Sofía Vergara, widely recognized for her comedic role in Modern Family, explore into a darker and more complex character in Netflix’s limited series Griselda. The series tells the story of Griselda Blanco, a notorious Colombian drug lord who rose to power during the height of the cocaine trade. Reflecting on her role, Vergara shared insights into the emotional challenges and personal connections she found in portraying such a multifaceted figure.
Growing up in Colombia during the turbulent era of drug cartels, Vergara experienced firsthand the effects of the cocaine trade. Tragically, her brother was murdered by cartel members in the early 1990s. This personal loss gave her a unique perspective on the environment that shaped figures like Blanco. Speaking to Deadline, she emphasized that while circumstances often drive individuals to make poor choices, such decisions don’t necessarily define a person’s entire character.
Vergara described Blanco as a figure of immense complexity—a ruthless criminal often referred to as the “Cocaine Godmother,” yet also a devoted mother. Blanco’s story of fleeing Colombia for the United States in pursuit of power and wealth struck a chord with Vergara, who noted similarities between their lives as immigrants and mothers.
“I’m like, ‘Who is this woman?’” Vergara recalled. “When I started investigating, I realized that most of her actions were carried out in the United States. I’m like, ‘I know this character.’” Despite the stark differences in their life choices, Vergara identified with Blanco’s strength and resilience, adding, “When I saw Griselda—not that I killed husbands or anything like that—I knew who she was. I have many similarities in a way; I’m an immigrant, a mother, a strong person. But not everybody does horrific things.”
Challenges of Playing a Controversial Character
Taking on the role of Blanco was both an honor and a moral challenge for Vergara. While she admired the character’s ability to thrive in a male-dominated world, she was mindful of the ethical implications of humanizing someone responsible for so much suffering. She revealed that her goal was to create a character that audiences might root for, even as they grappled with the knowledge of her crimes.
“She was a monster,” Vergara admitted, acknowledging the dual nature of the role. The character’s appeal lies in her contradictions—a woman who could be both horrifying and captivating at the same time. Vergara’s performance aimed to reflect Blanco’s complexities, making her relatable without glorifying her actions.
Positive Reception and Emotional Impact
The series has received a warm reception, with viewers praising Vergara for stepping outside her comfort zone to tackle such a demanding role. Playing Blanco required Vergara to channel not only the emotional depth of a criminal mastermind but also the vulnerability of a mother. This duality resonated with audiences, who were drawn to the character’s compelling story.
Despite the challenges, Vergara expressed pride in the series and its exploration of an often-overlooked figure in history. She hopes that her portrayal will spark conversations about the societal and personal factors that drive individuals to make devastating choices.
Griselda is now available for streaming on Netflix.
For more updates on Sofía Vergara and Griselda, stay tuned to Vviptimes.
