Actress Elizabeth Pena dies at 55

Actress Elizabeth Pena, who appeared in a wide range of films and television shows including La Bamba, Down and Out in Beverly Hills, Modern Family, and The Incredibles, has died following a brief illness. She was 55.

Pena was born Sept. 23, 1959, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Her parents were both in entertainment: Her father, Mario, was an actor, writer, and director, while her mother, Estella Margarita, was a producer. Recently, Pena regularly appeared on the crime drama Matador and portrayed the mother of Sofia Vergara's character on Modern Family. In addition to acting, Pena directed several television episodes, and was a founding member of the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors.

Her La Bamba co-star, Lou Diamond Phillips, tweeted that he was "stunned and heartbroken" over the death of his friend. "She was such a Life Force it's hard to believe," he wrote. "Elizabeth was not only an amazing actress, she was one of the most vibrant, wonderful people I have ever know. My prayers to her family."

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Pena is survived by her husband, Hans Rolla, daughter Fiona, son Kaelan, and her mother and sister.