Elizabeth-Pena-Obituary

Elizabeth Pena

1959 - 2014 (Age 55)

About

AGE
55

Obituary

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.

Remembering Elizabeth Pena

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.

View photos of Elizabeth Pena and other celebrities who died in their 50s

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 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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I love you in rush hour

I just want to say I luv you you broke boundaries for all of us I enjoy you in rush hour that forever be in in bedded in my heart ❤ thanku forever

I loved everything she did on screen the was one my favorite actresses even small roles like Rush Hour she had that "IT" factor that makes her presence on screen always memorable only wish there was more to remember her by I'll forever be a fan of the beautiful soul til' we meet in paradise my sister...love, and condolences to all family and friends ❤

RIP Elizabeth

R.I.P. mami when you were doinglatin theater in nyc you had plans to go to calif. I thought I'd never see you again & I presented you with my white Ascot & you said:Oh sentimo I can understand your crush for me I'll wear it from today on.She proceeded to wear it as a sash around her waist.I never worked with her allthoug we both wanted to.As long as I wear a white Ascot I will remember you mami. sentimo rodin / actor writer cinematographer.

I just read that she has crossed over. I really liked her movies. Prayer of peace and acceptance to her family.

Rest in peace Elizabeth gone but not forgotten we miss you Ur movies a very bright person love Ur movie la bamba rip

So very talented & beautiful.Rest in peace Elizabeth.

I just found out recently one is no longer with us on this place we call earth. I was very saddened by this news, one had a very lucrative career for at least 40 years. I know this because I have followed one all these years. GONE NOT FORGOTTEN...PRAYERS and BLESSINGS