Sofía Vergara, renowned for her portrayal of Gloria Latina in the TV series "Modern Family," has passionately defended her character against critics who label it as a stereotype that simplifies the diverse Latin woman.
In an interview, Vergara vehemently challenged this notion, declaring, "Who ever claimed that all Latin women are cut from the same cloth? It's impossible to caricature the experiences of millions of women across twenty different countries. Latinas come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities, just like women everywhere."
Acknowledging the existence of certain Latina stereotypes, she playfully remarked, "Sure, there's this notion that we are perceived as family-oriented, hardworking, and fiercely protective of our children, sometimes dressing up more than others. I mean, many of us even wear perfume when we're just taking our kids to school in the morning!"
Vergara, a four-time Emmy-nominated actress, expressed her admiration for the characteristics often associated with Latinas, and in her eyes, they are virtues. She went on to reveal that Gloria, her character in "Modern Family," is an amalgamation of women she knows, loves, and deeply respects, primarily her mother and aunts, who embody the spirited and fun-loving traits she cherishes.
She added, "I take immense pride in playing Gloria as a symbol of numerous Latin women, though I don't claim to represent them all. I have friends and fans of various backgrounds - white, Jewish, African American, European, Australian - who have been told by their families that they share remarkable similarities with Gloria."
In a different facet of her life, Sofía Vergara, a successful entrepreneur with a burgeoning fashion and home accessories empire, expressed her optimism regarding the portrayal of Latinos in Hollywood. She remarked, "Our time arrived some time ago, and we are steadily progressing towards having our contributions acknowledged. The more we unify and support each other in our endeavors, the faster we will witness substantial changes taking root."
As she anticipates the premiere of the action film "Machete Kills" on October 11, Vergara remains a vocal advocate for the diverse and multifaceted representation of Latinas and Latinos in the entertainment industry.
