Elizabeth Peña Tribute: 'Matador,' 'La Bamba,' & 'Modern Family' Actress Top 5 Best Works [Watch]

It brings us such sadness to report actress Elizabeth Pena has passed away. In our tribute piece, MStars News takes a look at Pena's remarkable career in television and movies, such as La Bamba, El Rey Network's Matador, and ABC's Modern Family.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Jacob's Ladder actress passed at the age of 55. After a brief illness, the L.A. Law starlet died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles from natural causes. Writer Mario-Francisco Robles, of the website Latino Review, put together a loving piece about his beloved aunt.

In a press statement released by El Rey Network, "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."

Here are Elizabeth Peña's Top 5 Best Works In Film & TV:

5) Matador

In the first season of the El Rey Network's spy/action series, Matador, Peña played Maritza Sandoval, the maternal figure of Tony Bravo (Gabriel Luna). What was great about the role is that we saw her hitting the comedic notes and nailing the dramatic scenes.

4) Lone Star

In John Sayles' epic masterpiece Lone Star, Peña co-starred with Chris Cooper (Sam Deeds) as his childhood crush, Pilar Cruz. Family history kept them years apart but when a dead body shows up, their reunion reveals a dark secret.

3) Modern Family

Peña recently guest-starred in a few Modern Family episodes as the hilarious mother of Sofia Vergara's character, Gloria.

4) La Bamba

In the rock 'n' roll biopic of Ritchie Valens, Peña starred as Rosie Morales-Valenzuela. Rosie was seen in the early beginnings of Valens when he started from nothing and rose to stardom with his popular song.

5) Resurrection Blvd.

Not only was she acting as the matriarch Bibi Corrales. Peña was also directing the episodes of the Showtime drama, making her the fourth Latina to join the Director's Guild of America.

Though she passed away at a tender age, Elizabeth Peña leaves behind a remarkable list of works in television and movies. Readers, do you have a favorite work starring Elizabeth Peña?