Modern Family actress Elizabeth Pena dies at 55

The actress died of natural causes after a brief illness.

American actress Elizabeth Pena has died at the age of 55.

Elizabeth has appeared in films such as Lone Star and Rush Hour but is famously known for playing the mother of Sofia Vergara’s character Gloria in the hit sitcom Modern Family.

“@SteveLevitan: We were so sad to learn of the passing of Elizabeth Pena. A member of our Family, she will be missed. #RIPElizabethPena”🙏RIP

— Sofia Vergara (@SofiaVergara) October 16, 2014

Pena's manager has told the Associated Press that she died of natural causes after a brief illness.