Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images
Modern Family actress Sofia Vergara, 47, is the first to admit she’s loving her life. “I love letting loose on the dance floor. It’s better than sweating at the gym,” she says.
Read on to find out why this gorgeous Colombian-American actress’s lifestyle is super-relatable…
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On keeping fit
It might shock you to learn that Sophia isn’t actually that keen on exercise – though, she looks like she does. She says it’s more about having a healthy lifestyle in general and watching what you eat – the majority of the time. Everything in moderation. “I’ve actually never been big on exercise – I blame it on my boobs,” says Sophia. “I can’t run or hike, so I do the occasional Pilates class. People say how great they feel after exercising, but I don’t get that at all. I struggle the whole way through and I’m exhausted afterwards.” There was a phase when her husband, the handsome Joe Manganiello, wanted her to train with him, but that period didn’t last too long. Much to Sophia’s relief.
On foodie indulgences
Sophia strives to eat healthily during the week but says, “weekends are for food” – and we certainly feel the same. “I have to be healthy most of the time if I’m going to stay in shape, but food is a huge part of my culture,” comments Sophia. “As a proud Latina, food is part of who I am. I grew up knowing food is important, both romantically and socially. All in moderation, of course, but you can’t be disciplined the whole time.”
‘I just can’t resist a slice of chocolate cake’
And, when it’s time for a treat, there’s just one thing Sophia turns to. “When am I happiest? Eating a large slice of chocolate cake,” says Sophia. “I’ll eat a super-healthy dinner, but I can’t resist dessert – my weakness.”
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Other things that fill the actress with joy include simple days at home with her loved ones. Sophia says, “I love spending days at home with my husband, who makes me laugh more than anyone else. And, knowing my son Manolo is okay. I see him grown, accomplished, and I feel so proud.”
On family
The actress is known for her delightful sense of humour, and says she gets her comedic side from her family. “My mom and uncles can make anyone laugh,” she says. “I find my family very funny – and I draw from them in some of my roles.” According to the actress, Colombians need to have a sense of humour because, “we come from tough situations; sometimes the only way to get through was to make fun of ourselves and look for the humour in things”. Sophia is all about learning to find light even in the darkest times.
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On women’s beauty
Though the actress is known as one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood, her attitude towards looks and appearance is refreshingly humble. She says, “women can be beautiful in so many ways. And I think we look sexier with a few more pounds instead of a few less. Maybe that’s part of my culture, where having curves and a nice bum is considered sexy. There’s a trend these days towards being very fit and toned, but there’s no one standard of beauty.”
‘Women can be beautiful in so many ways’
And, she’s not afraid to try out those beauty products everyone tells us to use. We all need a bit of help if we want to look our best – even Sophia Vergara. Her beauty advice is to, “use every good face cream that works for you – even the technologically advanced stuff. There’s no harm in trying!” She also says it’s important to get plenty of sleep.
On being a mom
Sophia was married to her first husband at a very young age, and had her son Manolo when she was just 19 years old. Though her marriage didn’t last, she says Manolo has been her constant companion in life and she wouldn’t change a thing. “Being a single mom in my twenties wasn’t easy. It was difficult for me as a young woman in Columbia. So when I met a man I knew was good and special, I wanted to get married and start a family with him.” Sophia is still good friends with Manolo’s father and says having a son has been her “greatest joy in life.” When Manolo was small, Sophia worked hard to be a good mother for him. “I needed to learn to be disciplined and work hard so that Manolo could have a good life,” she says.
Manolo graduated with a diploma in 2015 and Sophia says she beamed with pride at the ceremony. “He’s such a great young man. He’s funny and creative and wants to be a director,” she says. “I’ve always encouraged him to pursue his dreams, so we’ll see what happens. He lived in Boston for many years, but he’s in LA with me now, so it’s wonderful to be able to spend more time together.”
On being happy
The actress also has sage advice on how to be happy in life, and she doesn’t pull any punches. “People say you shouldn’t worry or have too much stress, but that’s easier said than done. I know so many women who work very hard and also have their families to look after.” Sophia credits her wonderful support network for helping her through life’s stresses, and knows she’s one of the lucky few to have so much help. “I don’t necessarily think I should be the one to give life advice,” she says, “but I’ve always believed that if you try to live each day in a positive mood and embrace all of the good things in life, then you’re bound to find happiness. The trick is to focus on the good times.”
‘The trick is to focus on the good times’
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On dancing
And, if the actress needs a night out, she rallied her friends for a turn on the dance floor. “I love to go out and do Latin dancing,” she says. “It reminds me of where I grew up in Columbia – hearing the music takes me back there. And dancing is so much fun. I’m incredibly proud of my heritage and love letting loose on the dance floor. It’s better than sweating at the gym.”
By Features Editor, Stephanie van der Plank
