Actress Elizabeth Pena passed away on 14 October at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles on Tuesday. She was 55 years old.
The New Jersey-born actress, who played Sofia Vergara's mother on ABC's "Modern Family", died of natural causes following a brief illness. No details about the illness has been provided yet.
Following her death, Pena's nephew Mario-Francisco Robeles wrote an obituary in the Latino Review about his aunt's career spanning four decades, and called her an inspiration and a role model.
"Tonight, my family is heartbroken," Robles wrote. "There's now a void that will never be filled. All we can do now is remember your sharp sense of humor, your endless hunger for life and your never-ending pursuit of happiness."
Pena had notable roles in "La Bamba," ''Down and Out in Beverly Hills," ''Jacob's Ladder" and "Rush Hour," and on television she has appeared on "L.A. Law", ''Dream On", ''Resurrection Blvd". Her most recent appearance was on the El Rey Network drama "Matador."
Reacting to the death, the network released a statement to HollywoodLife stating: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague, Elizabeth Peña. She was a role model, a truly extraordinary performer and an inspiration in every sense of the word. Our thoughts are with Elizabeth's family and friends during this difficult time. She will be deeply missed."
Meanwhile, devastated celebrities have taken to their Twitter accounts to remember the actress.
Check out some of the messages below.
"My heart is broken!!! My prayers are with you and your family. We will miss you #ElizabethPena –ZS" -- Zoe Saldana
"Elizabeth Peña was sublime. RIP. I already miss you." - Pedro Pascal
"Rest in Peace Elizabeth Pena...you paved the way for so many of us!!" - Eva Longoria
"We were so sad to learn of the passing of Elizabeth Pena. A member of our Family, she will be missed. #RIPElizabethPena" - Steve Levitan
"I always had a thing for Elizabeth Peña. Tragic loss, far too soon. My thoughts are with her family and friends. #RIPElizabethPena" - Chris McKenna
Pena is survived by her husband, two teenage children, mother and sister.
