Are Stereotypes Racist? ‘Modern Family’ Star Sofia Vergara Hits Back At Critics

“Modern Family” star Sofia Vergara is making millions playing a Colombia immigrant and she doesn’t see anything wrong with the way she portrays her character, Gloria Pritchett.

“What’s wrong with being a stereotype?” Vergara, 44, told Hola! USA when she was asked about her portrayal of a Latina character on television. “Gloria’s character is inspired by my mom and my aunt. They are both Latin women who grew up in Colombia, like me. I’m like that too: a voluptuous, intense, happy woman, who wants to get involved in everything with her partner to help.”

It’s not the first time she’s been criticized. In 2014, she told Time Magazine she plays Gloria “the way I see my mom and aunt behave as Latin women.” She even helped shape the character. “I went to the writers and said, ‘We wouldn't do this, Colombians don't dress like that,’” she said.

“They love color, prints and shoes, Vergara said about some Latina women. “It upsets me when Latinos complain about Gloria. I am grateful for the opportunity because the gringos have let me in with this strong accent I have. Eight years ago nobody had an accent like this on television.”

The Hola! USA was the first time she and husband Joe Manganiello, 40, appeared on a magazine cover together. “We wanted to show our fans what they wanted to see,” Vergara said. “That’s why it’s so special for us to do this cover and that’s why I convinced Joe. Because this is a really special time for us in our relationship, and we enjoy our privacy, but we have the best fans in the world and we know it makes them happy to see us happy and in love.”

Whether fans like her portrayal of Gloria or not, she has been the highest paid actress on TV for the last five years. Last year, she raked in $43 million.

New episodes of “Modern Family” air Wednesdays at 9 p.m. EST on ABC.

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