Sofia Vergara's VERY murky dating history revealed as she sparks romance rumors with Lewis Hamilton

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Sofia Vergara was skyrocketed into the spotlight after she portrayed the loving wife of Jay Pritchett in Modern Family.

But in real life, the actress has spent decades struggling to find her soulmate, enduring multiple failed marriages and extremely public breakups, a relationship with a mobster who ultimately went to prison due to his involvement in a murder, and a brutal years-long court battle with one of her exes.

Most recently, she was spotted enjoying a lunch date with Formula One megastar Lewis Hamilton, and immediately, relationship rumors began to swirl.

The outing has left many wondering if the race car drive might finally be the one for her, or if it will ultimately end in another heartbreak for the Hollywood starlet?

Sofia, now 52, tied the knot with her high school sweetheart when she was only 18 years old.

She became a mom at 19 - when the two welcomed a baby boy together soon after their wedding - but she ended up splitting from her husband two years later.

Being a single mother at 21 years old was certainly not easy for her, as she has been open about how she wished she waited until she was 'more mature' and 'more prepared' before giving birth.

The Modern Family alum then started dating a Miami nightclub owner, but soon after they got together, her world came crashing down when his ties to the Italian mob were exposed to the world.

FEMAIL has taken a look back at the Sofia Vergara's very murky dating history - from her marriage at 18 to her relationship with a felon. She's seen with ex-husband Joe Manganiello

He was arrested and ultimately sentenced to 10 years in prison after it was revealed that he had acted as the getaway driver in a murder years prior.

Over the years, Sofia was also linked to fellow actor Tom Cruise and business mogul Nick Loeb - but both of those romances eventually fizzled out.

The latter resulted in Sofia becoming entangled in a messy legal battle over frozen embryos they had created during their relationship.

The two also became intertwined in a very-public media war, hurling a slew of insults and making a series of personal jabs at one another in numerous interviews. 

It seemed like she had finally found her happily ever after when she walked down the aisle with Joe Manganiello in 2015, but the couple stunned the world when they announced that they were getting a divorce in 2023.

Amid the latest romance rumors with Lewis, FEMAIL has taken a look back at the star's very murky dating history.

From her marriage at 18 and her relationship with a felon to her bombshell legal entanglement over her embryos and what really lead to her and Joe's shocking split, here's everything we know about Sofia's past romances.

Sofia married her high school sweetheart Joe Gonzalez when she was 18, and they welcomed a son together before splitting in 1993

Sofia married her high school sweetheart, Joe Gonzalez, when she was only 18 years old, and they welcomed a son together, named Manolo, in September 1991

Sofia has been honest about how she wished she didn't become a mother at such a young age, telling People, 'I wish I was older because I would’ve been more mature, more prepared'

Sofia married her high school sweetheart, Joe Gonzalez, when she was only 18 years old and still living in Colombia.

Her and Joe's union ultimately ended in divorce, as they went their separate ways in 1993 after two years together. She's seen with their son

They went on to welcome a son together, named Manolo, in September 1991, when she was 19.

Sofia has been honest about how she wished she didn't become a mother at such a young age.

She admitted to People last year, 'I wish I was older sometimes because I would've been more mature, more prepared to be a mother, but that was what I got and what happened. But it is fun because I kind of grew up together with my son.'

She added of motherhood, 'It's an experience that's unique. It changes you and it's very rewarding and gives you a lot of headaches too.'

Her and Joe's union ultimately ended in divorce, as they went their separate ways in 1993 after two years together.

The split seemed to be amicable, with Sofia telling Parade in 2011, 'We're still close friends. When Jose comes to the United States, he stays with me.'

Sofia dated nightclub owner Chris Paciello in the 1990s, but their romance ended after he was arrested for his involvement in a robbery and murder

While Sofia was an up-and-coming model in the mid 1990s, she began dating nightclub owner Chris Paciello. They're seen together in 2008

While Sofia was an up-and-coming model in the mid 1990s, she began dating nightclub owner Chris Paciello.

Sofia had just moved to the States to host a Univision travel show based out of Florida, while Chris owned a series of hot spots in South Beach, Miami.

'She was insane about him,' a source later told DailyMail.com of the pairing. 'She would have married him then if she could have.' 

But it's been said that Chris had ties to the Sicilian Mafia, and in 1999, he was charged with murder over his participation in a 1993 robbery of adult entertainment mogul Sami Shemtov.

Chris reportedly served as the getaway driver during the break-in, which saw an accomplice shoot and kill Sami's wife, Judith.

He pleaded guilty to racketeering and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in exchange for testifying against his accomplice. 

Chris and Sofia ended their romance then, although the insider said they stayed in touch and were in contact even when he was in jail. 

He was released in 2006 after six years behind bars and placed on parole.

But it's been said that Chris (seen in 1995) had ties to the Sicilian Mafia, and in 1999, he was charged with murder over his participation in a 1993 robbery 

Chris and Sofia ended their romance then, although it was said that he and Sofia remained friends for years. Chris is seen in 2022

After he left prison, he went on to open a restaurant and nightclub in South Beach, and publicly apologized for his past 'mistakes.'

'I regret the mistakes I made in the past. I am working hard to make a positive impact and to build a new life for myself in Miami,' he said. 

'I am grateful to the many people here who have welcomed me back with open arms, and look forward to a positive future.'

He and Sofia remained close, and when Sofia and Nick split years later, it was believed that her continuing friendship with Chris was in part to blame. 

