How Sofia Vergara Became One Of The Most Powerful Women in Hollywood

From her early days in Latin America to becoming one of the most powerful women in Hollywood, Sofia Vergara’s journey is a testament to her enduring talent and charisma. This article explores how Sofia Vergara carved a niche for herself in Hollywood, marking her as a leading figure in the entertainment industry.

From Latin American Recognition to Hollywood Stardom

While widely recognized in Latin America since the early 90s, Sofia Vergara only achieved household name status in the U.S. in 2009. Since then, the Barranquillera native from Colombia has swiftly escalated the ranks and now five years later she is a leading lady starring opposite of Academy-Award-winner Reese Witherspoon in a buddy comedy.

The Project That Paused and Now Proceeds

JoBlo, reports that the untitled project (previously known as “Don’t Mess With Texas”) is finally resuming production in New Orleans after a year-long hiatus. Witherspoon plays a police officer who protects Vergara, a drug boss’ widow, from crooked cops and gunmen.

Variety also reports that Vergara and her manager Luis Balaguer will executive produce the upcoming comedy set for release next year on May 8, Mother’s Day weekend.

Sofia’s Unconventional Path to Success

It might have been easy for the Barranquillera to get to where she is now, but it’s been quite a long journey. It all began in 1989 when a young Vergara was discovered. “I did a TV commercial for Pepsi when I was 17 and it was huge all over Latin America so I started getting propositions to work, to model …” she told BlackFilm.com.

“[Then] I started in a TV show in Colombia … for two years, I then [moved] to Univision in Miami … [to host ‘Fuera De Serie’] a traveling show for five years, then the game show [“A Que No Te Atreves”], for another couple of years.”

Vergara’s career thrives on bold moves. After establishing herself in the U.S., she seized the opportunity to conquer new markets. “I will always be grateful to Univision for giving me my start,” she told The Miami Herald. “But there are a lot of offers now and I want to move on.”

In 2002, she got her first American film break as Nina in “Big Trouble.”

Embracing Challenges and Stereotypes

Subsequently, she began to book more roles following her big-screen debut. These include films like “Chasing Papi,” “Soul Plane,” “Lords of Dogtown,” “Four Brothers,” and “Madea Goes To Jail.” At the same time she also did roles for both Spanish and English Language television like the ABC sitcoms “Hot Properties” and “The Knights of Prosperity,” the Colombian series “Amas De Casa Desesperadas,” and the Mexican novela “Fuego en la Sangre.”

Coming from zero professional acting experience, Vergara has jumped at every opportunity available knowing that if she was going to make it as a Latina with an accent, she would need a bigger resume than most actresses. “Any job I can get in the American market is great because it’s not easy,” she told BlackFilm.com. “There’s not many jobs for women with Latin accents. Anything that we can get that is good and decent and helps you get to another level, you have to take advantage of it.”

The Role of a Lifetime in “Modern Family”

All her hard work finally paid off in 2009 as she received the role of her life as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett in the ABC hit-comedy series “Modern Family,” and although she found immense success with the eccentric character, she also fell under accusations of pursuing a stereotypical image of Latinas. But Of course, Vergara is not ashamed and defends it openly.

“It’s the best thing that ever happened for my career,” she told The Daily Beast. “I’ve been a mother since 19, so I could relate and everything attracted me. I was going to be Colombian, a mother, and very loud, and Latin. It was a role made for me.”

And there is a reason she embraces her character. “For every 100 roles that come out for another actress, there are two that fit somebody like me,” she told Self Magazine. “I mean I cannot play a scientist. I know how I look and sound. I’m not going to tell my agent: ‘Book me for Schindler’s List 2.'”

A Promising Future in Hollywood

The Colombian actress, defying expectations, leveraged her accent, curves, and humor to land roles in increasingly prominent films. Starting with smaller parts, she secured spots in “Machete Kills” by Robert Rodriguez, “Fading Gigolo” by Woody Allen, and “Chef” starring Jon Favreau and Robert Downey Jr.

By now, Sofia Vergara Hollywood’s dream and ambition will undoubtedly keep on climbing the Hollywood ranks.