Sofia Vergara's Transformative Role in Netflix's Griselda: The Price of Artistry
Sofia Vergara's portrayal of Griselda Blanco in the new Netflix series Griselda has left a lasting impact, both artistically and physically. The star's dedication to her role resulted in 'crazy' injuries that may affect her for life. Here's an in-depth look at Vergara's transformative journey and the sacrifices she made for her art.
The Art of Transformation
Sofia Vergara's foray into the dramatic role of Griselda Blanco in the new Netflix series Griselda marks a significant departure from her comedic roots in the popular sitcom Modern Family. Her portrayal of the savvy and ambitious Colombian businesswoman, who created one of the most profitable drug cartels in history, required a remarkable transformation both physically and emotionally. Streaming on Netflix from January 25, Griselda is a compelling exploration of the complexities of Griselda Blanco's life and the impact of her criminal enterprise.
Vergara's commitment to the role led her to make subtle yet drastic changes to her appearance in order to embody the Colombian drug lord. She underwent a rigorous process to alter her physicality, leading to some ongoing health issues. Vergara's dedication to portraying the character authentically involved assuming a body position for six months, donning minimizing undergarments, and altering her posture to the extent that it caused her significant discomfort. The toll of this transformative process resulted in 'crazy' injuries that doctors deemed impactful and concerning.
In her own words, Vergara explained, 'I was trying to change as much as I could without looking like I was in a Halloween costume. I put myself in a body position for six months leading to one of the only times that I didn’t go to work. I’d get up in the morning and I couldn’t get up. I was a 50-year-old doing this weird position, walking hunched over, smoking. And the doctor is like, ‘You’re crazy. You can’t do that at your age.’ They injected me. Now I think I have a problem from walking like that. It was worth it. I probably won’t be saying that in 10 years. But now I have to be very careful.'
The Price of Artistry
Vergara's commitment to her role in Griselda extended beyond physical transformation, delving into the emotional and psychological depths of the character. As an actress and executive producer of the series, she navigated the challenges of portraying a complex and notorious figure in history. Her dedication to disappearing into the character and shedding her well-known persona from Modern Family was paramount. Vergara expressed her desire to embody Griselda Blanco authentically, without any trace of her previous roles, and this commitment led to an arduous process of undergoing extensive tests and transformations.
The star's determination to disappear into the role of Griselda Blanco was evident in her exhaustive efforts to ensure authenticity. She underwent a series of tests and transformations, including the use of prosthetics, fake teeth, and altering her physical features to achieve the desired look. Her commitment to authenticity and attention to detail extended to her concern for not being recognized as her Modern Family character, Gloria Pritchard. Vergara's dedication to her artistry and the price she paid for it is a testament to her commitment to delivering a transformative performance.
In her own words, Vergara emphasized, 'The most important thing for me was to disappear. Sofia to disappear, Gloria from Modern Family to disappear. I didn’t want people to think it was Gloria with a fake nose. It took us a lot of tests to try out different ways. I was nervous about it because I sometimes watch movies and it distracts me a lot to see the wig that’s jumping out. So I wanted her to look human and also to be able to act with all those things that I had on. I had fake teeth, I had plastic all over my face, my eyebrows were fake. Even my nose was fake.'
The Impact of Dedication
Vergara's commitment to her role in Griselda comes with a significant personal and professional impact. Her dedication to portraying Griselda Blanco authentically, coupled with the physical and emotional toll it took on her, reflects the depth of her commitment to her craft. The star's willingness to undergo extensive physical and emotional transformations for her artistry is a testament to her dedication and passion for her work.
In addition to the physical toll, Vergara's commitment to her role in Griselda led her to postpone working on the series due to her prior commitments to Modern Family. Her illustrious career on the popular sitcom, which spanned 11 seasons from 2009 to 2020, garnered her numerous award nominations and accolades. However, her decision to prioritize the transformative role of Griselda Blanco demonstrates her unwavering dedication to delivering a compelling and authentic performance.
Vergara's journey in Griselda embodies the transformative power of artistry and the sacrifices that come with it. Her commitment to disappearing into the character, both physically and emotionally, serves as a testament to the depth of her dedication to her craft. The impact of her dedication is evident in the lasting physical effects she has endured, underscoring the price she paid for her artistry. Sofia Vergara's transformative journey in Griselda is a powerful testament to the dedication and sacrifice that goes into delivering a compelling and authentic performance.
