Sofia Vergara Takes on Intense Role in New Netflix Series "Griselda"
Sofia Vergara has made a bold move in her latest project, "Griselda," a Netflix series in which she not only stars but also serves as an executive producer.
This new series marks a significant departure from Vergara's previous work. Known for her vibrant portrayal of Gloria Pritchett on "Modern Family," the actress surprised fans by taking on the role of the intense character, Griselda Blanco.
Griselda Blanco, a notorious drug lord and a single mother of four, gained infamy as a cartel leader, particularly for her role in introducing cocaine to the masses. This aspect of Blanco's story intrigued Vergara.
"As a woman, I was fascinated. How did she become even more ruthless and horrific than any man?" said Vergara.
It is alleged that Blanco ordered the deaths of hundreds of people, but she initially became involved in the drug trade as a desperate means to support her children. Vergara explained that when envisioning Griselda, she wanted her to be like Tony Soprano from the HBO series "The Sopranos" – a character whom people didn't hate despite his villainous nature.
Vergara's preparation for her role involved immersing herself in method acting. Despite never having smoked before, she dedicated months to practicing in order to authentically portray a smoker.
Reflecting on her experience, she exclaimed, "Oh my god, why now suddenly after 50 years I'm gonna be a smoker?"
The role held personal significance for Vergara, as she grew up in Colombia during the height of narco-trafficking.
Colombia's decades-long drug war resulted in the deaths of an estimated quarter of a million people, including Vergara's brother Rafael.
"My brother was involved in that business. I have firsthand knowledge of the devastation it can cause to a family, an individual, and a country," she shared.
Vergara's journey from being discovered as a young model on a beach in Barranquilla, Colombia, to becoming one of the highest-paid actors on television was filled with small roles. She even hesitated to do a Pepsi commercial because she was attending Catholic school at the time.
Eventually, she moved to Miami with her son Manolo after divorcing her high school sweetheart. From there, she made her way to Hollywood and landed her iconic role in "Modern Family."
"My main goal was always to make money. It was all about providing for my son's education and supporting my family," she explained.
Actress Sofia Vergara is proud to present her latest production, "Griselda," which highlights the talent of the Latino community. The production also features singer Karol G in her first acting role. Although Vergara initially had reservations about taking on such a complex character, her son Manolo reassured her that she was more than capable of playing the role.
After building a successful career spanning several decades, Vergara is now ready to continue shining in the entertainment industry.
Vergara shared, "Having an accent like mine, you have to work harder than anyone else. As a minority, you constantly have to prove yourself. It hasn't been easy, but it has been an amazing journey."
