Sofia Vergara, known for her “Modern Family” legacy, remains a magnet for talk due to her life and career surprises. And with everything from some of her latest projects to personal milestones, Vergara is never far from the public eye.
Early Life and Family
Sofia Margarita Vergara was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, on July 10, 1972, to a Roman Catholic family. Her father, Julio Enrique Vergara Robayo, was a cattle rancher, and her mother, Margarita Vergara de Vergara, was a homemaker. With five other brothers and many cousins, Sofía is also called “Toti” and studied dentistry at the National University of Colombia. But she dropped out two semesters before graduating to pursue modeling and show biz.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
At 17, Vergara had her first job working in a Pepsi commercial. In the late 1990s, she co-hosted two Univision television programs. In 2003, she appeared in her first significant English role, “Chasing Papi.” But her character Glorida Delgado-Pritchett on Modern Family (2009–2020) is what made her a household name. A role that would snag her a handful of award nominations and establish her power in Tinseltown.
Personal Life and Relationships
Sofia married her high school boyfriend, Joe Gonzalez when she was 18. Together, the couple had their son, Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, in September 1991. They divorced in 1993, making their marriage short.
In 2015, Vergara wed actor Joe Manganiello. In July 2023, they announced their separation and stated that it was due to irreconcilable differences. The couple got divorced in April 2024.
After the separation, Vergara started dating orthopedic surgeon Dr. Justin Saliman. They were seen out and about multiple times, and Vergara gushed over Saliman in her posts after her April knee surgery. But recently, in an interview, Vergara called herself “kind of single” while also revealing that she’s concentrating on her growth and career.
Health Journey
Vergara was 28 when a routine check-up revealed a lump in her neck. Eventually, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and underwent surgery followed by radiation treatments. Since then, Vergara has used her experience to become an advocate for cancer awareness. Vergara had knee surgery in April 2024 and kept fans updated on her recovery. Dr. Saliman was caring for her at the time, and she praised him as well, saying a supportive medical team is crucial to getting through these times.
Awards and Recognition
In 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, she received a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series for “Modern Family.” In addition, she was awarded the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Comedy TV Star in 2020. Her performance in “Griselda” garnered her an Emmy nomination in 2024, making it the fifth time she was nominated for an Emmy. She jokingly claimed that she was “robbed” of the win anyway.
Business Endeavors and Net Worth
Sofía has pursued multiple business opportunities outside of acting. Back in 2011, she designed a soccer mom-style clothing line for Kmart. In 2011, she became a CoverGirl, and she appeared in commercials for other brands, including Diet Pepsi, Comcast’s Xfinity, and State Farm. Her scent, “Sofia by Sofia Vergara,” came out in 2014, and she has vaulted a few aromas since.
Sofía has a net worth of $180 million in 2024. Her wealth is from her acting roles, endorsements, and business ventures. She made $500,000 an episode for the last few seasons of Modern Family. According to reports, she has also earned $10 million per year as a judge on ‘America’s Got Talent.’
Recent Developments
Vergara posted the throwback bikini photo from the ’90s in October 2024, around the same time when she declared herself “sort of single.” This was after her interview with Us Weekly, where she talked about her dating life and hinted that New York City was “the best city in the world” because it has a way bigger selection of available men compared to Los Angeles.
Also, in November 2024, Vergara was seen in Los Angeles, catching up with one of her BFFs after a busy year. She was reportedly in high spirits, celebrating with her inner circle the successful run of her recent projects.
A young actress from Colombia, Vergara rose to become a Hollywood icon by adapting and not shying away from pressures to fit in. Her commitment to her craft, business savvy and activism are an untapped source of inspiration for many.
