Most people know Sofía Vergara as the glamorous actress who lights up television screens and steals every red carpet she walks. But behind the scenes, her favorite role has always been one that’s far more personal—being a mom.
Sofía became a mother at just 18, raising her only son, Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, while navigating her own career. Today, the two share more than just family ties—they’ve grown into creative partners, collaborators, and each other’s biggest supporters.
Growing Up Together
Manolo was born on September 16, 1991, in Colombia, during Sofía’s brief marriage to her childhood sweetheart, Joe Gonzalez. Although the couple split two years later, motherhood quickly became the center of Sofía’s world.
“It changes everything,” she once shared in an interview. “You get all the joy, and yes, plenty of headaches too.”
Because she was so young, Sofía says she and Manolo practically grew up side by side. “I sometimes wish I had been older, maybe more prepared,” she admitted, “but in the end, we grew together.”
As for his name? Manolo was inspired by Sofía’s love for the movie Scarface. The choice still makes him laugh. “Thanks, Mom—named after a drug dealer!” he once joked.
Carving His Own Path
Though Manolo has tried his hand at acting—with roles in Hot Pursuit and the animated film Koati—he’s found his passion behind the camera. After earning a film production degree from Emerson College in 2015, he’s continued to build a career in both entertainment and business.
He co-produces projects with his mom, including Celebrity Family Food Battle, and recently teamed up with her again to launch TOMA, a Latin-inspired food brand. Beyond that, he created CANINI by Baguett, a pet lifestyle brand inspired by his French bulldog.
And while his entrepreneurial spirit is clear, Manolo has another talent that fans love—his cooking. His Instagram is filled with everything from braised short ribs to Colombian coconut rice, often paired with his playful commentary. As he puts it: “I had to learn because my mom hates cooking. She won’t go near the kitchen.”
A Lifelong Bond
Manolo’s close connection with Sofía has been evident in every major moment of her life. When she married actor Joe Manganiello in 2015, it was Manolo who walked her down the aisle. Even after their split in 2023, he’s remained a steady source of support, standing by his mom both privately and publicly.
He often joins her on red carpets and high-profile events—from the Emmys to her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony—proving they’re as much a team in the spotlight as they are at home.
What’s Next?
Now 33, Manolo seems content balancing business, creative projects, and family life. Sofía, on the other hand, is already embracing the idea of becoming a grandmother—even if only in spirit for now.
“On weekends, Manolo drops his dog off at my house,” she joked. “It feels just like when I used to leave him at my mom’s. So in a way, I already feel like a grandma.”
