Sofia Vergara: I never thought i would be a comedian

She is widely known for her beauty and accent. Sofia Vergara is a Colombian actress, comedian, television hostess and model. She is believed to be the only Hispanic actress to start her career in the US.
Vergara is one of the leading ladies in ABC's six-time Emmy Award-winning series: Modern Family. She also voiced the role of 'Carmen' in the 3D sequel of Warner Bros, Happy Feet 2, and participated in one of the most anticipated films of 2011 Columbia Picture's The Smurfs.
Vergara was selected as one of this year’s Faces To Watch by The New York Times and nominated for an Emmy in the category of “Best Supporting Actress in a Musical or Comedy Series” for her role in Modern Family. The Hollywood Reporter and Billboard have named her as one of the most talented and powerful women in Hispanic entertainment. Arab News chats up with the gorgeous actress about her fitness, style, role in Modern Family and much more.

How do you stay in shape?
Well, I used to believe that I am very genetically blessed because I have always been voluptuous and have never had any weight problems. However, in this age I realize that I do have to work on it by eating healthy and working out more. I try to do everything is moderation. I’m Latin and I love to eat. I sometimes wake up thinking what I’m going to have for lunch or dinner and if I have to meet with someone, I always plan it around a meal. It’s just a matter of doing everything in moderation.

What is the difference between you and your character ‘Gloria’ in Modern Family?
Well, Gloria is Colombian, she has an accent and has a kid, that’s pretty much me. The writers of the show wrote the character for me and I think I’ll never get a role better than that. However, she has a stronger accent and is a bit more flamboyant and colorful. She is a lot like me.
How is Gloria in terms of style? Do you decide what Gloria wears?
Ever since I have taken up the role, I have been shopping for Gloria. There is a stylist in the show and we work together to come up with the perfect look. Now that I have the Kmart line, I bring most of my stuff for Gloria from there because it’s perfect for the character. I still shop for her. When I go for a vacation and am shopping, I see something stunning and go like ‘Oh my God, this is great for Gloria!’. I also buy stuff that I would never wear but would be perfect for her. Gloria is more fearless as she wears more colors and jewelry than I do. I do wear big earrings, but she wears big earrings along with a necklace and a big ring as well.

Are you a bargain hunter? Do you like to get bargains?
Yes, of course, who doesn’t? I spend a lot of money on shoes and bags and not so much on clothes because I believe that if you have a good taste, and you wear an expensive pair of boots with normal jeans and a T-shirt along with a good bag, you will end up having a nice outfit. If you have a stylish taste in clothes, you can select outfits that are nice and cheap and still look like a million bucks.

Is it a triumph for you to be able to prove to people that you can be a funny lady as well?
I’ve always thought that I was funny, but I never thought I was going to act or make a living out of being funny. I didn’t even know what I could do as a comedian, and I’m still learning — even after two seasons of the show. I think the writers know more about what I can do. So it is a challenge for me to show viewers that I can be funny.

Have you considered going beyond comedy and venturing into more dramatic acting?
If you would have told me eight years ago I was going to be nominated, awarded or even considered a comedian, I would have thought you were insane. I never thought I would be able to act. Perhaps, I can do drama now and hopefully I will be able to challenge myself and do something dramatic that is perfect for somebody with an accent.