A strikingly beautiful South American actress and model who found crossover success by way of American television, Sof��a Vergara was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, on July 10, 1972. After an early marriage to her childhood sweetheart, she had a son, divorced and left dental school to pursue a career in show business.

Vergara's first major English-language role on the big screen came with the romantic comedy Chasing Papi (2003). She also starred in "Amas de Casa Desesperadas" (2006-07) -- the Colombian version of "Desperate Housewives" -- and served as the show's executive producer.

U.S. audiences ultimately embraced Vergara as trophy wife Gloria Delgado-Pritchett (paired with polar opposite Ed O'Neill) on the mockumentary-style comedy "Modern Family" (2009-). Critics agreed, rewarding Vergara with an Emmy nomination in 2010 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. ... - from Netflix