Elizabeth Peña Dies: 'La Bamba' Actress, Sofia Vergara's Mother On 'Modern Family' Dead At 55

Elizabeth Peña has passed away at the age of 55. The actress born in New Jersey and raised in Cuba died on October 14 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles following a brief illness, according to Latino Review. Peña had recently wrapped up work on "Matador" from El Rey Network where she played the mother of the titled character. "We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague, Elizabeth Peña," El Rey said in a statement. "She was a role model, a truly extraordinary performer and an inspiration in every sense of the word. Our thoughts are with Elizabeth’s family and friends during this difficult time. She ‎will be deeply missed." Peña is survived by her husband, two children, mother and sister.

Elizabeth Peña had a career that spanned over four decades in which she had credits in "Jacob's Ladder" and "La Bamba." Most recently she guest starred on "Modern Family" playing Sofia Vergara's mother on the hit ABC comedy. Other credits that Peña included films like "Down And Out In Beverly Hills," "Lone Star," "Batteries Not Included," "Vibes" and "Rush Hour." In animation she provided the voice of the character Mirage in Disney-Pixar's "The Incredibles," while on television she guest starred on shows like "The Brothers Garcia," "Ghost Whisperer," "Boston Public," "CSI: Miami," "NCIS," "Off The Map" and "Numbers"