Why Sofía Vergara Was “Surprised” by Reaction to Joe Manganiello Breakup

Sofía Vergara expected quite a different reaction to the end of her marriage with Joe Manganiello.

The Modern Family actress, who's become beloved for playing Gloria Delgato-Pritchett on the ABC sitcom, knew her divorce from the Magic Mike actor last year would stir up some talk in the press.

"You're out there and people know—that's part of being a celebrity," Vergara explained during an interview with CBS Sunday Morning on Jan. 14. "I knew it was going to happen. You can't hide those things."

However, the 51-year-old thought the conversation surrounding the split was going to be a little, er, less kind.

"It wasn't bad," the former America's Got Talent judge revealed. "I have to say the press was very respectful and very nice, and I thought that they were going to invent more things. I was surprised that they kind of just said what it was and that was it."

Manganiello, 47, and Vergara were married for eight years before calling it quits in July 2023, and Vergara said she's since been "moving on" with her life. Her latest gig, playing real-life Columbian businesswoman Griselda Blanco on the upcoming Netflix drama series, Griselda, is certainly proof—it's the total opposite of her light-hearted Modern Family role.

"[Griselda] was this Columbian woman in the '70s and the '80s that actually took over the drug dealing business not only in Columbia [but] here in the United States too," Vergara said of the character. "When I thought of Griselda, I wanted her to be like Tony Soprano. I wanted her to be a character you didn't hate even though they are a bad guy."

Griselda is set to premiere on Netflix on Jan. 25, less than a year after the Columbia native reflected on going through a "very difficult" time personally and professionally in the wake of her breakup.

"I went through a divorce this year, the SAG strike that went on for so long," Vergara told People in November. "I've seen my friends struggle—some had to take their kids out of their schools or had problems with their mortgages, so it's been a weird, weird year."

Still, she ended on a hopeful note, adding, "It's not like it's bad. I think all the things are resolving, everything is going to be okay and I'm very excited for next year."

Not ready to move on from Vergara and Manganiello's relationship yet? Revisit all their sweetest moments as a couple below.

The A-list couple stun at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscars Party in Beverly Hills on March 12.

Vergara and Manganiello enjoy a romantic getaway to Italy in the summer of 2022.

The two tour the stunning Italian countryside.

Vergara gets support from her hubby and son on set during the final day of filming Modern Family in 2020.

The duo celebrate Valentine's Day 2020 with a sizzling Instagram pic.

Manganiello and Vergara attend the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards in L.A. in January 2020.

The duo celebrate New Year's Eve on Dec. 31, 2019.

The True Blood alum holds his lady tight while celebrating her 47th birthday in July 2019.

The couple shares an adorable photo while celebrating Valentine's Day 2019.

Vergara presents her other half with The Shooting Star award during the 2019 Maui Film Festival in June 2019 in Wailea, Hawaii.

The famous couple got spooky with Sofia Vergara's son Manolo for Halloween 2018.

The duo got all dressed up for a night on the town.

We just want to find someone that looks at us like these two look at each other.

It's a love story, we're so glad they said YES!

The couple enjoyed a much needed vacay together.

Their love for each other is undeniable!

It's no secret that this Hollywood couple shines in everything they do, especially together.

Sofia Vergara threw her husband the ultimate Coachella-themed 40th Birthday Bash.

They are the definition of color-coordinated couple goals.

According to a source, "They work out together, watch football together, go out to eat and to movies."

Whether it is the 4th of July or New Years Eve, this happy couple is celebrating together.

Not sure what we love more: This beautiful couple or the stunning view behind them.

 "Joe makes Sofia feel like she is the most important woman in the world," says our E! insider.

Why Netflix & chill when you can get dressed up and attend the Solo: A Star Wars Movie premiere together?

Why Netflix & chill when you can get dressed up and attend the Solo: A Star Wars Movie premiere together?

"I've never seen two people so truly in love. The way they talk to each other, touch each other—it's incredible," said a friend of the couple.

Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello said "I do" on November 21, 2015.

According to a friend of the couple, "She thinks he's gorgeous and sexy and she can't get enough of him. He is the nicest guy in the world and treats her like a queen. He's everything."

Joe Manganiello popped the question to Sofia Vergara on December 25, 2014.

Joe Manganiello and Sofia Vergara made their official red carpet debut as a couple at the Star Wars: The Force Awakens world premiere.