Podcast Summary: Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Episode: RE-RUN: SOFIA VERGARA — the physical toll of ‘Griselda’ and Ed O’Neill butt dials
Release Date: December 31, 2024

Introduction: A Cherished Friendship

Jesse Tyler Ferguson opens the episode by reminiscing about his long-standing friendship with Sofia Vergara, emphasizing their bond forged during the making of "Modern Family". He shares a heartfelt memory from their first table read, highlighting Sofia's warm and vivacious personality.

"Hola, I'm Sophia," Sofia greeted, giving everyone a big hug. I knew immediately I was going to absolutely love this person. [02:37]

Transition to 'Griselda': Embracing New Challenges

The conversation shifts to Sofia's recent role in the Netflix miniseries "Griselda". Jesse expresses immense pride in Sofia's achievement, acknowledging the difficulties of getting projects off the ground in the entertainment industry.

"I am so proud of you because I remember season one of Modern Family. You've been talking about Griselda for 15 years." [05:09]

The Complexity of 'Griselda': Balancing Admiration and Critique

Sofia delves into the intricacies of portraying Griselda Blanco, a notorious drug trafficker. She discusses her initial hesitation to take on the role due to Blanco's morally ambiguous nature and her decision to proceed only after Blanco's passing.

"I had to kind of wait because it felt wrong to portray someone who was still alive and had done terrible things. [05:38]"

Physical and Emotional Toll: Transforming for the Role

Sofia shares the rigorous physical demands of her role, including extensive makeup and prosthetics that left her exhausted. She humorously recounts her attempt to alter her walk and the resulting back issues.

"I created this walk where I put two spanks on my butt to make it flat, and by month three, I couldn't get up due to back pain. [19:19]"

Personal Background: Overcoming Adversity

The discussion shifts to Sofia's personal life, touching on her immigration from Colombia, the tragic loss of her brother, and her battle with thyroid cancer. She reflects on how these experiences have shaped her resilience and depth as an actress.

"At 23, I had to take care of my family after my brother became a crack addict. It's been very hard." [31:00]

Premiere in Colombia: A Heartwarming Reception

Sofia recounts the overwhelming support she received during the premiere of "Griselda" in Colombia, highlighting the cultural pride and the positive impact the show had on Latin American actors.

"There was a big billboard that said, 'Sofia Vergara is beautiful, but more beautiful in Colombia.' It was really amazing. [27:08]"

Authenticity in Acting: Guiding the Writers

Sofia emphasizes the importance of authenticity in her portrayal of Gloria from "Modern Family". She explains how she guided the writers to incorporate her unique cultural traits, ensuring the character resonated genuinely with audiences.

"I wanted to create a woman that looked human and not just me or Gloria. Authenticity was key." [14:47]

On-Set Anecdotes: Laughter and Camaraderie

Jesse and Sofia share lighthearted stories from the set of "Modern Family", including humorous mishaps and the playful dynamics between cast members. These anecdotes showcase the close-knit nature of their working relationship.

"We shot the episode in Australia and came back jet-lagged. You said, 'Happy Thanksgiving' in April, and I laughed at you for a year. [41:06]"

Reflections on Friendship and Farewells

As the episode wraps up, Sofia and Jesse reflect on the end of "Modern Family" and the challenges posed by the pandemic. They express their deep bond and mutual support, underscoring the emotional closure of an 11-year journey.

"The last scene was really hard for us. It felt like losing a family member, and then the pandemic hit." [44:12]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jesse Tyler Ferguson:
  "Have you thought about hosting on Airbnb?" [00:00]
  "There is no one like Sofia Vergara, and it's so easy to see why." [04:01]
  "I think that you are an actor. Truly." [09:10]

• Sofia Vergara:
  "I didn't finish dental school, but I wanted to be a doctor." [29:02]
  "What did you think you were gonna do? About 50 to be slumped over, all for three months?" [19:19]
  "I have a balance." [48:17]

Conclusion: Celebrating Sofia Vergara

Jesse Tyler Ferguson concludes the episode by reiterating his admiration for Sofia's dedication and talent. He highlights her ability to balance humor with profound emotional depth, making her an invaluable member of the acting community.

"I've seen your marshmallows, and you ate so much sugar. You are amazing." [48:12]

Dinner’s on Me continues to showcase candid conversations with beloved celebrities, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the lives and careers of their favorite stars.