Sofia Vergara life and biography

Sofia Vergara was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, and as a child her future status as a global sex symbol was no more than a distant fairytale. Raised as a devout Catholic, Vergara was married when she was only 18, and had her first and only son just one year later. All this while Vergara was studying dentistry, and with just one year left in her schooling, was discovered by a photographer on a Columbian beach. Soon, modeling opportunities presented themselves, with Vergara appearing in commercials to help support her family, despite being in constant conflict with her religious beliefs.

Sofia Vergara’s marriage didn’t last long, and when it ended, the fledgling model packed up and moved to Bogoto, Columbia, to pursue an increasing amount of opportunities in show business. Her big break came as cohost of the travel show Fuera de Serie (Out of the Ordinary), which gave her ample exposure in the U.S. after it aired on Univision.

Sofia Vergara’s exotic sex appeal made her a highly sought after bikini model as well, and in no time, Hollywood was banging at her door. In 2002, Vergara made her big-screen debut opposite Tim Allen, Renee Russo and Zooey Deschanel in the comedy Big Trouble. Though Vergara was hailed for her natural comedic abilities, the role was limited at best, and led to Vergara being typecast as the token buxom Latin woman in a variety of films and television shows including Chasing Papi, The 24th Day, Soul Plane, Lords of Dogtown, Baywatch, My Wife and Kids, and Entourage.

Sofia Vergara already proved that she was good for a laugh, but had yet to try her hand at more dramatic fare. She got her chance in John Singleton’s drama Four Brothers, where she costarred as Tyrese Gibson’s girlfriend. Though Vergara more than held her own, industry insiders recognized that she was best at bringing the funny, and continued casting her in comedies including National Lampoon’s Pledge This!, Tyler Perry Meets The Browns and Madea Goes To Jail. Television executives also tried to find her a recurring role in various sitcoms, but both efforts -- Hot Properties and The Knights of Prosperity -- were short lived.

In an industry and culture that fetishizes youth, the unlikelihood of Sofia Vergara finding success in her late 30s can’t be stressed. But thanks to the creators of ABC’s hit sitcom Modern Family, Vergara is finally getting the attention -- for something other than her breasts -- that she deserves. As Gloria Delgado, Vergara plays the unofficial matriarch of the funniest family on television. Critics and audiences alike have embraced the show, and there’s no denying that Vergara -- with her quick wit and impeccable comedic timing -- has been its breakout star. In fact, her spirited performance has been recognized with a nomination at this year’s Emmy, along with the show itself.

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