Sofía Vergara Opens Up About Divorce from Joe Manganiello: Differing Views on Parenthood Led to Marriage’s End

In a candid interview, Sofía Vergara delves into the personal challenges behind her divorce from Joe Manganiello, revealing the significant role their differing views on parenthood played in the dissolution of their seven-year marriage.


Navigating the Crossroads of Love and Parenthood

In a heartfelt interview published in the Spanish newspaper El País, renowned actress Sofía Vergara shed light on the reasons behind her divorce from actor Joe Manganiello, offering a glimpse into the personal struggles that ultimately led to the end of their marriage. Vergara, widely known for her iconic portrayal of Gloria Delgado-Pritchett in the Emmy-winning sitcom “Modern Family,” revealed that the primary factor contributing to their separation was their contrasting perspectives on having children.

The 51-year-old actress explained that while Manganiello, her second husband, yearned to become a father, she felt it was no longer the right time for her to embark on motherhood again. Vergara expressed her concern about the potential impact of her age on her ability to provide the best care and upbringing for a child.

“My marriage broke up because my husband was younger; he wanted to have kids and I didn’t want to be an old mom,” Vergara shared, emphasizing her concern about the potential impact of her age on her ability to provide the best care and upbringing for a child. “I feel it’s not fair to the baby. I respect whoever does it, but that’s not for me anymore.”

Vergara’s revelation underscores the complex decisions and personal choices individuals face when navigating the path of parenthood. As societal norms and expectations surrounding motherhood continue to evolve, more women prioritize their careers, personal fulfillment, and other life goals before or instead of having children. Vergara’s candidness in sharing her perspective adds to the ongoing conversation about the diverse and valid choices women make in shaping their lives.

Uniting and Dividing: The Weight of Differing Desires

Vergara’s comments also shed light on the challenges that can arise when couples have different desires and timelines regarding parenthood. While Manganiello, who is 47 years old, expressed a strong desire to have children, Vergara felt that becoming a mother again at her age would not be in the best interests of the child or herself.

The couple’s contrasting views on this significant life decision ultimately proved insurmountable, leading to the difficult decision to end their marriage. Their divorce, finalized in July 2023, marked the end of a relationship that had been widely admired and celebrated by fans and media alike.

Embracing the Future: Love, Family, and New Horizons

In the interview, Vergara also touched upon her future outlook on love and family. She expressed her openness to finding love again but emphasized that any potential partner would need to accept her decision not to have more children.

“So, if love comes along, he has to come with (his own) children,” she stated. “I’m almost in menopause; it’s the natural way of things. When my son becomes a dad, let him bring the baby to me for a while and then I’ll give it back to him and go on with my life; that’s what I have to do.”

Vergara’s words underscore the evolving nature of relationships and the importance of finding a partner who respects and supports one’s life choices, even if they differ from their own. Her perspective challenges traditional notions of family and highlights the diverse ways in which individuals can find fulfillment and happiness in their personal lives.

Navigating the Crossroads: Lessons in Love and Life

While the end of Vergara and Manganiello’s marriage may have come as a surprise to many, their decision to prioritize their individual needs and desires serves as a reminder that every relationship has its unique challenges and complexities. Their story highlights the importance of open communication, mutual understanding, and respect for each other’s perspectives in navigating the complexities of marriage and life choices.

As we delve into the intricacies of Vergara’s journey, we are reminded of the power of self-awareness, the courage to make difficult decisions, and the resilience to embrace new chapters in life.


In the tapestry of love and life, there are no easy answers, only the choices we make and the paths we forge. Sofía Vergara’s story stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love, even in the face of adversity.