It’s impressive how far Sofia Vergara has come since her career began in Hollywood. The former model turned television star had her breakout role as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on ABC’s Modern Family, which she played from 2009 to 2020. Today, Sofia Vergara is considered one of Hollywood’s most influential Latin women.
Although she has impressive movie credits, she’s generally considered a television actress. Known for her strong Colombian accent and deep, seductive voice, Sofia Vergara has a commanding screen presence, especially with her curvy, voluptuous figure. In 2024, Sofia Vergara portrayed Colombian drug lord Griselda Blanco on Netflix’s miniseries Griselda. To her continued success in television, here are 8 things you probably don’t know about the Griselda actress Sofia Vergara.
Sofia Vergara Wanted To Become A Dentist
The actress was born Sofía Margarita Vergara Vergara in Barranquilla, Colombia, on July 10, 1972. She was born to a homemaker mother, Margarita Vergara Dávila de Vergara, and a cattle rancher father, Julio Enrique Vergara Robayo. Vergara grew up in a large family with five siblings. Understandably, growing up, she wanted to have a career in a profession she knew would help her take care of her family. Sofia Vergara was admitted into the National University of Colombia and spent three years studying Dentistry. However, she dropped out with only two semesters left.
The Death of Her Brother Made Her Emigrate to the United States
Sofia Vergara’s older brother was killed in a botched kidnapping attempt in 1998. He was mixed up in Colombia’s drug trade and knew he was a target. He always moved around with bodyguards for protection. However, on that fateful day, he went outside without his security and was shot as they struggled to kidnap him. Understanding the unrest resulting from his death, Vergara thought it best to relocate to the United States. She settled in Miami, Florida, when she arrived in the United States. After settling, she helped bring her family to the United States.
She Was Discovered By A Photographer At The Beach
Born and raised a Catholic, it’s safe to say Providence brought Sofia Vergara to the beach on that fateful day a celebrity photographer happened to be around. Vergara was still studying Dentistry at the National University of Colombia when she was scouted for modeling. With a voluptuous body, the photographer believed Vergara had a shot of modeling and being on television. Although the photographer presented modeling offers almost immediately, Vergara was skeptical about accepting or having a career as a model. Feeling conflicted about her Christian faith, Vergara had to seek permission from her Catholic school teachers before starting her career as a model.
Sofia Vergara Was the Highest Earning Woman in American Television for Five Years in a Row
Sofia Vergara’s rise to stardom is evident in her financial growth. Although a long way from being a Dentist, Vergara fulfilled her dreams of being able to take care of her family. Vergara reportedly began on ABC’s Modern Family with a salary of between $30,000 to $65,000 per episode. However, towards the show’s end, she reportedly received $500,000 per episode. Forbes first announced Vergara as the highest-earning woman on television in 2012. She emerged as the highest earner for five consecutive years until 2016.
Sofia Vergara Businesses and Endorsements
With an impressive net worth of $180 million, Sofia Vergara is one of the richest women in television. However, a significant part of her net worth comes from her diversified business portfolio and endorsements. Over the years, she has been involved in several businesses. Her first clothing collection was EBY (Empowered By You) by Sofia Vergara, which she launched in 2005. In 2011, she launched a clothing line for Kmart with a target for soccer moms.
The Kmart collection was Sofia by Sofia Vergara, which she later expanded to include a shoe and bag collection, Jeans, Eyewear, an intimate apparel line, a jewelry line, and a home decoration line. Looking to create affordable and quality furniture for everyone, she partnered with Rooms To Go in 2013 and launched the Sofia Vergara Furniture Collection. In 2023, Vergara launched her personal beauty brand, Toty. The name is a nod to her childhood nickname, Toti.
Sofia Vergara Is a Natural Blonde
For most people who have only known Sofia Vergara through her popular TV shows, the actress is anything but blonde. However, Vergara is actually naturally blonde. She began dying her hair when producers found it difficult to give her a role. She was a Colombian with a strong accent and was voluptuous. Latino women in Hollywood were often stereotyped as having dark hair. While many would have found it insulting and racist, Vergara was more than willing to adjust since Hollywood is naturally make-believe. She occasionally rocks her natural blonde unapologetically. However, she dyed her hair again to portray Griselda Blanco in her new Netflix miniseries.
Sofia Vergara First Got Married When She Was 19
At 19, Sofia Vergara was young and in love. She was engaged to her High School sweetheart and saw no reason why she should wait. She married Joe Gonzalez on December 25, 1991. Before their wedding, Vergara and Gonzalez welcomed their first child, Manolo, on September 16, 1991. The couple stayed together for two years before finalizing their divorce in 1993. The marriage produced Vergara’s only child. Vergara dated Nick Loeb and was engaged before splitting in May 2014. Vergara married Joe Manganiello on November 21, 2015. Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello finalized their divorce in February 2024.
She Has A Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Sofia Vergara was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on May 7, 2015. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce awarded Vergara the 2,551st star for her contribution to Television. Vergara’s Walk of Fame star is located at 7013 Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Marshalls Department Store. If you enjoyed reading about Sofia Vergara, read about the 10 best roles from the cast of Griselda.
Follow Us
