Sofía Vergara’s journey to becoming one of the highest-paid actresses on television is nothing short of remarkable. Known for her iconic role as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett in Modern Family, Vergara’s thick Colombian accent became a defining trait of her character. But before this career-defining role, Vergara faced a challenging dilemma: should she lose the accent that made her unique?
The High Cost of Fitting In: Vergara’s Battle with Her Accent
Before Sofía Vergara graced our screens as the feisty and lovable Gloria, she struggled to land roles in Hollywood. The primary obstacle? Her thick Colombian accent. It’s hard to imagine now, but there was a time when Vergara believed that her accent was holding her back. Determined to succeed, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
Vergara shared in an interview at PaleyFest LA 2015 how she hired an expensive coach to help her shed her accent.
“I was like, ‘I don’t understand how Salma Hayek and Penélope Cruz can’t fix their accents. I’m gonna do it,’” Vergara confessed.
However, the process was not only time-consuming but also incredibly expensive.
“I spent a lot of money because it’s very expensive. They charge you by the hour.”
For months, Vergara worked tirelessly, dedicating three hours, three days a week to altering her natural way of speaking. Despite her best efforts, the process only made her more self-conscious during auditions. Eventually, she realized that this attempt to conform was stifling her true self. Her decision to abandon the idea and embrace her identity ultimately paved the way for her success.
Embracing Her Heritage: The Turning Point
Vergara’s struggle with her accent wasn’t just about fitting into Hollywood’s mold; it was also about self-acceptance. Despite the challenges, she decided to stop fighting her natural accent and instead, incorporate it into her acting. This decision turned out to be a game-changer.
Her role in Modern Family allowed her to showcase her accent and heritage authentically, making her character Gloria Delgado-Pritchett one of the most beloved on television. The role was a perfect fit, and Vergara’s accent became an integral part of Gloria’s charm, resonating with audiences worldwide.
But the journey wasn’t easy. Vergara expressed frustration over other Latina actresses who didn’t face the same challenges due to their ability to speak English without an accent.
“Eva Longoria doesn’t have an accent. Jennifer Lopez doesn’t have an accent. Jessica Alba doesn’t have an accent. Is it frustrating? Of course,”
she admitted. This frustration, however, was ultimately directed inward.
“How come I can’t f**king get this right? I’ve been here for 30 years. How dumb can I be?”
From Ridicule to Recognition: How Vergara Rose Above the Criticism
Sofía Vergara’s accent has been a point of contention, not just in Hollywood but also in the public eye. Over the years, she faced ridicule and mocking, often from high-profile figures. However, Vergara has always handled these situations with grace and wit, turning potential embarrassments into moments of empowerment.
During a guest appearance on the Spanish talk show El Hormiguero, the host, Pablos Motos, tried to mock her English pronunciation. Vergara’s response was sharp and to the point:
“How many Emmy nominations do you have in the United States, sorry? How many times have they nominated you for a Golden Globe?”
Her confidence left no room for further mockery.
Vergara’s quick wit was also on display during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. When Ellen commented,
“You’ve been on the show for 10 years, and your accent has gotten worse,”
Vergara humorously fired back, saying she was committed to playing a
“very thick Latin-spoken woman”
on Modern Family.
The Irony of Success: How Her Accent Became Her Trademark
It’s ironic that the very thing Sofía Vergara once considered a hindrance became her signature trait. Her decision to embrace her natural accent not only led to her breakthrough role but also made her a role model for embracing one’s true identity. In an industry that often pressures individuals to conform, Vergara’s story is a powerful reminder that authenticity can be the key to success.
Vergara’s latest role as Griselda Blanco in Netflix’s Griselda shows that she continues to find roles that celebrate her heritage. As she told the LA Times while promoting the show, she is always in search of characters she can
“play with this stupid accent.”
Sofía Vergara’s journey is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and staying true to one’s roots. Her story is not just about overcoming an accent but about breaking the barriers of what Hollywood traditionally accepts. By choosing to embrace her identity, Vergara didn’t just land a role in Modern Family—she became an international star, proving that sometimes, the very thing you think is holding you back can be the key to your success.
In a world where authenticity is increasingly valued, Sofía Vergara stands as a shining example of how being true to yourself can lead to unimaginable success.
