Sandra Vergara, the adopted sister and biological cousin of actress Sofia Vergara, is the newest agent to join the cast of Netflix's hit reality series "Selling Sunset" for its ninth season. In her new role, Vergara is stepping into the high-stakes world of Los Angeles luxury real estate while navigating the complexities of building a career under a globally recognized family name.
Key Takeaways
- Sandra Vergara, 37, has officially joined the cast of Netflix's "Selling Sunset" for Season 9.
- She is the adopted sister and biological cousin of Hollywood star Sofia Vergara.
- Vergara acknowledges the inevitable comparisons to her famous sister but aims to establish her own identity in real estate.
- A difficult breakup served as the catalyst for her career change from acting and journalism to luxury real estate.
- The best advice she received from Sofia was about the importance of self-confidence.
Navigating the Vergara Legacy
Joining a high-profile television show often comes with intense public scrutiny, but for Sandra Vergara, that pressure is magnified by her famous last name. She openly acknowledges the challenges and benefits of being connected to her superstar sister, Sofia Vergara.
Vergara understands that comparisons are unavoidable. "Immediately you're gonna be compared just for the fact that you have the same last name," she explained. "That happens to everyone who's related to somebody that's huge. That's just how it goes."
However, she emphasizes that she is forging her own path in a completely different industry. "At the same time, no, because I'm completely different, and right now I'm doing something completely different," Vergara stated. She views the connection not as a burden, but as a part of her story, expressing deep respect for Sofia's accomplishments and the support she provided early in her career.
"She brought me here years ago... I moved in with her. She supported me for a long time. So I have a lot of respect for her and for what she's done. So it's not bad, the comparison."
Family Support and a Surprise Announcement
Interestingly, Sandra did not immediately tell Sofia about her decision to join the popular Netflix show. Instead, she first confided in Sofia's son, Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, who is 34 years old and close in age to Sandra's 37.
"I told Manolo about 'Selling Sunset,' and he's like, 'Boo-Boo, you gotta do it. I love it. I've seen it all,'" she shared. His enthusiastic encouragement was all she needed to move forward. "So I only asked Manolo and I did it. And then after I did it, I told everybody and everybody's very happy and supportive."
Vergara also hinted at the possibility of a future crossover, suggesting that Sofia might make a cameo on the show if she ever decides to sell one of her properties through the Oppenheim Group.
A Career Pivot Fueled by Personal Change
Before entering the competitive Los Angeles real estate market, Sandra Vergara had a career in the entertainment industry as a journalist and actress. The transition, she revealed, was prompted by a significant personal event: a "really hard" breakup.
From Entertainment to Real Estate
Sandra Vergara's background in entertainment journalism and acting provides her with a unique skill set for reality television. Her experience in front of the camera and understanding of the media landscape could be a significant advantage as she navigates the drama and business dealings on "Selling Sunset."
The idea of a career in real estate had been suggested by her family for some time. "My family has always said like, 'You would be amazing in real estate.' The seed was planted," she recalled. When the opportunity to join "Selling Sunset" arose during a difficult personal period, she saw it as the perfect challenge to refocus her energy.
"It was the perfect challenge. I needed to get myself out of like the funk. And it worked," Vergara said. The new career offered a fresh start and a constructive outlet.
The Best Advice and Office Politics
When asked about the most valuable advice she has ever received from her older sister, Sandra pointed to one core principle: confidence. This lesson has become a cornerstone of her personal and professional philosophy.
"Confidence is everything. You just have to be really sure of who you are. So basically know thyself and own it. Like no matter what," she said, quoting Sofia's advice.
This mindset—to show up with self-assurance, even when learning something new—is something she believes has been key to Sofia's success and is a principle she intends to apply in her own career. "It works for her, it works for like a lot of people," she added.
A Force for Peace in the Office
"Selling Sunset" is as known for its luxurious properties as it is for its interpersonal drama. As she joins the established cast, Sandra Vergara's stated goal is to be a harmonizing presence rather than a source of conflict. Her philosophy is to keep "peace in the Middle East," a metaphor for the often-turbulent Oppenheim Group office.
"I want peace in the office 'cause if they're all getting along and there's harmony, we can all become better and more productive," she explained. However, she is aware of the long history and complex relationships that predate her arrival.
"But like, they have a backstory, man, that they've already accumulated for like seasons over seasons," she acknowledged, hinting that maintaining peace may be easier said than done. Viewers can see how her approach fares when the ninth season, which premiered on October 29, unfolds on Netflix.
