Actress Elizabeth Peña, known for her roles in La Bamba, Rush Hour, and the voice of Mirage in The Incredibles, died Tuesday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. She was 55.
The veteran actress had just wrapped filming the first season of her latest series Matador for the El Rey Network, where she played Maritza, the protagonist's mother.
Peña's career began in 1978 when she starred in León Ichaso's slice-of-life film El Super about Cuban exiles living in New York.
This is how people have been reacting to the news on Twitter:
My heart is broken!!! My prayers are with you and your family. We will miss you #ElizabethPena –ZS
Rest in Peace Elizabeth Pena...you paved the way for so many of us!! http://t.co/IiGf6JuxGf
RIP Elizabeth Pe༚. I was a fan since the days of I Married Dora & loved her in Jacob's Ladder & more recently Matador/Modern Family.
So devastated to hear about the passing of Elizabeth Pena. A lovely friend and wonderful actress. She will be truly missed.
#ElizabethPena R.I.P one those super rare talents and great human being! She will be immortalized in #sueno and #nothingLIKEtheHolidays!
I just heard the heart breaking news about #ElizabethPe༚. A trailblazing Latina actress, and a… http://t.co/ynggmD2MwY
Elizabeth Pe༚ was wonderful in everything she did. She shone so bright. An incredibly gifted actress. I loved her. Rest in Peace.
So sorry to hear about Elizabeth Pena, a fine actress and a terrific person. RIP.
Elizabeth Pena was wonderful in "Lone Star," "Tortilla Soup," many other films. Played Gloria's mom on @ModernFam. Rest in peace.
RIP #ElizabethPe༚. An actress I grew up admiring & had the pleasure of working with & hiring on… http://t.co/9zs6CxgIuk
Elizabeth Pena...a ferociously funny, fierce and singular actress. A beautiful woman who has gone way too soon... I miss you already - RIP
The entire cast and crew are very sad to say goodbye to one of our Modern Family members. RIP to the beautiful & talented #ElizabethPena.
Elizabeth Pena , May your beautiful soul " Rest in Peace " with love and respect
Peña is survived by her husband, her mother, and two teenage children.
Peña's La Bamba co-star Lou Diamond Phillips posted the following tweets:
I am stunned and heartbroken, just found out about the passing of my friend Elizabeth Pena. She was such a Life Force it's hard to believe.
Elizabeth was not only an amazing actress, she was one of the most vibrant, wonderful people I have ever known. My prayers to her family.