Sofía Vergara, the Colombian bombshell known for her comedic brilliance in “Modern Family,” delves into the gritty underworld in her new Netflix series “Griselda,” playing the notorious drug queenpin Griselda Blanco. But transitioning from laughter to drama and embodying such a dark character wasn’t all sunshine and roses.
Trading Laughs for “Horrible Things”:
In a candid interview with “Extra: The Podcast,” Vergara confessed her initial fears: “I was worried people would only see Gloria with that fake nose and wig.” Stepping outside her comfort zone, she tackled a demanding role – a stark contrast to her bubbly persona. “Everything was new: heavy drama, prosthetics, Spanish dialogue, even smoking (which she never did)! Learning to ‘do cocaine’ added to the pressure cooker.”
The Cost of Transformation:
Vergara admits she didn’t employ Method acting, yet the character took a toll. “The first month was bizarre. I’d go home feeling strange, unlike my usual upbeat self. Recognizing it stemmed from days of portraying horrific acts, screaming, crying, and being choked – your body blurs fiction and reality. It was draining.”
Respect for the Craft:
This experience opened her eyes to the demanding world of dramatic acting. “Now I understand the struggles real dramatic actors face. It’s incredibly difficult.”
Humanizing the Monster:
For series creator Eric Newman, known for “Narcos,” the challenge lay in humanizing Griselda. “I knew Sofía’s transformation would be emotionally taxing.” He acknowledges Vergara’s brilliance: “Despite the darkness, you still find yourself rooting for her, and that’s the power of her performance.”
