New Season 9 Cast Member Says She’s Ready to Step Out of Sofia Vergara’s Shadow While Embracing Her Own Spotlight.
Sandra Vergara is stepping into the spotlight on her own terms as she joins Season 9 of Netflix’s hit real estate reality series Selling Sunset.
The actress-turned-luxury-agent is addressing the inevitable comparisons to her adoptive sister and biological cousin, Hollywood superstar Sofia Vergara, while carving out a distinct identity in the high-stakes world of Los Angeles real estate.
In a recent interview with Fox News, Sandra acknowledged that sharing the Vergara last name comes with expectations.
She admitted that being linked to someone as famous as Sofia means comparisons are unavoidable, but says she no longer feels weighed down by them. “Immediately you’re gonna be compared just for the fact that you have the same last name,” she said. “But at the same time, I’m completely different, and right now I’m doing something completely different.”
Sandra was candid about the support Sofia provided when she first relocated to Los Angeles. She moved in with her older sister, who helped her get her footing in the city.
Because of that history, Sandra says she views the comparisons with admiration rather than frustration, noting she has “a lot of respect” for Sofia’s achievements and hopes viewers will eventually see her “in her own light.”
The Selling Sunset newcomer revealed she didn’t tell Sofia she had joined the show until after she signed on. Instead, she confided in Sofia’s son Manolo, whom she’s close with due to their similar ages. Manolo encouraged her to accept the opportunity, telling her she had to do it.
After filming began, Sandra says the family reacted with excitement and full support. She also teased the possibility of Sofia making a cameo someday — perhaps if she decides to sell one of her properties.
Prior to entering real estate, Sandra worked as an entertainment journalist and actress. Her career pivot came after a difficult breakup, which she says pushed her to look for a new challenge.
She originally met with Netflix to discuss potential live event work, but the meeting led instead to her move into luxury real estate. Her family always believed she’d thrive in the field, and Sandra said the timing — amid personal upheaval — made it the “perfect” fresh start.
Sandra also shared the best piece of advice Sofia ever gave her: confidence. “You just have to be really sure of who you are,” she said, adding that showing up with self-belief is key, even when learning something new.
As for the trademark Oppenheim Group drama, Sandra hopes to bring unity rather than conflict. She joked that her approach is to keep “peace in the Middle East,” acknowledging that her castmates have built up years of tension she’ll have to navigate.
Selling Sunset Season 9 premiered on Netflix on October 29.
