Sofia Vergara Blames Her ‘Stupid Accent’ For Getting ‘Limited’ Roles
Sofia Vergara says her accent limited her acting choices.
While discussing her new project, "Griselda," in an interview with the Los Angeles Times, the 51-year-old actress said her distinct accent narrows the scope of roles available to her, making it challenging to take on diverse characters.
"I'm always looking for characters because there's not much that I can play with this stupid accent. I can't play a scientist or be in 'Schindler's List.' My acting jobs are kind of limited," said Vergara, who is famous for portraying comedic roles.
This was why Vergara embraced the opportunity to portray the infamous Colombian drug lord Griselda Blanco in the six-part limited series "Griselda," which premiered on Netflix Thursday.
The actress said she became interested in playing Blanco after watching the 2006 documentary "Cocaine Cowboys" and reading an article about her life.
To prepare for the role, Vergara said she extensively researched Blanco's life, reading every available source "for many years."
Vergara also enlisted the help of acting coach Nancy Banks, known for working with Margot Robbie and Jennifer Aniston.
"I had no clue what it meant to have a process," Vergara told the L.A. Times. "It was tricky because I don't have any real training as an actor. I was married to Joe [Manganiello], who is a fucking classically trained actor. I would ask things, and I would see how he would prepare. I was kind of always like, 'What do real actors do? Can I do this?'"
Vergara admitted feeling uncertain about her ability to take on the role at one point.
But she said her son, Manolo, gave her some needed encouragement, telling her, "You can do this. You have it in you."
On Tuesday, Vergara walked the red carpet at the premiere of "Griselda" in Miami, looking stunning in a custom gold strapless Laura Basci dress, according to People. She paired the gown with cuff bangle bracelets and dangling earrings.
She was joined by Carolina Giraldo, also known as Karol G, who plays one of Vergara's character's most trusted confidants.
The Netflix limited series marks Vergara's return to scripted live-action projects after her divorce from Joe Manganiello last year.
In addition to her role, Vergara serves as an executive producer for the show.
The "Griselda" cast includes Alberto Guerra, Christian Tappan, Martín Rodríguez, Juliana Aidén Martinez and Vanessa Ferlito.
"Griselda" is now available for streaming on Netflix.
