Sofia Vergara, widely known for her role as Gloria Pritchett in “Modern Family,” has made a striking return to television with her portrayal of Griselda Blanco in Netflix’s “Griselda.” Transitioning from her comedic character to the infamous Colombian drug dealer presented a unique challenge for Vergara, who aimed to convincingly embody the complex and dark persona of Blanco.
To achieve this transformation, Vergara relied on the expertise of her makeup and hair team. Collaborating closely with makeup artist Todd McIntosh and hairstylist Kelly Kline, they worked meticulously to alter Vergara’s appearance, utilizing prosthetic enhancements such as eyebrow covers, false eyebrows, a prosthetic nose, and customized teeth to capture the essence of Blanco’s character.
The process of transforming Vergara into Blanco took approximately an hour and a half each day on set. The team’s objective was to tone down Vergara’s usual glamorous features and adopt a more subdued and period-appropriate aesthetic to enhance the authenticity of the character.
The final result of Vergara’s transformation impressed everyone involved in the production, with showrunner Ingrid Escajeda noting how Vergara’s innate charm still managed to shine through despite the extensive makeup and prosthetics.
Vergara discussed her remarkable transformation during an appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” where she shared insights into the meticulous process involved in embodying Blanco’s appearance. Clarkson marveled at the subtle yet impactful changes that effectively altered Vergara’s on-screen presence.
“Griselda,” produced by the team behind “Narcos,” features a talented ensemble cast and promises a compelling narrative. With its gritty portrayal of Griselda Blanco’s tumultuous journey during the Miami drug wars, the series offers viewers an immersive and captivating viewing experience. “Griselda” is now available for streaming on Netflix.