Sofía Vergara’s transformation: From Gloria Pritchett to Griselda Blanco
A surprising ambition
“Why the heck do you think Gloria Pritchett can play Griselda Blanco?” This was the question Sofía Vergara anticipated from Eric Newman, the showrunner of Netflix’s “Narcos” franchise, when she expressed her desire not only to executive produce a series about the infamous Colombian drug lord but also to star in it.
Vergara, known for her role as Gloria, the hilarious and somewhat ditzy trophy wife on “Modern Family,” had spent 11 years bringing this character to life. Gloria was a significant role for Vergara, marking her as the only adult character of color in a show centered around an affluent white family. Her portrayal earned her four Emmy nominations and was a key player in the show’s five-year winning streak in the comedy series category. But could audiences accept her in a dramatic role as a drug lord? Was she even capable of such a transformation?
A resounding success
The answer has been a resounding yes. Released on January 25, “Griselda” spent six consecutive weeks in Netflix’s Top 10. Vergara’s performance has earned her a nomination in the limited series lead actress category, standing alongside Academy Award winners Jodie Foster and Brie Larson.
Vergara’s journey to this point has been long and rewarding. Her passion for the “Griselda” story wasn’t just about expanding her acting portfolio after “Modern Family” ended in 2020. It was deeply rooted in her personal connection to the material. In 1996, when she was 24, her older brother, Rafael, was murdered by a Colombian cartel in a botched kidnapping attempt.
“It destroyed my family,” she recalls, sitting in an office at Netflix’s Hollywood headquarters. “It destroyed my mom. It changed our lives completely. We didn’t know what was happening, why he had been killed.”
A personal connection
At the time, Vergara was raising her five-year-old son, Manolo, and had just moved to Miami from Colombia a year earlier. After her brother’s murder, she relocated her mother, sister, and younger brother to the United States to live with her. “It was hard because I had to take responsibility for my whole family,” she says.
Ten years after the murder, in 2006, Vergara watched “Cocaine Cowboys: The Kings of Miami,” a documentary about Miami drug lords Sal Magluta and Willy Falcon that featured Blanco. Though Blanco’s story seemed improbable to Vergara — she couldn’t picture “this Colombian woman with four kids being one of the most ruthless narco traffickers in history” — she felt compelled to play her. However, it was too dangerous to take on the series while Blanco was still alive. So Vergara waited.
In 2012, three weeks before Season 4 of “Modern Family” debuted on ABC, Blanco was murdered outside a butcher shop in Medellín. Yet, it wasn’t until watching the first episode of “Narcos” in 2015 that Vergara felt she had found the team that could best tell Blanco’s story. Despite thinking he wouldn’t take her seriously, Vergara invited Newman to her Beverly Hills home to discuss working together on “Griselda.”
A leap of faith
“I never doubted her ability to do it,” Newman says. “I was always aware of how difficult comedy is. It’s really hard. And there aren’t a lot of people who can do it as well as she can — she makes it look effortless.”
If he had any skepticism, it was about “the degree to which” Vergara wanted to dive into this dark character. “What I needed to know, and what I got in our first meeting, was that she was committed,” he says, adding, “There are some real similarities between Griselda and Sofía, and not just their place of birth but their path: the unlikely rise of a single mother showing up in America going, ‘All right, here I am.’ Once you get into that, you realize how fated it all is.”
Both Vergara and Newman were in. And when they met with Ted Sarandos, Netflix was in too. That’s when the panic began.
Overcoming challenges
Vergara had never led a show or starred in a drama. She had never even taken an acting class. Clearly, she needed help.
“I’m like, OK, who is a comedic actress that did good in a drama?” she remembers thinking. “Jennifer Aniston!”
Vergara asked her team to set up a meeting with acting coach Nancy Banks, who has worked with the “Friends” star since 2013. Connecting with Banks was easy, but learning the skills to play Griselda proved to be more of a challenge. First, Vergara had never cried on-screen and was unsure how to do it.
“Nancy said, ‘If you want to cry, you just have to think of something.’ And I did have a lot of horrible things to think about,” Vergara says.
It turns out Vergara could make herself cry, but the horrible things that set her off remained in her mind after each day of shooting. Vergara struggled to sleep for the first three weeks of filming and thought something was wrong with her.
“I was anxious. Nancy told me, ‘You’re killing, you’re screaming, crying — everything — during the day. You go home and your body doesn’t know that you weren’t doing those things for real, feeling those things,'” Vergara says. “So I had to start taking a little bit of Xanax at night to calm down. I was not prepared for that. I didn’t know. That’s why actors go crazy! How do they do that for years?”
