x
Breaking News
More () »

'Modern Family' actress Elizabeth Pena dies at 55

Pena's manager, Gina Rugolo, says the actress died Tuesday in Los Angeles of natural causes after a brief illness.
Elizabeth Pena at "The 2002 ALMA Awards" at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Ca. Saturday, May 18, 2002. Photo by Kevin Winter/ABC/ImageDirect.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - "La Bamba" and "Lone Star" actress Elizabeth Pena has died. She was 55.

Pena's manager, Gina Rugolo, says the actress died Tuesday in Los Angeles of natural causes after a brief illness. No other details were provided.

Pena's career spanned four decades and included roles in films like "Rush Hour," ''Jacob's Ladder" and "Free Willy 2." She also appeared on such TV shows as "L.A. Law," ''Dream On," ''Resurrection Blvd." and "Modern Family," where she played the mother of Sofia Vergara's character, Gloria.

She also provided her voice to "The Incredibles," the "Justice League" cartoon series and "American Dad."

Pena recently played the mother of the title character on the El Rey Network drama "Matador."

She is survived by her husband, two children, mother and sister.

Before You Leave, Check This Out