“I Raised Him Trying to Set the Best Example,” Sofía Vergara Shared of What It Was Like to Be a Single Mom at Age 19

Some women decide to become mothers when they feel that their personal and professional lives have reached a stable point. They feel they need to wait until they’re well-prepared to bring a child into the world. However, others face the challenge of motherhood at a very young age, and that’s precisely what happened to actress Sofía Vergara, who became a mother to Manolo at the age of 19. With much effort, hard work, and a lot of love, the Modern Family star managed to raise her son on her own without losing sight of her career goals.

Bright Side loves to share inspiring stories and invites you to read the story of Sofía Vergara, the perfect example of what it means to have perseverance and tenacity.

Becoming a mom at 19

Sofía Vergara was married to Joe Gonzalez from 1991 to 1993. As a result of this relationship, at just 19 years old, the actress had her first son, Manolo. After her break-up with Gonzalez, Sofía put all her efforts into acting and taking care of the little boy so that he would never miss anything he needed. “I was really young when I divorced his father, so I raised him trying to set the best example and give him the best that I could. When people compliment me on him, on how well mannered, how charming, funny, and well-behaved he is, it makes all the sacrifices worthwhile,” says Sofía.

Even though she does not regret that she became a mother at such a young age, she recognizes that everything would have been easier if Manolo had arrived 10 years later. When the child was still very little, Sofía had to leave him with his grandmother to go out to work, and it broke her heart every time she did it. “Being a mother has a lot to do with instinct, a sense of responsibility, commitment, and even self-forgiveness,” she explained to Hispanic media.

How she combined her career as an actress with motherhood

Sofía’s career in the entertainment industry is very diverse and prolific. As years went by and Manolo grew up, the Colombian actress and model’s career really took off. In 1995, she toured the world with Fernando Fiore thanks to Telemundo’s TV show, Fuera de serie, and she later took part in films such as Chasing Papi, Four Brothers; and a rom-com classic, Hot Pursuit, among others. She was also cast in a number of successful TV series, such as Family Guy and Modern Family.

A mother that serves as a great mentor

If there’s one thing moms excel at, it’s giving advice and passing on life lessons. And Sofía Vergara, who, as a mother, never stops worrying about her son’s well-being, is no exception. “Don’t walk down a back alley. Use your head. Don’t go alone on a train at 3 in the morning,” are some of the warnings the actress gives her son, Manolo. During an interview with Univision, she also said that she wanted her son to be with a good, educated woman, and he, in turn, acknowledges that his mom makes for an excellent mother-in-law.

A boy who follows in mom’s footsteps

Maybe the fact that he grew up with a mom that was already a star influenced Manolo’s professional fate. The young man is a film director. He is also a graduate of Emerson College in Boston. After finishing his studies, he returned to California and started his own YouTube channel where he talks, among other things, about what it’s like to live with his mother. The project, which is called Mi vida con Toty (as Sofía is affectionately called), was so successful that it gave way to a Snapchat reality show called Vergaraland.

He later landed a role in the movie, Destined to Ride, and played a role in the series, Guilty Party: History of Lying.

But in addition to following in his mother’s footsteps professionally, Manolo accompanies her to some of the most important events in the entertainment industry, like when he attended the ceremony in which Sofía Vergara was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

A shared love for dogs

Another thing Sofía and Manolo both have in common is their absolute devotion to dogs. On his Instagram account, Manolo shares hundreds of pictures with his pets and Sofía does the same on hers. In addition, the boy launched his own brand of clothing and accessories for dogs, and the actress joined him for the launching event.

Enjoying spending time together more than anything

The bond between Manolo and Sofía is very strong. They have been with each other through all the stages of their lives and have shared very important moments. The actress was with her son at his graduation and was overflowed with pride and happiness about his academic achievements, while the young man was the one who walked his mom down the aisle when she got married to Joe Manganiello.

On another occasion, Manolo stood alongside Sofía when she wrapped for her part in the series, Modern Family, and he even posted a message on his Instagram account: “11 years, 250 episodes, and I could not be prouder of the history-making work you’ve accomplished! As this chapter closes, I’m excited for your next one!” he wrote.

Undoubtedly, walking the road of motherhood alone and being so young is not easy. However, Sofía says that now her friends panic if they haven’t found someone to have children with, but for her, that isn’t a problem, because she already has her own kid.

Do you think being a young mom has its advantages? What are they? If you have any similar stories you’d like to share with us, we’d be happy to read them in the comments.