'Modern Family' and 'Rush Hour' star dies

The woman who played mother of Sofia Vegara's character Gloria in hit TV series 'Modern Family' has died aged 55.

Elizabeth Pena, a prolific Hispanic actress, died of natural causes at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on the night of October 14, the Latino-Review reports.

Her agent Gina Rugolo said Pena's death had followed a short illness.

In a career spanning nearly 40 years, Pena starred in Hollywood hits such as 'Rush Hour', 'La Bamba' and animated film 'The Incredibles'.

'Modern Family' co-creator and executive producer Steven Levitan took to Twitter to pay tribute to Pena.

"We were so sad to learn of the passing of Elizabeth Pena. A member of our Family, she will be missed. #RIPElizabethPena," he tweeted.

Fellow actresses Eva Longoria and Zoe Saldana also took to Twitter to offer their condolences.

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