What 'Modern Family's' Sofia Vergara and Miss Universe Have in Common

How Vergara's "Modern Family" character paved the way for Paulina Vega.

ByABC News
January 26, 2015, 3:20 PM

— -- Miss Universe Paulina Vega isn't the first beauty from Barranquilla, Colombia, to compete and win in pageants.

In fact, Sofia Vergara's character Gloria was Miss Barranquilla on "Modern Family," according to Abc.go.com.

In real life, Vergara, 42, is really from this town that also boasts pop icon Shakira.

Vergara was so happy with Vega's win, representing her hometown, that she posted on WhoSay and Tweeted, "Barranquilla!!!!! Miss Universe!!!!"

Barranquilla is one of Colombia's largest cities, along with Bogota, Medellin and Cali. The city in Northern Colombia is a major port and has a rich and illustrious history dating back to the early 1600's.

Other notable celebs and athletes that hail from Barranquilla include baseball great Edgar Rentería and soccer player Fredy Montero.

For more on the similarities between Vergara and Vega, head to ABC.go.com and check out -- Barranquilla, Colombia: Gloria & Miss Universe 2015's Connection.