Elizabeth Pena, Co-Star of ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ and ‘La Bamba,’ Dies at 55

Variety

Shelli Weinstein 1 hr ago

© Provided by Variety

Actress Elizabeth Pena, who appeared in “Modern Family” and “La Bamba,” died Oct. 14 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, according to her nephew, Latino Review writer Mario-Francisco Robles. She was 55.

Born in Elizabeth, N.J., and raised by Cuban immigrant parents, Pena’s career spanned nearly 40 years. She began performing in New York theater, and got her professional start in 1978 with Leon Ichaso’s “El Super.”

She went on to appear in films including “La Bamba,” “Blue Steel” and “Rush Hour,” starred in her own primetime series on ABC, “I Married Dora” and lent her voice to the “Justice League” animated series, “American Dad!” and to Disney-Pixar’s “The Incredibles,” where she voices Mirage.

Pena also had a recurring guest role on ABC’s “Modern Family” as Pilar, the mother of Sofia Vergara’s Gloria.

The actress recently wrapped work on the first season of El Rey Network’s “Matador,” where she played the title character’s mother.

Pena is survived by her husband, two children, mother and sister.

I just watch La Bamba the other day R.I.P.

[Edited 10/15/14 18:54pm]

RIP

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Rest In Peace ~ Ms. Pena ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

www pierzfloral com

A very familiar presence in Hollywood. RIP

I remember seeing her in La Bamba and in the movie Predator.

I just re-watched Jacob's Ladder last week she was in that movie Transamerica too.

She was so young. Wow. And I love 'La Bamba'. Loved all the characters.

A classy actress with major talent. RIHP Lady.

[Edited 10/16/14 15:59pm]