Sofia Vergara is fortunate to possess two natural attributes: she’s ridiculously funny and has a body that looks as if it was sketched by a teenager with an overactive imagination.
The 39-year-old Colombian native may have only recently become a household name thanks to her wonderful performance as Gloria on ABC’s “Modern Family,” but she’s been a working actress for over 20 years after getting her start in Colombian television.
Vergara has really hit her stride this summer. She has been nominated for an Emmy Award -- for the second year in a row -- and can be seen on the big screen opposite Neil Patrick Harris in the surprising box office hit, “The Smurfs.” She spoke to The Huffington Post about being a Latina actress, the virtues of Colombia and, well, being a MILF.
Did you grow up watching “The Smurfs?”
Yes, of course. “The Smurfs” was in Latin America in the 80s and 90s. I think it was bigger there than in the U.S. I grew up watching it and then my son Manolo grew up watching it.
I always found the Smurfs a little creepy. They were always so cheerful.
Nooo, I loved them. I never thought they were creepy at all.
You play Neil Patrick Harris’ boss in the film.
I was very lucky I didn’t have to work with [the Smurfs] at all because I’ve heard it’s very difficult to act with animation since you’re literally talking to a spot on the wall or a tennis ball.
Your body is sick. It’s incredible.
Oh, thank you.
Did you appreciate it growing up or were you like, "Oh my boobs are so big."
Well, you know I’m Latina, so I didn’t really think about it. My mom has my body, my cousins -- it wasn’t anything special that I had. I can’t complain. I’ve been very lucky.
But surely you got an amazing reaction when you came to the U.S.
Well I always got that reaction but, you know, you don’t really think about it.
Your son is 19. Do you know what a MILF is?
I’m sorry, I don’t.
It’s like the hot mom in the neighborhood. Your son’s friends must have had crushes on you.
It’s not like I’m dressed sexy when I’m inside the house or anything -- just normal. They’re very used to me. I don’t know if any of them had a crush on me. I hope not.
You’re Latina. Does it upset you that there aren’t more Latino actors working in the States?
It’s getting better. You cannot compare it to the parts American actresses get but it’s getting better. I never thought I would get such a perfect role in “Modern Family.” A lot of TV shows now are looking for more Latin women.
What’s the one food from Colombia that Americans should know about?
It’s very hard for me to pick, but I guess our breakfast bread is amazing. I have it shipped in from Colombia so I can have it every morning.
Colombia has a terrible stereotype of being the drug capital of the world. Does that upset you?
No, because the reality is we did have a terrible problem in the 80s and 90s but now the country has completely turned around. The drug trafficking is almost gone. We’ve had two great presidents. Tourism is opening up. We’re getting better and better.
You must be a huge superstar there with the success of “Modern Family.”
Well I started my career in Colombia. I’ve been in this business for 22 years so “Modern Family” didn’t change anything over there for me. Of course they are proud with the Emmy nomination and all of that. They are super happy.
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