Top 10 Coolest Things About Sofía Vergara

Sofía Vergara has stacked an irresistibly varied screen career—sitcom superstardom, buzzy streaming drama, studio comedies, action sequels, and even a primetime judging seat—so there’s plenty to celebrate. Below are ten film-and-TV highlights first, followed by one industry milestone that shows how her screen work changed the business side of television, too.

‘Modern Family’ (2009–2020) – Four Emmy nominations for Gloria Pritchett

Vergara’s breakout U.S. role as Gloria earned her four Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She was also nominated multiple times for Golden Globes and SAG Awards for the part. As a member of the ensemble, she shared in multiple Screen Actors Guild wins for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. The show ran for eleven seasons, cementing her as one of television’s most recognizable stars.

‘Griselda’ (2024) – Led and executive-produced a transformative limited series

Vergara starred as Griselda Blanco in this limited series and also served as an executive producer. The production used prosthetic makeup and a distinct vocal approach to distance the performance from her comedic persona. The show drew significant viewership on its platform and sparked wide conversations about true-crime dramatizations. It marked a major swing into gritty drama after years of comedy success.

‘America’s Got Talent’ (2020– ) – First Latina judge on the long-running hit

In 2020, Vergara joined ‘America’s Got Talent’ as a judge alongside Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel. Her addition made her the first Latina to serve as a judge on the main U.S. edition of the franchise. She has since appeared across multiple seasons, live shows, and specials. The role expanded her presence from scripted TV to one of primetime’s most-watched unscripted series.

‘Chef’ (2014) – Key role in Jon Favreau’s foodie favorite

Vergara played Inez, the ex-wife who helps Carl Casper reboot his career with a food truck, sharing the screen with Jon Favreau, John Leguizamo, and Robert Downey Jr. The film’s warm reception helped kick off a wider culinary conversation that later continued with Favreau’s companion cooking series. Her role added Spanish- and English-language beats that fit naturally within the film’s Miami and Los Angeles settings. It remains one of her most widely liked feature appearances.

‘Hot Pursuit’ (2015) – Buddy-comedy team-up with Reese Witherspoon

Vergara co-starred as Daniella Riva opposite Reese Witherspoon in director Anne Fletcher’s chase comedy. The film paired a by-the-book cop with a high-profile widow on the run across Texas. It earned nominations at fan-voted award shows, reflecting her strong popularity with general audiences. The project also showcased her action-comedy timing in a lead feature role.

‘Machete Kills’ (2013) – Memorable villain turn in Robert Rodriguez’s sequel

As Desdemona, a lethal madam with a flamboyant arsenal, Vergara joined an ensemble that included Danny Trejo, Michelle Rodriguez, Amber Heard, and Mel Gibson. The part leaned into over-the-top grindhouse style typical of Rodriguez’s series. It gave her a marquee antagonist role distinct from her comedic TV persona. The film amplified her presence with action audiences.

‘The Smurfs’ (2011) – Live-action antagonist in a global box-office hit

Vergara played cosmetics executive Odile Anjelou in the live-action/CGI family film blending New York City settings with the classic blue characters. The movie became a worldwide hit, leading to a sequel and renewed brand visibility. Her role placed her in a major studio franchise early in the 2010s. It also broadened her audience to family viewers.

‘Chasing Papi’ (2003) – First major U.S. feature showcase

This romantic comedy was one of Vergara’s earliest wide U.S. releases, produced by 20th Century Fox with a predominantly Latin ensemble. It increased her visibility beyond Spanish-language television and commercials. The film helped set up later supporting and lead roles in Hollywood projects. It stands as an early stepping stone in her crossover career.

‘Four Brothers’ (2005) – Crime-drama credentials with John Singleton

Vergara appeared as Sofi in John Singleton’s Detroit-set revenge thriller starring Mark Wahlberg, Tyrese Gibson, André Benjamin, and Garrett Hedlund. The movie performed strongly and became a cable staple, giving her durable exposure outside comedy. Working with Singleton added a respected dramatic credit to her résumé. The part demonstrated her versatility in ensemble features.

Industry Milestone – Record-setting TV paychecks

At the height of ‘Modern Family’, Vergara regularly topped annual earnings lists for television actresses, driven by series salary plus endorsements and licensing. Her business deals included fashion and furniture lines alongside major brand campaigns. The combination of on-screen work and savvy partnerships became a widely cited template for TV stars maximizing income streams. It underlined how her television success translated into industry-leading compensation.

What did we miss—what’s your favorite Sofía Vergara moment on screen? Share your picks in the comments!