Sofia Vergara played the smartest version of a stereotype, and here's how Modern Family pulled it off

Sofia Vergara is a household name. She is the energy that often lit up Modern Family. As Gloria Delgado-Pritchett, she was loud, glamorous, unapologetically Colombian, and almost always misunderstood. At first, she looked like the typical “trophy wife” trope. She was younger, stunningly beautiful, married to an older man, with a heavy accent and a love for flashy clothes. But wait, if you stopped at just that, you seriously missed the fun.

Modern Family, in its mockumentary style, was a show about the evolving dynamics of what we call “family.” With all the hilarity of three interconnected households, it gave us everything from awkward dad jokes to sweet emotional moments.

And in that colorful world was Gloria. She was a character who could’ve easily become one-dimensional in the hands of another show. But Modern Family knew better than that. And so did Sofia Vergara.

Gloria was a rebuttal to every "hot, clueless wife" stereotype that’s been recycled on television for decades. Read on to know more.

Sofia Vergara made Gloria smarter than we think

Gloria, at first, seemed like a stereotype. She was spicy, fiery, and emotional. She was basically every lazy box that writers love to check when crafting a “foreign woman” character. But instead of being trapped in that trope, Gloria was set free by Sofia Vergara. With her comedic timing and natural charisma, Sofia expanded Gloria.

Gloria was self-aware. And that's what made her brilliant. She knew people underestimated her. Be it her English, her background, or her choices, she often used that to her advantage. Gloria was always five steps ahead when it came to figuring out PTA meetings or calling out Jay’s dated views. While the others simply struggled to even understand her background.

But that didn't stop her from being herself. She didn't tone down her accent or start wearing plain clothes to fit in. The show didn’t ask her to conform either. Instead, it showed us that her loudness was actually a power. Her “drama” was rather passion. And her depth as a person wasn't canceled out by her beauty and glamor.

Gloria could love designer handbags and hold her ground in an argument about parenting, culture, or identity.

Sofia Vergara took what could’ve been a flat, sitcom-style role and gave it heart, wit, and authenticity. She showed that being a “trophy wife” doesn’t mean you're just a decoration. Gloria loved fiercely, protected her family, and was proud of where she came from. And that’s what made her one of the smartest characters in the show.

Sofia even admits that her character in Modern Family reflects her. In an interview with Pop Sugar, she says:

"Gloria and I are both very glamorous and confident, and I feel we are both very relatable women. We're both lighthearted and outspoken. We also love and treasure being with our family, and that is a priority."

She has also defended her character several times after receiving backlash for portraying a "stereotype." According to Us Weekly, in an interview with Hola! USA, she shared:

“Gloria’s character is inspired by my mom and my aunt. They are both Latin women who grew up in Colombia, like me. They love color, prints and shoes. It upsets me when Latinos complain about Gloria. I am grateful for the opportunity because the gringos have let me in with this strong accent I have. Eight years ago nobody had an accent like this on television.”

And that’s what Sofia Vergara brings to Gloria and Modern Family. She proudly owns where she comes from while making millions laugh, relate, and rethink what a "stereotype" really looks like.

Trending

Stay tuned to Soap Central for more updates and detailed coverage.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback