The Colombian actress reached out to her compatriot

Sofia Vergara has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most influential Latinx figures in recent months after showcasing her powerful voice. And behind the silver screen, the 51-year-old continues to be a huge hit.

In her latest role as Griselda Blanco, the Colombian actress’ new show ‘Griselda’ has been tipped to take Netflix by storm just as ‘Narcos’ did nine years ago.

The actress was personally fascinated with the true story of the Colombian drug trafficker who oversaw the sale of cocaine in Miami in the 1970s and 80s.

She was head of the Medellin cartel, as well as being Pablo Escobar’s mentor, and as Vergara herself acknowledges, it was a role that took her by “surprise” after her previous work playing characters in light-hearted sitcoms.

“You always think someone who is not an actress is going to arrive and be a little lost or out of tune, but she [Griselda] is super professional, very beautiful,” Vergara said in an interview with journalist Carlos Ochoa.

And another Colombian star, singer Shakira, reached out to give an emotional message to Vergara ahead of the premiere.

“Hi Sofi, congratulations on your new show ‘Griselda’, I’ll be seeing you this Thursday, a kiss,” she said in a video clip on social media.