Sofía Vergara was born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia, before relocating to the United States and becoming the talented actress that entertainment lovers have come to know today. Vergara was first discovered by a photographer while on the beach, leading to her taking on jobs in the modeling industry. She subsequently moved on to television, co-hosting a travel show.
Vergara’s leap to fame came about when she participated in the movie Chasing Papi. Since taking on a role in the 2003 film, the actress has gone on to star in numerous television series and films. She is perhaps most widely known for her role as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett in the series Modern Family, which spanned 11 seasons. However, the actress has held many other iconic roles in TV shows and films, with her most recent success being a result of Netflix’s Griselda. Here are Sofia Vergara’s best performances ranked.
Update February 17, 2024: This article has been updated by Jessica Peerez following the release of Griselda with more information regarding Sofia Vergara’s best performances, including where you can stream each title.
10 Chasing Papi (2003)
Chasing Papi
- Release Date
- April 16, 2003
- Director
- Linda Mendoza
- Runtime
- 80
Chasing Papi is a comedy directed by Linda Mendoza. Rounded up by Roselyn Sánchez, Jaci Velásquez, and Eduardo Verástegui, the entertaining plot of the film revolves around Tomás Fuentes, a man who has been dating three women at the same time. Sofia Vergara takes on the role of Cici in the film, one of the three women that Tomás is simultaneously dating. An unexpected coincidence has the three women in the same place at the same time. The women go on to confront Tomás regarding his infidelity. However, what ensues next is a chaotic whirlwind, with an FBI agent hot on the tails of the women.
A Chaotic Whirlwind
Despite a less-than-strong plot and several predictable twists, Chasing Papi is undeniably entertaining. With a runtime of only 1 hour and 20 minutes, the film’s entertaining leads and the chemistry between them make the film worth a watch. Given that Chasing Papi was Vergara’s first notable acting job in English, the character, sass, vivacity, and refreshing humor that she brings to the role of Cici, a cocktail waitress from Miami, is truly praiseworthy. Rent on Apple TV+, Vudu, Google Play, and Prime Video
9 Madea Goes to Jail (2009)
Yet another work in which Vergara’s skills as an actress are highlighted is Madea Goes to Jail. Based on Tyler Perry’s 2006 play of the same name and starring Perry himself, Derek Luke, Ion Overman, and Keshia Knight Pulliam, among other stars, the film tells the story of Madea, who was sent to prison for having anger issues and befriended a female prostitute. Sofía Vergara plays Terry, Madea’s cellmate. She’s incarcerated owing to the face that she is a serial killer who has killed eighteen men. Her personality is quite euphoric, and she never seems to have a correct perception of reality. Given this, she’s mentally unstable and is always smiling.
An Unhinged Serial Killer
Vergara nails her performance as the unhinged T.T., switching between multiple emotions seamlessly. The jump from being extremely happy and loud to quiet and serious and then to deliriously unbalanced is done in the span of minutes, with Vergara artfully mastering the qualities that each emotion calls for. While the Madea films have never been known for their strong critical reactions, they do have a passionate fanbase, and there is no denying that the Vergara stands out in the movie. Rent on Apple TV+, Vudu, Google Play, and Prime Video
8 The Three Stooges (2012)
The Three Stooges is a comedy film written and directed by the Farrelly Brothers. The film is a big-budget remake of popular Three Stooges shorts produced between 1934 and 1959. The cast starred Chris Diamantopoulos (Moe), Sean Hayes (Larry), and Will Sasso (Curly). The story focuses on the Stooges, but not in the era we knew them. It’s in the 21st century and is a series of shorts.
