Last week, Sofia Vergara made history at the Emmy Awards as the first Latina to be nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series for her role in Netflix’s “Griselda.” The nomination comes after years of Vergara battling a double-edged sword: her undeniable talent and her Colombian accent, both of which were part of the path she blazed with her iconic role as Gloria Pritchett on “Modern Family.” Despite the success “Modern Family” has achieved — it’s won 22 Primetime Emmys and received 85 nominations since its 2009 debut — Vergara has been vocal about the limitations the industry placed on her because of her accent.
“I’m always looking for characters because there’s not a lot I can do with this stupid voice,” she told the Los Angeles Times earlier this year. “I can’t play a scientist or be on ‘Schindler’s List.’ My roles are pretty limited.”
With Salma Hayek being a rare exception, Latina actresses with accents often find themselves relegated to stereotypical roles like the hot-tempered maid or the snarky best friend. Take Rosie Perez, for example. The Puerto Rican actress known for her roles in Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” and “White Men Can’t Jump” has spoken out about how her Brooklyn Puerto Rican accent often limits the roles she takes. Her role in “White Men Can’t Jump” was originally intended for an Italian or Irish-American actress, but she ultimately proved herself to be the perfect fit for the role.
“Yes, I have a heavy accent. Yes, I’m from Brooklyn. Yes, I’m poor, but does that mean I’m only allowed to play unintelligent, downtrodden, and embarrassing roles?” she wrote in her 2014 memoir, “Handbook for an Unpredictable Life.”
The biased American view of accents has always been an uphill battle for Latino actors. Judgment against people with strong ethnic accents is a persistent issue and a stereotype that actors with British or Australian accents rarely face. It is a form of discrimination that needs to be eradicated.
While Perez, Hayek, and Vergara are undeniable stars, so are many Latina actresses with thick accents. The industry is still hesitant to accept the full range of what Latina actresses can bring to the table, creating barriers for those who can’t (or don’t want to) let go of their accents.
As Vergara herself has said, it’s frustrating to be perceived as less intelligent just because her English isn’t perfect. “Do you know how smart I am in Spanish?” is one of her most quoted lines on “Modern Family,” emphasizing the unfair assumption that an accent means a lack of fluency or intelligence.
Then came “Griselda,” a Netflix limited series in which Vergara embraced her heritage and accent, speaking primarily in Spanish. In this role, she wasn’t just allowed to—she was encouraged to. It was in this role, playing ruthless drug lord Griselda Blanco, that the world finally saw the full depth of Sofia’s acting talent. While it’s unfortunate that a drug trafficking story was the basis, her performance was incredible and showed her talents beyond comedic roles.
This highlights an important point. Latinos are an integral part of American society, and Spanish is a widely spoken language. Diversifying representation is about more than just casting; it’s about creating stories that center the Latino experience, even if those stories are primarily told in Spanish. Latinos are not a niche audience; they are the foundation of America, and Spanish is the primary or secondary language of millions of people.
Vergara’s Emmy nomination is more than just a personal triumph; it’s a beacon for change. Shows like “Narcos,” “La Casa de Papel,” and films like “Roma” have proven that audiences for projects that prominently feature Spanish dialogue not only exist, but can truly be a powerful force. It’s time to break the mold and embrace the richness of multilingual storytelling, creating the possibility for more productions featuring talents like Vergara as well as emerging Latino stars.
Vergara’s historic nomination is a momentous moment not just for her, but for countless Latina actors who yearn for the opportunity to reach their full potential. This isn’t just about the Emmys; it’s a call for Hollywood to embrace the richness of Latina stories and recognize that representation is more than just a face. It’s about breaking down barriers and paving the way for a future that uses the power of language to reflect around our vibrant mosaic of diverse voices.
Kimmy Dole is a PS Juntos contributor known for her insightful insights and compelling storytelling. An entertainment enthusiast, Kimmy immerses herself in the glitz and glamour of the industry, delivering an engaging mix of celebrity interviews, insights from industry experts, and the latest pop culture trends. Her work offers readers an authentic and relatable perspective, especially when exploring the complexities of relationships.
