12 Shocking Fun Facts About Sofía Vergara, Including Her Secret 2024 Romance

Sofía Vergara remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring and successful stars, but the glamorous, hilarious image she projects as the Modern Family icon Gloria Delgado-Pritchett barely scratches the surface of her fascinating life. As of December 2025, the Colombian-American actress has cemented her status as a serious dramatic talent with her titular role in the 2024 Netflix miniseries Griselda, earning her critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination. This new chapter in her career, coupled with a high-profile divorce and a new romance, has brought her back into the spotlight with fresh details about her incredible journey.

Beyond the red carpets and blockbuster roles, Vergara is a savvy business mogul and a survivor who has faced significant personal challenges, including a major health crisis, all while maintaining her signature humor and resilience. This deep dive reveals the most current, unique, and lesser-known facts about the star, offering a complete picture of the woman who is much more than just a television personality.

Complete Biography & Professional Profile

Sofía Margarita Vergara Vergara was born into a large, affluent family in Barranquilla, Colombia, and her life story is a testament to embracing one's unique identity in the face of Hollywood pressure. Her career trajectory is marked by bold moves, from her start in Latin American television to becoming one of the highest-paid actresses in the world.

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• Full Name: Sofía Margarita Vergara Vergara
• Date of Birth: July 10, 1972
• Place of Birth: Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
• Nationality: Colombian and American
• First Major Discovery: Discovered by a photographer on a Colombian beach at age 17.
• Breakout Role: Gloria Delgado-Pritchett in the ABC sitcom Modern Family (2009–2020).
• Notable 2024 Project: Star and Executive Producer of the Netflix miniseries Griselda, portraying drug lord Griselda Blanco.
• Current Role: Judge on the NBC competition series America's Got Talent.
• Key Nominations: Four consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations and four Golden Globe Award nominations for Modern Family. She received an Emmy nomination for her role in Griselda in 2024.
• Marital Status Update (2024): Divorced from actor Joe Manganiello in 2024. Currently dating orthopedic surgeon Justin Saliman.
• Children: One son, Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, from her first marriage.

The Unseen Battle: Health, Heartbreak, and Resilience

While Sofía Vergara is celebrated for her vibrant energy and comedic timing, her life has involved profound personal challenges that showcase her incredible resilience. These facts often go unnoticed by the casual fan.

1. She is a Thyroid Cancer Survivor

One of the most surprising facts about the star is her battle with cancer. Vergara was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2000 at the age of 28. The diagnosis came unexpectedly during a routine doctor's visit, as she had no noticeable symptoms. She was a single mother at the time, navigating a demanding career while facing a serious health crisis.

2. Her Scar is a Daily Reminder of Her Fight

Following her diagnosis, Vergara underwent a thyroidectomy to remove her thyroid gland. The surgery left a small scar on her neck, which she often conceals with makeup or jewelry on camera. To this day, she must take a small lavender pill every morning—a thyroid medication—to make up for the hormones her body no longer produces.

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3. She Was a Pre-Med Student Before Fame

Before her career took off, Vergara was on a completely different path. She spent three years studying pre-dentistry at a university in Colombia. Her initial career goal was far from the entertainment industry, reflecting her family’s emphasis on education. She left her studies just two semesters shy of graduation to pursue the opportunities presented by her modeling and acting career.

4. Her Accent Was Initially a Barrier

While her thick, unmistakable Colombian accent is now an iconic part of her persona—especially as Gloria on Modern Family—Vergara was initially advised by Hollywood agents to change it. She refused, embracing her unique voice and turning it into one of her biggest assets, proving that authenticity can lead to success in an industry often focused on conformity.

5. She Didn't See Herself as a Comedian

Despite her phenomenal success in comedy, Sofía Vergara did not initially consider herself a funny person. She was often cast in dramatic roles early in her career. It was her natural charisma and the way she delivered lines that ultimately led to her being cast in comedic roles, a genre she has since dominated.

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From Pre-Med to Business Mogul: Sofia's Massive Empire

Sofía Vergara’s financial success is not solely based on her acting salary. She has leveraged her fame and business acumen to build a powerful, multi-faceted empire, making her one of the most successful Latin-American businesswomen in the entertainment industry.

6. She Launched Her Career with Pepsi

Vergara’s very first high-profile television appearance was in a Latin American Pepsi commercial when she was just 17 years old. The commercial featured her running along a beach in a bikini, marking the beginning of her journey from Barranquilla to international stardom. This early exposure was pivotal in launching her modeling and presenting career.

7. She Has a Multi-Million Dollar Clothing Line

Beyond acting, Vergara is a retail powerhouse. She launched the Sofia Vergara Collection, a clothing and accessories line, in partnership with Walmart. This venture proved to be a massive success, with reports suggesting the line was designed to compete directly with other celebrity-driven fashion brands, including those of the Kardashian family.

8. Her Empire Includes Furniture and Fragrances

Vergara's business ventures extend into the home goods market, including a successful line of furniture. She also has a thriving beauty brand, starting with her first fragrance, "Sofia by Sofia Vergara," launched in 2014. She has since released five more fragrances, solidifying her presence in the lucrative celebrity fragrance market.

9. She Was the Highest-Paid Actress on Television

For several consecutive years during her time on Modern Family, Vergara was named the highest-paid actress on U.S. television, according to Forbes. This financial success was a direct result of her high acting salary, her role as a producer, and, crucially, her extensive portfolio of endorsement deals and business ventures.

10. Her 2024 Romance is with an Orthopedic Surgeon

Following her divorce from Joe Manganiello, which was finalized in 2024, Vergara began dating. Her current partner, as of late 2024, is Justin Saliman, a prominent orthopedic surgeon. She seemingly confirmed the relationship in April 2024 by posting Saliman to her Instagram Story while she was recovering from knee surgery, highlighting a preference for privacy in her new relationship.

11. She Was Nominated for the Same Emmy Four Times

For her role as Gloria, Vergara received four consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. While she never won the award, this consistent recognition highlights the immense critical and popular success of her performance in Modern Family.

12. She is a Natural Blonde

Despite her signature dark, voluminous hair, Sofía Vergara is a natural blonde. She began coloring her hair dark early in her career to better fit the Hollywood stereotype of a Latina actress, but she often reverts to lighter tones in her personal life and occasionally for roles, such as the infamous drug lord Griselda Blanco in the 2024 miniseries.

From surviving a life-threatening illness at a young age to building a vast business empire that spans fashion, fragrance, and furniture, Sofía Vergara's life is a masterclass in turning challenges into triumphs. Her latest success with Griselda and her personal resilience in 2024 confirm that she is a dynamic force who continues to evolve, surprise, and inspire her millions of fans worldwide. She is not just an actress; she is a cultural icon, a powerful entrepreneur, and a true survivor.