family" catapulted her to fame, earning her numerous awards and nominations. Beyond acting, she's a successful businesswoman with ventures like her fashion line for Kmart and Dios Mios Coffee. Sofia's philanthropic efforts, especially her work with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Thyroid cancer awareness, highlight her commitment to giving back. Her influence extends to Hispanic representation in media, making her a cultural ambassador. From her early modeling days to becoming a judge on "America's Got Talent," Sofia's versatility and resilience shine through. Her legacy is a testament to hard work, talent, and a strong sense of community. Sofia Vergara continues to inspire and entertain, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.