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What was the best gift you received for your most recent birthday? If the answer is anything less than a 24-foot tall bronze statue in your likeness, then you were totally slighted by your loved ones!! LOL. Sofia Vergara is continuing to have the best summer birthday season ever, that has seen her vacationing in Europe with a big group of friends and having a fun fling with Tom Brady. And now this: Sofia’s hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia has paid tribute to their first daughter of acting with a 24-foot bronze statue of Sra. Vergara, which was revealed last Thursday on her 53rd birthday. Since she is still on that fabulous European vacay, Sofia took to Instagram to express her thanks:
A 24-foot bronze statue honoring Sofía Vergara was just unveiled in her hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia.
The Modern Family actress, 53, took to Instagram to share a first look at the statue and express her gratitude towards her hometown, writing a lengthy message written in Spanish.
“Thank you my beautiful Barranquilla for this gift! I never imagined that my history, my work and my dreams would leave such a significant mark on this earth that I love, respect and long for so much,” read the caption’s English translation. “I thank Barranquilla for everything I am. I owe all that I have accomplished to the strength, the willpower, and the joy I breathe on this earth. This statue is not only in my honor, but in honor of the Barranquillero people and in honor of my family and friends who have always been with me. I love them so much! Toty❤️🇨🇴”
The statue was unveiled for her 53rd birthday, which was on July 10. The massive figure was created by artist Yino Márquez and his students, and the city’s mayor praised Vergara for staying true to her roots and repping Barranquilla worldwide.
Several of Vergara’s famous friends took to the comment section to congratulate her on the honor.
“THIS IS INCREDIBLE❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥” wrote Vergara’s America’s Got Talent co-star Terry Crews.
“😍” commented Rachel Zegler.
Vergara isn’t the first star to receive this honor from her hometown. Shakira, another Barranquilla native, was honored with a similar bronze statue of her back in 2023.
The news comes shortly after Vergara made headlines for her rumored romance with NFL superstar Tom Brady after the two were spotted on a superyacht together in Europe.
I’m torn; on the one hand, the city clearly planned to have the unveiling on Sofia’s birthday, and someone on the ground sent Sofia the pics and video that she posted on Instagram, so why wasn’t Sofia there in person? It’s a big moment! But then on the other hand, I equally love Sofia for being like, “I’m in Europe with my besties for my bday, and that’s final.” Priorities!! As for the statue itself, it’s glorious. In fact, I only wish Modern Family were still on because those writers would definitely have a ball with this, writing off an episode where the whole family visits Colombia because the town is unveiling a Gloria Delgado sculpture. Then something something Claire and Mitch dent it, so Phil and Cameron are called in to erase the evidence before the ceremony. I’m just spitballing, here! Sofia was so good on that show, and the Emmy voters never gave her the win (she had four nominations for supporting actress). But getting back to the statue… Márquez and his students captured the body perfectly, even down to the type of red carpet gown she typically wears. (Sidenote: was this like a thesis project for the art students?!) If I’m being nitpicky, in some photos the face is reading more Courteney Cox than Sofia Vergara. But overall, a triumph!! Summer flings may come and go, but bronze is forever!
Photos credit: Oscar Gonzalez/Wenn/Avalon, Getty and via Instagram
While this was a lovely tribute from the town…idk, the face on that statue will give me nightmares. Does not look like her at all!
Yes, it reminds me of the Lucy statute, the components are there but it is not right.
How insane! The sculptor didn’t know to use perspective? The legs and feet are ridiculously thick compared to the head (should be the other way around when viewed from the base).
And the face — has the sculptor never seen this woman? Looks nothing like her. Why the crazy Turkish-nose job nose with ski jump tip? Nuts.
Barranquilla seems to love giving their d’amour ladies bronze statue tributes – Shakira got one a few years ago. Hera looks a look better, in my opinion. This one doesn’t look like Sofia’s face but they got the body right!
How nice! I love Sofia. I’ve been re-watching Modern Family and Gloria cracks me up every episode. Sofia’s comedic timing is truly impeccable. That said, I thought that statue was Jennifer Coolidge at first!
The face looks EXACTLY like Princess Sofia of Sweden! Maybe the artist googled the wrong Sofia??
Who’s making these fakakta statues? This and the Diana statue, I mean, get someone decent or don’t bother!