Elizabeth Peña Dead — Hispanic Actress Dies At 55 – Hollywood Life

Elizabeth Pena Dead — Image Credit: Getty

Elizabeth Pena Elizabeth Pena poses as she arrives for the Los Angeles premiere of "Nothing Like the Holidays", in Los Angeles
Nothing Like the Holidays Premiere, Los Angeles, USA — Image Credit: Getty

Elizabeth Peña Dead — Hispanic Actress Dies At 55

The actress, whose career spanned nearly 40 years, recently wrapped work on the first season of the El Rey Network’s Matador, where she played the title character’s mother Maritza, Mario wrote on Latino-Review, where he serves as a writer.

The El Rey Network released a statement to HollywoodLife.com. They said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague, Elizabeth Peña. She was a role model, a truly extraordinary performer and an inspiration in every sense of the word. Our thoughts are with Elizabeth’s family and friends during this difficult time. She ‎will be deeply missed.”

In one of her most memorable films, John Sayles’ Lone Star, Elizabeth played a history teacher who rekindled a teenage love affair with Sheriff Sam Deeds (Chris Cooper).

Elizabeth Pena Dies: Her Life In Pictures

She recently guest-starred in a pair of Modern Family episodes, but first dipped her toes in the sitcom water when she starred in ABC’s I Married Dora, a series that lasted one season from 1987-1988 and focused on a couple with a green card marriage, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Elizabeth Peña Dies — Eva Longoria & More Celebrities React On Twitter

Other credits include La Bamba (1988), Rush Hour (1998) and The Incredibles (2004).

Elizabeth is survived by her husband, two teenage children, her mother, and her sister.

Elizabeth Peña Dies — Fans React On Twitter

Since this devastating news broke, fans have been flocking to Twitter to mourn the late actress.

So sad to hear about Elizabeth Pena. My mom and I loved her in “I Married Dora” #RIP
— Film Fatale (@FilmFatale_NYC) October 15, 2014

So sorry to hear about Elizabeth Pena, a fine actress and a terrific person. RIP.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) October 15, 2014

Elizabeth Pena’s work in LONE STAR helps make it what it is — namely, a classic, complicated, real American film full of genius.
— James Rocchi (@jamesrocchi) October 15, 2014

Elizabeth Peña was one of those actresses who I routinely check in on on IMDb, because she was so quietly good and yet too rarely used.
— Richard Lawson (@rilaws) October 15, 2014

She will clearly be missed.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Elizabeth’s family and friends during this difficult time.

— Chris Rogers

Follow @ChrisRogers86