A Comedic but Deadly Mission
Vergara plays Lydia Harter, who wants to take advantage of the stooges to kill her ex-husband and, thus, keep his inheritance while she enjoys her romance with Mac, her lover. With many stints in the comedy genre under her belt, Vergara excels in her role as Lydia, the ex-wife trying to trick the stooges into getting what she wants. Her performance as the villain in the film, pushing for the death of Teddy and manipulating the stooges, is done with an artfully sassy humor that contributes to the film’s fun, entertaining quality. Rent on Apple TV+, Vudu, Google Play, and Prime Video
7 Machete Kills (2013)
Machete Kills, directed by Robert Rodriguez, sees Sofia Vergara dip her feet into the action genre, all the while bringing her characteristic humor to the role. The cast consists of Danny Trejo, Michelle Rodriguez, Tom Savini, and the Avellan twins. The plot revolves around Machete (Trejo), who’s a former federal incumbent. He’s assigned by the President of the United States to stop an arms dealer and a revolutionary. The film is a sequel to 2010’s Machete, itself an adaptation of a trailer for 2007’s Grindhouse.
The Weaponized Madame
Vergara plays Madame Desdemona, the head of a brothel in Acapulco. With outfits that are weaponized in the most interesting places, Vergara’s role in the film offers enough and more excitement and thrill amidst plenty of comedy-filled moments. Thanks to its over-the-top chaos and the performances of the cast, the film has now gained its own cult following. Robert Rodriguez is one of the most prominent Latino filmmakers working in Hollywood, and his films have tended to find places for Latino performers and Vergara fits perfectly into his style it is a shame the two have not collaborated again. Stream on Fubo TV
6 Four Brothers (2005)
Bringing Vergara’s talent in action-centered films to the fore, Four Brothers was helmed by John Singleton. The film features Garrett Hedlund, Mark Wahlberg, André Benjamin, and Tyrese Gibson with a plot that tells the story of four adopted siblings who lose their foster mother after she is murdered and vow to take revenge. Vergara plays the role of Sofi, who was Angel’s girlfriend and one of the four brothers. She helps them with their plan when they try to attack Detective Fowler, and then supports them in rebuilding their mother’s house.
Balancing Action and Humor
Vergara is more commonly known for comedy roles thanks to Modern Family, but Four Brothers was released four years before the hit series premiered and was an example of her trying out a wide variety of genres. The film, in which revenge acts as the core premise, allows Vergara to portray her talent outside the usual comedy genre while also offering her the chance to bring in a degree of humor through her role. It’s a small, memorable role that many who watched Modern Family for the first time might have recognized her. Stream on Fubo TV
5 Fading Gigolo (2013)
Fading Gigolo, written and directed by John Turturro, features performances by stars such as Woody Allen, Sharon Stone, Vanessa Paradis, Eugenia Kuzmina, and Lien Schreiber. The plot revolves around Fioravante, who decides to become a gigolo in order to get money and help his friend Murray, who has no purchasing power. Murray decides to support him by becoming his manager. Despite its admittedly vulgar themes, the film has an underlying tenderness to it that touches on a few significant themes.
Masqueraded Tenderness
Vergara played Selima, a friend of Dr. Parker, Murray’s dermatologist. Both want to experience a threesome and are in search of a willing man, so Fioravante decides to take the job. The film, underneath its clever humor, spins a somewhat tender tale of the human need for connection, the effects of loneliness, and how, at times, loneliness becomes the motivating element for sex. Fading Gigolo has all the elements of a Woody Allen comedy, and despite being raunchy and reeling in controversial themes, the movie is a stark, witty work about love, sex, and loneliness. Stream on Prime Video
4 Bottom of the 9th (2019)
Bottom of the 9th sees Vergara take on a more dramatic, tender role, veering away from the heavily comedy-centered works the actress is noted for taking on. The film is directed by Raimundo De Felita and features performances by Joe Manganiello, Denis O’Hare, and Michael Rispoli. It tells the story of Sonny, a man who committed an act of violence and was in prison for 17 years. He gets out of prison and returns to his Bronx neighborhood, where he begins to resume his passion for baseball.