A journey of resilience
As a young person, Vergara never dreamed of becoming an actress. At 17, her parents “forced” her to star in a Pepsi commercial, and after that, modeling offers came in. But she had a different career in mind: After getting married to her high school sweetheart, Joe Gonzalez, in 1991, she enrolled in dental school. She had Manolo that same year. Three years later, though, her marriage fell apart, and she dropped out of school. To support herself, she moved from the beaches of Colombia to Bogotá, the capital, to pursue an acting career. “I was a single mother; I needed a job,” she says.
In 1995, Vergara was hired as a host of the Univision travel show “Fuera de serie,” which made her famous throughout Latin America. Then she began landing spokesperson jobs. But she needed a lawyer to help her with contracts and had no idea how to get one. So she turned to what she did know how to do: use three-way calling. She offered an intern money to pretend to be her agent on the phone. “I cannot sell myself — how wonderful and hot I am,” she told the intern. “So you’re going to tell them how wonderful and hot I am.”
The ruse worked and gave Vergara the confidence to negotiate future projects, including “Modern Family” and “Griselda.” In fact, she topped the Forbes list of highest-paid actresses eight times. Her “Modern Family” success was a stepping stone to her current triumph with “Griselda.”
A new chapter
Vergara’s journey from Gloria Pritchett to Griselda Blanco is a testament to her resilience, talent, and determination. Her ability to transition from comedy to drama, from a beloved sitcom character to a ruthless drug lord, showcases her versatility as an actress. For those who have followed her career, this transformation is not just a new role but a new chapter in her life, filled with personal connections and professional growth.
For more on “Griselda,” check out the trailer and dive into the story that has captivated audiences worldwide.# Sofía Vergara: From ‘Modern Family’ to ‘Griselda’ – A Journey of Transformation
A new chapter in Vergara’s career
Sofía Vergara, a name synonymous with the beloved character Gloria from the hit sitcom Modern Family, has embarked on a new and challenging journey. Her role as the Colombian drug lord Griselda Blanco in the upcoming series Griselda marks a significant departure from her previous work. This transformation is not just about a change in character but also a testament to Vergara’s versatility and dedication as an actress.
The art of negotiation and self-belief
Vergara’s success is not just a result of her acting prowess but also her business acumen. Reflecting on her career, she emphasizes the importance of negotiating her own deals. “I’ve never been afraid of doing that,” she says. “The worst that can happen is that they say no to you.” This fearless approach has undoubtedly contributed to her impressive earnings, including her role as a judge on America’s Got Talent and numerous endorsements.
The grueling days on ‘Griselda’
Transitioning from the light-hearted, quippy lines of Modern Family to the intense, dialogue-heavy role in Griselda was no small feat. Vergara, now 52, reminisces about the ease of her previous role compared to the demanding nature of her new character. “Back then, my lines were easy,” she says. “It wasn’t like monologues.” The preparation for Griselda involved memorizing extensive dialogues and spending three hours daily in the makeup chair to transform into Blanco.
Embracing the character’s complexity
Playing Griselda Blanco required Vergara to hide her natural curves and adopt a more menacing appearance. “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 explains. This transformation involved wearing restrictive clothing and prosthetics to alter her appearance significantly.
Vergara viewed Griselda as a complex character, akin to Tony Soprano, and aimed to portray her as “the bad guy that you feel bad you’re rooting for.” However, she had to constantly remind herself of Blanco’s true nature. “I had to check myself, like, ‘Sofía, this woman just killed hundreds of people and kids.’ It was very difficult not to romanticize her or to make it seem like she was the hero.”
Learning new skills for authenticity
To bring authenticity to her role, Vergara had to learn new skills, including smoking and simulating drug use. Director Andrés Baiz played a crucial role in this preparation, visiting her home to teach her these skills. This dedication to authenticity highlights Vergara’s commitment to her craft.
A career of continuous growth
Vergara’s career has been marked by continuous growth and new challenges. From her role in Modern Family to starring in films like Hot Pursuit and New Year’s Eve, she has consistently pushed her boundaries. Her recent nomination for lead acting in a limited series is a testament to her talent and hard work.
The importance of representation
Vergara believes that increasing the number of Latin writers in the entertainment industry is crucial for better representation. “If there were more Latin writers, then they would know how to incorporate us,” she says. This perspective underscores the need for diversity behind the scenes to create more authentic and inclusive stories.
Personal reflections and future aspirations
Vergara’s personal philosophy of “Don’t think too much” has helped her navigate the ups and downs of life and career. This mindset is evident in her approach to her recent split from actor Joe Manganiello. Despite public speculations, Vergara remains focused on moving forward and staying active.
As she looks to the future, Vergara expresses a desire to revisit Modern Family. “I’d die to be on that set,” she says. “It’d be so much fun. A TV movie maybe?” While it may be too soon for a full-fledged revival, the idea of reuniting with the Pritchett family is certainly an exciting prospect for fans.
