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'La Bamba' Actress Elizabeth Pena Dies at 55

"La Bamba" and "Lone Star" actress Elizabeth Pena has died. She was 55.
Image: Actress Elizabeth Pena
Actress Elizabeth Pena arrives at the premiere of Overture Films' "Nothing Like The Holidays" held at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre on December 3, 2008 in Hollywood, California. Frazer Harrison / Getty Images for Overture Films file

"La Bamba" and "Lone Star" actress Elizabeth Pena has died. She was 55.

Pena's manager, Gina Rugolo, says the actress died Tuesday in Los Angeles of natural causes after a brief illness. No other details were provided.

Pena's career spanned four decades and included roles in films like "Rush Hour," "Jacob's Ladder" and "Free Willy 2." She also appeared on such TV shows as "L.A. Law," "Dream On," "Resurrection Blvd." and "Modern Family," where she played the mother of Sofia Vergara's character, Gloria.

She also provided her voice to "The Incredibles," the "Justice League" cartoon series and "American Dad."

Pena recently played the mother of the title character on the El Rey Network drama "Matador."

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

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- The Associated Press