Latina role model, actress Elizabeth Peña dies

October 16, 2014
Mariah Timms
News Writer
Entertainment News

Actress Elizabeth Peña died Tuesday at the age of 55 after a short illness. Peña was known for her roles in “La Bamba,” “Rush Hour,” “The Incredibles,” “Jacob’s Ladder,” “Lone Star” and most recently, “Modern Family.” Peña, a Cuban-American actress, was only the fourth Latina member of the Director’s Guild of America when she joined. Throughout her career, Peña played a wide range of roles, and was outspoken about the roles available to Latina actresses, aware of her position as a groundbreaker and role model. Peña is survived by her mother, a sister, her husband, and two children.