The Fascinating Age Difference in Griselda: Sofia Vergara and Griselda Blanco

The Unveiling of Griselda

The captivating narrative of the Netflix miniseries Griselda has brought to light the extraordinary life story of Griselda Blanco, a shrewd and ambitious Columbian businesswoman who orchestrated one of the most lucrative drug cartels in history. Released in January 2024, the six-episode series chronicles Blanco's ascent to becoming the notorious 'Godmother' of Miami's drug empire, offering audiences a glimpse into her remarkable journey and the pivotal characters who shaped her destiny.

Sofía Vergara as Griselda Blanco in Griselda.

The portrayal of Blanco's character is masterfully executed by the acclaimed actress Sofia Vergara, renowned for her comedic prowess in Modern Family. Griselda not only showcases Vergara's versatility as an actor but also shattered her Rotten Tomatoes record, underscoring her remarkable ability to embody the complexities of the character. However, the most striking revelation is the surprising age gap between Vergara and Blanco, which adds an intriguing dimension to the series.

Sofía Vergara as Griselda Blanco in a scene from Griselda holding a small cylinder.

The Age Discrepancy

Spanning the '70s and '80s, Griselda depicts Blanco's life between the ages of 27 and 37, while Sofia Vergara was 51 years old at the time of the show's release. This stark age difference places Vergara between 14 and 24 years older than the character she portrays, a feat that is seamlessly obscured by Netflix's meticulous attention to detail in her physical transformation for the role.

According to Tudum by Netflix, Vergara's transformation was a formidable undertaking, requiring her to undergo hours of makeup and don a range of prosthetics. The character's distinct appearance, distinct from Vergara's own, was achieved through the use of five different wigs, prosthetic eyebrow covers, false eyebrows, a prosthetic nose, and subtly altered teeth—a testament to the dedication and artistry involved in bringing Blanco's persona to life on screen.

The Legacy of Griselda Blanco

Griselda Blanco met a tragic end in September 2012, succumbing to a fate as brutal as the one she was associated with during her notorious reign. At 69 years old, she fell victim to an assassin's bullet on the streets, a chilling reminder of the enemies she had amassed over the years. Her final resting place is the Jardines de Montesacro cemetery in Columbia, the same burial ground of the infamous drug lord Pablo Emilio Escobar.