Prolific Actress Elizabeth Peña Passes Away at 55

Cuban-American actress Elizabeth Peña, known for her roles in films such as “Jacob’s Ladder” and “La Bamba,” has died in Los Angeles. She was 55.

Peña’s representative, Gina Rugolo, said that the actress who had opened doors for Hispanic women in Hollywood died Tuesday of natural causes after a brief illness.

“I am stunned and heartbroken, just found out about the passing of my friend Elizabeth Peña. She was such a life force it’s hard to believe,” actor Lou Diamond Phillips, her co-star in “La Bamba,” posted on Twitter.

Born in New Jersey, Peña got her professional start in New York theaters and landed her first film role in “El Super” directed by Leon Ichaso in 1978.

During her career spanning more than four decades, she appeared in many other films, including “Rush Hour,” “Lone Star,” “Blue Steel” and “Batteries Not Included,” as well as in television series such as “I Married Dora.”

She also provided her voice in animated shows such as “Justice League,” “American Dad!” and Disney-Pixar’s “The Incredibles.”

Peña also had a supporting role in the popular series “Modern Family,” playing the mother of Sofia Vergara’s character.

She recently completed work on the first season of the El Rey Network series “Matador,” in which she played the mother of the main character.

“She was a role model, a truly extraordinary performer and an inspiration in every sense of the word,” the El Rey Network said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with Elizabeth’s family and friends during this difficult time. She will be deeply missed.”

Published in Latino Daily News