Sofía Vergara Reveals the Real Reason Behind Joe Manganiello Breakup

About six months after Joe Manganiello and Sofía Vergara filed for divorce, the Modern Family star shared details on what led to their breakup.

By Elyse Dupre Jan 23, 2024 1:18 PMTags
Watch: Sofía Vergara Reveals the Real Reason Behind Joe Manganiello Breakup

Sofía Vergara is sharing more insight into her split from Joe Manganiello.

About six months after the Magic Mike actor, 47, and the Modern Family star, 51, filed for divorce, she set the record straight on what led to their breakup.

"My marriage broke up because my husband was younger; he wanted to have kids and I didn't want to be an old mom," she recently told Spanish newspaper El País. "I feel it's not fair to the baby. I respect whoever does it, but that's not for me anymore." 

And Sofía—who shares son Manolo with ex-husband Joe Gonzalez—noted she's ready for a different chapter. 

"I had a son at 19, who is now 32, and I'm ready to be a grandmother, not a mother," she continued. "So, if love comes along, he has to come with [his own] children. 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."

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2023 Celebrity Breakups

Joe and Sofía filed for divorce in July 2023 after seven and a half years of marriage, with the breakup making headlines.

"That's part of being a celebrity," she said on an episode of CBS Sunday Morning earlier this month. "I knew it was going to happen. You can't hide those things."

What the Griselda actress didn't know, however, was exactly how those headlines would read. 

"It wasn't bad," Sofía continued. "I have to say the press was very respectful and very nice. I thought they were going to invent more things. You know how they usually [do], and I was surprised. They kind of just said what it was, and that was it. I've been moving on."

Steve Granitz/FilmMagic

And she isn't the only one. Last month, Joe and actress Caitlin O'Connor made their red carpet debut as a couple.

To look back at his and Sofía's relationship before their split, keep reading.

Oscar-Worthy Date Night

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

Ciao Bella

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

La Dolce Vita

The two tour the stunning Italian countryside.

On-Set Support

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

The Look of Love

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

Red Carpet Royalty

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

2020 Vision

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

Birthday Babe

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

I Heart You

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

Hangin' in Hawaii

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

Trick or Treat?

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

Forever Dinner Date

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

Love Like This

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

Happily Ever After

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

Pretty in Paradise

The couple enjoyed a much needed vacay together.

Crazy in Love

Their love for each other is undeniable!

They Shine Bright Like a Diamond

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

JOEchella

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

You Fancy, Huh?

They are the definition of color-coordinated couple goals.

Perfect for Each Other

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

 

Lighting Up Each Other's World

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

Getting Some Vitamin Sea

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

Love on Top

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

Cutest Couple on the Carpet

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

Happiest 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.

Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Manganiello

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

Kisses for the Mrs.

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."

He Put a Ring On It

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

Red Carpet Official

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

Spotted!

The power couple was first confirmed to be dating in July 2014.

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