Vale: Elizabeth Pena

US actress Elizabeth Pena, best known for La Bamba and Modern Family, has died aged 55.

Her manager, Gina Rugolo, said she died in Los Angeles of natural causes after a brief illness. No other details were provided.

Pena’s career spanned four decades and included roles in films like Lone Star, Rush Hour, Jacob’s Ladder and Free Willy 2.

TV credits included L.A. Law, Dream On, Resurrection Blvd. and Modern Family, where she played the mother of Sofia Vergara’s character, Gloria.

She also provided her voice to The Incredibles, the Justice League cartoon series and American Dad.

Source: USA Today