Playing cartel boss Griselda Blanco required actress Sofía Vergara to delve into emotional touchstones from her past. Vergara shared that she had 'a lot of similarities' to the drug lord and drew from her family's experiences with grief for her role in Netflix’s Griselda.
Vergara's older brother, involved in the drug trade, was killed in Colombia in the '90s, prompting her family to flee to Miami. Reflecting on this traumatic event, Vergara noted the impact it had on her family, with her other brother turning to drugs and becoming an addict.
Despite the personal connections to the character, Vergara didn't approach the role as a means to showcase her dramatic acting abilities but rather found Griselda to be an 'interesting character' that allowed her to 'test' herself.
She emphasized the need to understand the complexities of being a woman in that era, a mother, and a Colombian woman who transformed into a notorious figure. The role demanded 'a lot of work, a lot of preparation,' as Vergara delved into the psyche of the character.
Reflecting on the parallels between her life and the character, Vergara acknowledged that the challenging experiences she went through served a purpose beyond just bad memories.
Despite the emotional weight of the role, Vergara expressed pride in the limited series and the positive reception it has garnered from viewers. She highlighted the excitement of seeing people's reactions to the show.
Griselda is available for streaming on Netflix, offering audiences a glimpse into Vergara's immersive portrayal of the complex character.
