This Colombia-born beauty initially studied dentistry before transitioning to a career as a model and performer. After moving to the U.S. in the mid-'90s, she became the host of a series of shows on Univision, the nation's leading Spanish network. After consistently being voted one of the world's sexiest women by a host of men's magazines, Hollywood finally came calling with supporting roles in a number of films. In 2005 Vergara landed her first series television role on the short-lived sitcom
Hot Properties. After the show was quickly canceled, she guest-starred on several series, including
Entourage and
Dirty Sexy Money, before landing a regular role on
Modern Family. Although Vergara veers toward comedy on screen, in real life she has endured her share of drama, including a bout with thyroid cancer, the murder of her brother and single motherhood.
Sofía Vergara Fast Facts:
- Nicknamed "La Toti" by her family.
- Went to a bilingual elementary school, where she learned English.
- Named her son, Manolo, after a character in her favorite movie, Scarface.
- Studied dentistry for three years, but turned to modeling after being discovered by a photographer while walking on the beach in her native Colombia.
- Worked on commercials for Pepsi, Miller Lite and McDonald's.
- Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Menchu presented her with the Hispanic Woman of the Year award in 1999.
- Created the Peace and Hope for the Children of Colombia charity.
- Launched her own clothing line, Vergara by Sofia.
- Sofía Vergara Relationships:
- Julio Vergara - Brother
- José González - Ex-husband
- Nick Loeb - Fiancé
- Rafael Vergara - Brother
- Sandra Vergara - Sister
- Manolo - Son
- Sofía Vergara Awards:
- 2010 Emmy: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - Nominee
- 2009 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series - Nominee
- 2011 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - Nominee
- 2010 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series - Winner
- 2010 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series - Nominee
- 2011 Emmy: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - Nominee
- 2011 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series - Winner
- 2011 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series - Nominee
- 2012 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - Nominee
- 2012 Emmy: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - Nominee
- 2012 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series - Nominee
- 2012 Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series - Winner
- 2013 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television - Nominee