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Sofia Vergara

Recognized as one of today's most popular and beloved Latin stars, Sofía Vergara was discovered in her native Barranquilla, Colombia. At the time she was studying to be a dentist. But an innocent walk on a local beach proved that fate had other things in store for the career-minded beauty. Glimpsed by a well-known photographer, she was soon starring in a Pepsi commercial, launching a successful international modeling career that later expanded into television and film.

In the past year Vergara co-starred with Mark Wahlberg in the action drama Four Brothers, directed by John Singleton, appeared in the skateboarding epic Lords of Dogtown, as well as co-starring in the ABC comedy series Hot Properties. She will next be seen in the upcoming comedy feature film Grilled, opposite Ray Romano and Kevin James.

When she hosted Univision's popular 1995 travel series, Fuera de Serie, Vergara became known as the queen of Thursday night television in over 70 countries worldwide where the program is seen. With her recent role on ABC's Hot Properties, she became the first Hispanic star - male or female -- to do a television cross-over into the general market.

Vergara's accomplishments include gracing over 150 covers of international magazines and hosting dozens of Hispanic events. After appearing in several advertisements for various Fortune 500 companies, their sales and/or memberships increased by up to 44% in Hispanic communities.

Her film career was triggered by a stunning and humorous presentation at FOX's 2000 American Comedy Awards. Shortly thereafter, director Barry Sonnenfeld cast Vergara in Disney's 2001 comedy film, Big Trouble, starring Tim Allen and Rene Russo. In 2002 she landed a dramatic role in the independent film The 24th Day, and was subsequently cast in her first lead in the 2003 comedy Chasing Papi.

In 1999 Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Menchœ awarded Vergara the Hispanic Woman of the Year Award, commending her on her leadership and representation. She was also honored in 2001 with the Women of Hope Award from the City of Hope for her work as the most outstanding Hispanic woman of the year, her active participation in community causes, inspiring Latin women to fight for their dreams and serving as an example to the community. It was the first time that a Colombian received this award. In 2003 Vergara donated a pediatric cancer pavilion to help sick children in her native Barranquilla through the charity she sponsors, Peace and Hope for the Children of Colombia, to which she donates proceeds from her calendar sales.

Vergara, whose web page, www.Sof'avergara.com, averages 22 million hits a month, is also an accomplished businesswoman. In Miami in the fall of 2004, one of her biggest dreams came true as she launched her own clothing line, Vergara by Sofía, in an event attended by high

profile business personalities, celebrities and special guests, including Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe. She launched the project under her own terms -- ensuring that all of the 1,500-plus jobs resulting from this particular business went to her hometown. The clothing line will be available in the U.S. in 2006.

Understandably Vergara has become a role model for many young Latinas. Her spirit and relentless quest to work hard -- for what some believed to be unattainable goals -- make her an inspiration.

Vergara and her 14-year-old son, Manolo, currently live in New York. A voracious reader, she devours all kinds of books, often one a day. She also enjoys attending Formula-1 car races and travels wherever the international sport is held.


Note: This profile was written in or before 2006.
Read earlier biographies on this page.

Sofia Vergara Facts

Birth NameSofia Margarita Vergara
OccupationActress
BirthdayJuly 10, 1972 (51)
SignCancer
BirthplaceBarranquilla, Colombia
Height5' 7" (1m70)  How tall is Sofia Vergara compared to you?
Social Media SofiaVergara

Selected Filmography

Hot Pursuit
Wild Card
Happy Feet Two
The Smurfs
Escape From Planet Earth
Nuthin' But A Glee Thang with Heather Morris, Matthew Morrison & Sofia Vergara
Chef
Modern Family: Season 1
New Year's Eve
Modern Family: Season 2
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