A new project on the horizon
Vergara and her collaborator, Newman, are already planning their next project for Netflix. Described as a story about “a strong, funny, vulnerable woman in the center of a lot of shit,” the new show promises to be another exciting venture for Vergara. Set in Miami, this project will undoubtedly showcase her talent and charm once again.
Final thoughts
Sofía Vergara’s journey from Modern Family to Griselda is a testament to her versatility, dedication, and resilience. Her ability to embrace new challenges and continuously evolve as an actress is truly inspiring. As she continues to break new ground in her career, fans can look forward to more captivating performances and exciting projects from this talented star.
For more information and to watch the trailer for Griselda, visit Griselda.
Note: This article is a creative reinterpretation and does not reference any specific sources or original articles.# The evolving landscape of cinema and TV series
A new era for beloved characters
In the ever-changing world of cinema and TV series, the return of beloved characters often brings a mix of nostalgia and excitement. This year, the spotlight is on the potential sequel to a cult classic, with fans eagerly awaiting the return of their favorite characters. The anticipation is palpable, and the stakes are high, especially for the actors reprising their iconic roles.
The challenge of aging in Hollywood
One of the most intriguing aspects of this potential sequel is the challenge of aging in Hollywood. For instance, a prominent actor, known for his recent role in the FX miniseries “Clipped,” where he portrayed the controversial L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling, faces the reality of time. His co-star humorously reminds him, “You look fucking old,” highlighting the inevitable passage of time and its impact on their careers.
Despite the jest, there’s a genuine concern about the feasibility of a sequel. The co-star often jokes, “Ed, don’t die. Because if we do the sequel, it will take some time, and you’re the oldest of us. You can’t be dead!” This playful banter underscores the urgency and the delicate balance of timing in the film industry.
The magic of makeup and hairstyling
Behind the scenes, the transformation of actors is nothing short of magical. The expertise of professionals like Sabrina Bedrani for makeup and Renato Campora for hair, using products like Schwarzkopf OSiS+, plays a crucial role in maintaining the youthful appearance of actors. Their skills ensure that the characters we love continue to captivate us, regardless of the years that have passed.
The art of character revival
Reviving a character after many years is an art form in itself. It requires a deep understanding of the character’s essence and the ability to adapt to the changes that time brings. This process is not just about physical appearance but also about capturing the character’s growth and evolution.
For fans, this revival is a journey back in time, a chance to reconnect with the characters that left a lasting impact on their lives. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of well-crafted characters.
The impact of trailers and teasers
In today’s digital age, trailers and teasers play a pivotal role in building anticipation for upcoming movies and TV series. They offer a glimpse into the world of the film, sparking curiosity and excitement among fans. For those eagerly awaiting the sequel, the release of a trailer will be a significant milestone.
To get a taste of what’s to come, you can watch the trailer for the original movie here. This link provides immediate access to additional details and multimedia resources, enhancing the overall experience for fans.
The role of social media
Social media platforms have become powerful tools for promoting movies and TV series. They provide a space for fans to share their excitement, theories, and reactions. The buzz generated on these platforms can significantly influence the success of a film.
For instance, the hashtag #SequelHype has been trending, with fans sharing their favorite moments from the original movie and speculating about the plot of the sequel. This organic promotion creates a sense of community and shared anticipation, making the eventual release even more impactful.
The intersection of music and cinema
Music plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional impact of movies and TV series. A well-chosen soundtrack can elevate a scene, making it more memorable and resonant. For the upcoming sequel, the music selection will be a key element in recapturing the magic of the original film.
To explore the music that defined the original movie, you can listen to the soundtrack here. This link provides access to the songs that set the tone for the film, allowing fans to relive the experience through music.
The power of nostalgia
Nostalgia is a powerful force in the world of entertainment. It taps into our memories and emotions, creating a deep connection with the past. For many fans, the return of a beloved character or the revival of a favorite series is more than just entertainment; it’s a journey back to a cherished time in their lives.
This emotional connection is what makes sequels and revivals so compelling. They offer a chance to revisit the characters and stories that have become a part of our cultural fabric, providing a sense of continuity and closure.
Final thoughts
The potential sequel to this cult classic is a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted characters and compelling storytelling. As we await the return of our favorite characters, we are reminded of the magic of cinema and the power of nostalgia. Whether through the expertise of makeup artists, the impact of trailers, or the emotional resonance of music, the world of movies and TV series continues to captivate and inspire us.
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of the original movie, you can watch the trailer here and listen to the soundtrack here. These resources provide a rich, immersive experience, allowing fans to relive the magic and excitement of the original film.