Cuban-American Actress Elizabeth Pena, 55, Dies In Los Angeles After Brief Illness
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Elizabeth Pena, the versatile actress who shifted between dramatic roles in such films as ``Lone Star'' and comedic parts in TV shows like ``Modern Family,'' has died. She was 55.
Pena's manager, Gina Rugolo, said Wednesday the Cuban-American actress died Tuesday in Los Angeles of natural causes after a brief illness. No other details were provided.
Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Pena's Hollywood career spanned four decades and included roles in such movies as ``La Bamba,'' ``Down and Out in Beverly Hills,'' ``Jacob's Ladder'' and ``Rush Hour.'' In filmmaker John Sayles' ``Lone Star,'' she memorably portrayed a history teacher who rekindles a romance with an old flame, played by Chris Cooper.
Pena appeared on such TV shows as ``L.A. Law,'' ``Dream On,'' ``Resurrection Blvd.'' and ``Modern Family,'' where she played the mother of Sofia Vergara's character, Gloria.
She starred in the 1980s sitcom ``I Married Dora'' in the titular role as a housekeeper from El Salvador who weds her employer to avoid deportation.
Pena also provided her voice to Disney-Pixar's ``The Incredibles,'' the ``Justice League'' cartoon series and Seth MacFarlane's ``American Dad.''
Pena most recently appeared on the El Rey Network drama ``Matador.''
She is survived by her husband, two children, mother and sister.
(Copyright 2014 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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