Real and Heartfelt
Vergara plays Angela Ramirez, who was Sonny’s high school girlfriend. She’s a single mother of a ten-year-old girl and a dedicated teacher. The film, going beyond a mere sports-centered drama, touches on meaningful themes such as life after prison, the uncertainties of a single parent, and the complexities that can arise in relationships. Vergara’s performance as a gentle, soft woman who only wants the best for Sonny is compelling and heartfelt. The chemistry between Vergara’s Angela and Joe Manganiello’s Sonny is another highlight of the film, working to drive the plot forward. Rent on Apple TV+, Vudu, Google Play, and Prime Video
3 Chef (2014)
Chef
- Release Date
- May 8, 2014
- Runtime
- 115
Chef, a drama-comedy in which food becomes the main driver, was written, directed, and produced by Jon Favreau, in addition to the fact that he stars in the film. The plot consists of a chef, Carl Casper, who loses his job at a Los Angeles restaurant after an incident with a food critic. He and his son decide to invest in a food truck to make money. The cast includes John Leguizamo, Oliver Platt, Sofia Vergara and Scarlett Johansson.
A Feel-Good Food Journey
Vergara plays Inez Casper, Carl’s millionaire ex-wife, and Percy’s mother. She encourages her recently laid-off ex-husband to engage in a side hustle to earn money, motivating him to operate a dilapidated food truck. Chef is a feel-good film with the perfect amount of charming, witty comedy and heartfelt moments interjected into it. True to its title, the movie revolves around food. It drives the plot of the film and takes its viewers on a journey through numerous perfectly plated, scrumptious-looking dishes. Looking back, Chef is perhaps not the best film to watch on an empty stomach! Rent on Apple TV
2 Modern Family (2009)
Modern Family
- Release Date
- September 23, 2009
- Seasons
- 11
- Studio
- ABC
The series that thrust Sofia Vergara into fame and had her playing a character adored by many, Modern Family premiered in 2009 and lasted 11 seasons on air. It was a total success worldwide, for which it has received several awards throughout its production. The plot of the TV show encompasses three very different families, which are linked by their patriarch, Jay Pritchett. The first is a nuclear family, while the second is a blended family, and the third is a family with two dads. Jay also remarries, this time to Gloria (Vergara), a much younger woman with whom he has a child.
Stealing Hearts
Vergara’s endearing performance in the role led to the actress stealing the hearts of fans and propelled her to stardom. While Modern Family is generally known for its relatable themes and great storylines, many viewers have found themselves able to connect to Vergara’s Gloria on a personal level. Fans have zeroed in on the relationship Gloria has with her son Manny, her attitude to life as a Colombian married to a rich white man, and the love she has for her family in applauding Vergara for her performance on the show. Modern Family made stars out of much of the cast, but it’s hard to argue that it was Vergara who was the biggest breakout from the popular series. Stream on Hulu and Peacock
1 Griselda (2024)
Griselda
- Release Date
- January 25, 2024
- Seasons
- 1
- Studio
- Latin World Entertainment, Netflix
Making its debut on January 25, 2024, Netflix’s Griselda, with Sofia Vergara in the titular role, has taken the world by storm. The limited series, comprising six hour-long episodes, is written by Doug Miro and Ingrid Escajeda. Vergara plays the notorious Griselda Blanco, a Colombian drug lord. The actress stars alongside those including Karol G, Vanessa Ferlito, Alberto Guerra, Martin Rodriguez, and Juliana Aidén Martinez.
A Captivating Performance
Stealing the spotlight in the miniseries is none other than Vergara herself. Usually recognized for taking on more humorous roles, Vergara’s performance as Griselda Blanco has left fans in awe of the actress’ range. Vergara artfully brings the real-life story of Griselda to screens, depicting the manner in which the trafficker ran a cocaine business in 1980s Miami to support her family. Vergara’s performance is truly real and raw, commanding the screen and proving that, as an actress, her skills in the film industry have been underutilized thus far. With viewers binge-watching the intense, thrilling drama, Griselda claims the number one spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 list and has an impressive 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. Stream on Netflix
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
