Known for her glamorous persona and curvaceous figure, Vergara is taking on a significantly different challenge with this role, which required her to downplay her natural attributes to accurately portray the infamous drug lord. Speaking to 'Variety' she opened up on the undertaking of her life...

  • Sofia Vergara has spoken about her recent role
  • It was her first physical transformation on screen
  • THIS is what it took

Sofia's dedication is unparalleled

Vergara's career has spanned a diverse range of roles, from her breakout character “Gloria Delgado-Pritchett” in the hit TV series 'Modern Family' to her appearances in films like 'Chef' and 'Hot Pursuit'. Her portrayal of “Gloria” earned her widespread acclaim and solidified her status as a comedic powerhouse.

Despite her success in comedy and her often glamorous roles, Vergara is now stepping into a more intense and dramatic character with "Griselda Blanco."

"She was maybe not a Barbie doll, but the real Griselda Blanco had something — she had some kind of sex appeal that I needed to show," Vergara said, adding that she wanted to disguise her curves and didn’t want to "jiggle."

"I didn’t want the bouncing that is natural for Latin women to show. I would have to wrap myself so that my butt wouldn’t jiggle. I had to wear a really bad bra," Vergara said, before noting that she also covered another part of her body. 

To embody Blanco, a pivotal figure in the 1970s and 1980s drug trade known for her ruthless business acumen and distinctive style, Vergara had to undergo a major physical transformation. She discussed how this role demanded a departure from her usual glamorous image.

Vergara also picked up a few new skills for the role, including smoking – which she was taught how to do by director Andrés Baiz. 

"I had never smoked in my life. Andy would come to my house the month before we started. We would talk about the script, and he would teach me how to smoke and do cocaine and crack," she said.

The process involved working closely with costume designers and makeup artists to alter her appearance significantly. This included wearing specialized clothing and using padding to create a more subdued silhouette that reflected Blanco’s image more accurately.

Vergara described this transformation as a challenging yet fulfilling experience. She emphasized the rigorous efforts she put into hiding her natural curves, demonstrating her commitment to authenticity. This role required her not only to modify her physical appearance but also to adapt her body language and demeanor to fully capture the essence of "Griselda Blanco."

The decision to take on such a demanding role reflects Vergara's versatility and dedication as an actress. Her willingness to transform herself physically and emotionally for this part underscores her deep respect for the character and her craft.

This dramatic shift from her usual roles, such as the humorous “Gloria” in 'Modern Family' and other comedic characters, highlights her range and her readiness to tackle complex, multi-dimensional roles.

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Vergara’s dedication to her craft and her ability to reinvent herself for different roles continue to impress audiences and critics alike. The transformation for 'Griselda' not only showcases her versatility but also her commitment to bringing authenticity and depth to her characters, making her portrayal of “Griselda Blanco” a highly anticipated highlight in her storied career.