Actress Elizabeth Peña died at age 55 on Tuesday, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Peña, who just finished shooting El Rey Network’s action series, “Matador,” died of natural causes after a brief illness.
Her nephew, who writes for Latino-Review.com, broke the news on the website, posting an obituary with a “personal take” at the end.
Peña is known for her roles in “Lone Star,” “Jacob’s Ladder,” and “Rush Hour.” Recently, she starred as Gloria’s mother on “Modern Family.”
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague, Elizabeth Pena,” El Rey said in a statement. “She was a role model, a truly extraordinary performer and an inspiration in every sense of the word.”
The actress was born to Cuban immigrant parents in New Jersey. She began working in films in the 1980s with titles like “La Bamba,” “Down and Out in Beverly Hills,” “*batteries not included,” and “Blue Steel.” She’s starred in the Showtime drama “Resurrection Blvd.” and voiced a character for Disney’s “The Incredibles.”
Peña’s nephew writes:
Tonight, my family is heartbroken. 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.
You were a great mother, wife, daughter, sister, and cousin. But you’ll always be my Ñaña, #1 in a category all your own.
Emilee Lindner
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