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Sofia Vergara is one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood today. Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, she first gained attention as a model and TV host on Spanish-language programs before making her mark in American entertainment. Her breakthrough came with the role of Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on the hit series Modern Family, a character whose humor and warmth made her a fan favorite for over a decade.
Sofia Vergara's journey to stardom wasn't without challenges. Diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2000, she overcame the illness and became an advocate for health awareness. Despite early advice to change her accent to fit Hollywood norms, she embraced her Colombian roots and turned her unique voice into an asset.
5 lesser-known things about Sofia Vergara
1) Early career aspirations
Before becoming famous, Sofia Vergara had a completely different career in mind. She studied pre-dentistry at a university in Colombia and spent three years focused on her studies. She was just two semesters away from finishing her degree when her life took a different turn.
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While at the beach in Colombia, a photographer noticed her and offered her a modeling job. That first opportunity led to more work in television, including hosting Fuera de Serie, a travel show popular in Latin America and the United States. The show gave her early exposure and started building her audience.
2) Natural hair color
Sofia Vergara is naturally blonde, but early in her career, she dyed her hair darker to fit Hollywood’s expectations of Latina women. Speaking to People magazine in January 2024, Vergara explained,
“The way that I looked was not the way that Hollywood really saw Latina women. They were expecting a more dark-haired woman.”
She decided to make the change to avoid being typecast or overlooked for roles. The shift worked, helping her land standout parts, including Gloria Delgado-Pritchett in Modern Family. Reflecting on her decision, she told the publication:
"After the third season, I thought, ‘Maybe now that everybody knows Gloria is Latin and they know me, I could go back to my more natural hair color.’”
3) Thyroid cancer survivor
In 2000, Sofia Vergara was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at the age of 28 after doctors found a lump in her neck during a routine checkup. She had surgery to remove her thyroid and then underwent radioactive iodine therapy. She has been cancer-free since and takes daily medication to manage her thyroid hormones.
In a 2021 interview with Stand Up To Cancer, Sofia Vergara shared how she approached the diagnosis:
“I read every book and found out everything I could about it, I was fortunate to have caught it early and to have the support of my doctors and most importantly, my family, I learned a lot during that time, not just about thyroid cancer but I also learned that in times of crisis, we're better together.”
4) Entrepreneurial ventures
Sofia Vergara has built a business career alongside her acting work. In 2011, she launched a clothing line for Kmart aimed at “soccer moms” looking for affordable and stylish outfits. The line was designed to be practical and fashionable for everyday wear.
In 2013, she partnered with Rooms To Go to create a furniture collection focusing on well-made pieces at reasonable prices. Speaking to People about the line, she said,
“I wanted to create gorgeous furniture that is made well and is still affordable, everyone should be able to make their home look amazing and be proud of their home.”
In June 2023, Sofia Vergara introduced Toty, a beauty brand focusing on sun protection products. The brand reflects her focus on skincare and protecting skin from damage. Her business ventures show her ability to reach different audiences and create products that fit their needs.
5) Accent challenges
Sofia Vergara once tried to get rid of her Colombian accent because she feared it would limit her acting opportunities. During The Hollywood Reporter's 2024 Drama Actress Roundtable, Vergara revealed,
“I cannot take this accent away no matter what. I tried at the beginning of my career. I cannot believe Penélope Cruz or Salma Hayek don’t change their accent, they’d have so many more opportunities. I’m going to do it.”
Determined to fit in, she hired a dialect coach but later admitted,
“Then I spent so much money and time with people teaching me, and it was a f---ing waste.”
Vergara also confessed to lying about her skills when she first moved to L.A. During the same interview, she said,
“I told my agents I could sing and dance. Why not? I didn’t think they were going to send me out.”
However, she landed a role in Chicago as Mama Morton, proving her talent extended beyond comedy.
She stars in the Netflix miniseries Griselda, which premiered on January 25, 2024.
