Emmy-nominated actress Sofia Vergara opens up about the personal tragedy that inspired her portrayal of real-life drug lord Griselda Blanco in Netflix's 'Griselda.'
Emmy-nominated actress Sofia Vergara has a deeply personal connection to the role of real-life Colombian drug lord Griselda Blanco, which she portrays in Netflix's limited series 'Griselda.'
Vergara's older brother, Rafael, was killed in 1996 by a Colombian cartel during an attempted kidnapping. The traumatic event had a profound impact on her family and led Vergara to move to the United States to provide safety and support for her loved ones.
Sofia Vergara's Connection to Cartel Violence Fuels Her Role in 'Griselda'
While living in the United States, Vergara became fascinated by Blanco after watching a documentary about Miami drug kingpins Willy Falcon and Sal Magluta. She was drawn to Blanco's story and felt a desire to tell it, but it was too dangerous to do so while Blanco was still alive.
After Blanco's assassination in 2012, Vergara reached out to 'Narcos' showrunner Eric Newman about creating a project centered on Blanco. After years of development, 'Griselda' was greenlit by Netflix, with Vergara set to play the lead role and serve as a producer.
Sofia Vergara's Connection to Cartel Violence Fuels Her Role in 'Griselda'
Despite her excitement about the project, Vergara was apprehensive about taking on a character so different from any she had played before. Having never acted in a drama or toplined a show prior to 'Griselda,' she sought the guidance of experienced acting coach Nancy Banks.
One of the biggest challenges for Vergara was mastering the emotional intensity required for the role. She had never performed in a crying scene and struggled to bring herself to tears on camera. Banks advised her to draw on the traumatic events of her own life, which helped her tap into the emotional depths necessary for the role.
Sofia Vergara's Connection to Cartel Violence Fuels Her Role in 'Griselda'
Another aspect of the role that proved challenging for Vergara was the physical transformation required to portray Blanco. Achieving Blanco's look, which included prosthetics, a wig, and extensive makeup, took three hours every day.
Despite the challenges, Vergara was determined to portray Blanco as a complex and sympathetic character. She wanted to highlight the human dimensions of Blanco's story, while still acknowledging the heinous acts she committed.
Sofia Vergara's Connection to Cartel Violence Fuels Her Role in 'Griselda'
Her commitment to the role paid off when 'Griselda' premiered to critical acclaim in January. Vergara's performance earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series, a testament to her talent and the emotional power of her portrayal.
In accepting her nomination, Vergara expressed gratitude for the opportunity to tell Blanco's story and for the recognition she received for her work. She dedicated her nomination to all the incredible women who gave us exceptional television this year and reaffirmed her commitment to using her platform to tell important and impactful stories.
Sofia Vergara's Connection to Cartel Violence Fuels Her Role in 'Griselda'