'The split was in part due to Chris and the fact he and Sofia are still friends, on some level Sofia will always care about Chris and that drove Nick crazy,' a source told DailyMail.com in 2014 after she and Nick announced that they were calling it quits. 

'Nick was jealous because Sofia and Chris are close and she is investing in some of his clubs in Miami.'

The insider described Chris as 'the one that got away' and said he and Sofia had an 'unexplainable bond,' adding, 'She was with Nick, but still had a connection to Chris.

'It wasn't a romance any more, but she makes a point of supporting anything that Chris does. 

'On some level she will always care about him and that drove Nick crazy. Every time they went to Miami, they saw Chris and even though Sofia said there wasn't anything like that between them any more, I think Nick was jealous of Chris' hold over Sofia.' 

Sofia was briefly linked to fellow actor Tom Cruise in 2005, but it reportedly didn't work because of their differing religious views

Soon after she entered the world of Hollywood, rumors began to swirl that she was in a relationship with one of the biggest stars on the planet: Tom Cruise (seen together in 2005)

Sofia launched her career as an actress in the early 2000s, making her debut in the 2002 film Big Trouble.

She then moved to Los Angeles in 2005, and soon after she entered the world of Hollywood, rumors began to swirl that she was in a relationship with one of the biggest stars on the planet: Tom Cruise.

Biographer Andrew Morton wrote in his book Tom Cruise: An Unauthorized Biography that they met at a party and quickly hit it off.

Andrew claimed that Tom then told her to bring her son over to his house to play with his kids, adding, 'It soon became clear that she was being auditioned for the biggest role of her life - Mrs. Tom Cruise.'

Photographers caught the pair enjoying a night out together in February 2005, which sparked immense speculation that they were dating, but Sofia shut down the rumors at the time.

She told People magazine, 'I've only known Tom for a very short time. It's funny because the media creates what they want to create.' 

Whatever was going on soon fizzled out, and Andrew said they ultimately went their separate ways over their differing religious views.

Photographers caught the pair enjoying a night out together in February 2005 (seen), but a biographer said they ultimately went their separate ways over their differing religious views

'It was made clear that if she took the part, she would have to renounce her Catholic faith and convert to Scientology,' he wrote.

In 2023, it was reported that Tom was trying to rekindle their brief romance.

'It's always eaten away at Tom that he dumped her and chose Katie [Holmes] instead, which of course turned into a total disaster,' a source told RadarOnline.

'In hindsight, he's privately admitted Sofia would have been a far better match - and he's determined to convince her to give him another shot.

'If she bites, he's all set to pounce. He thinks she's exactly what has been missing from his life.' 

Sofia got engaged to Nick Loeb in 2012 but they called it off two years later, and became embroiled in a nasty court battle over embryos they had frozen

 Sofia started dating fellow actor and businessman Nick Loeb in 2010 and they got engaged in 2012. They're seen in 2010

By 2010, thanks to her roles in Madea Goes to Jail and Modern Family, Sofia was becoming one of the most well-known faces on the globe.

It was that year that she started dating fellow actor and businessman Nick, after they met at a party. 

'Nick is energetic, hardworking, athletic, fun, and so handsome and tall,' she told Parade in 2011. 'We have a very happy relationship.'

They got engaged in July 2012, and in May 2013, they decided to use invitro fertilization and freeze their embryos so that they could eventually start a family together. 

'I will have to use a surrogate because I had thyroid cancer and lots of radiation. I don't want to wait forever, but not yet, because I'm working like an animal,' she explained to CBS News at the time.

But in 2014, they shocked the world when they announced that they were calling off the wedding and going their separate ways.

At the time, Sofia blamed the relationship's collapse on their inability to balance their professional and personal lives together. 

'Not that anyone should care, but in order to not give the press the chance to invent crazy and hurtful drama, I prefer to tell my fans personally that Nick and I have [decided] to be apart,' she wrote on Instagram at the time.

'We have been having too many problems with figuring out how to spend time together and [because] of my work and now his, it's been getting worse and worse, not fun anymore.

'We are still very close but we [believe it] is the best thing for us right now.'

However, Nick claimed that it was their differing opinions on having children that led to the split. 

He told InTouch in October 2014 that she was more interested in 'fame' than settling down, which ultimately caused a wedge between them.

'She's focused on her career,' he said. 'The most important thing for me is to get married and have kids.

'I completely understand. She's at the height of her career, and, as she says all the time, she's taking advantage of her 15 minutes of fame because who knows how long that will last.'

After they went their separate ways, Sofia and Nick became embroiled in a bitter years-long custody battle over their frozen embryos.

But in 2014, they shocked the world when they announced that they were calling off the wedding and going their separate ways. They're seen in 2014

After they went their separate ways, Sofia and Nick became embroiled in a bitter years-long custody battle over their frozen embryos. They're seen in 2013

It began when Nick sued the Modern Family star in 2015 in a bid to stop her from destroying two cryopreserved female embryos that had been created through IVF in 2013.

According to court documents, the former couple had tried to implant two eggs into a surrogate during their relationship, but that the procedure failed both times. They then froze the other two. 

Nick claimed in the suit that Sofia told him she was pro-life, and promised each embryo created would ultimately be implanted into a surrogate. 

He stated if he had known that the embryos would not be saved after they split up, he would not have agreed to the IVF. 

The lawsuit showed that no agreement was made between them about what would happen to the frozen eggs in the event they ended their relationship.

The mogul also claimed in his suit that the actress was 'physically and mentally abusive' to him throughout their relationship.

'She punched him in the face on two occasions, kicked him, and threw her phone at his head,' read the documents.

'She also routinely bullied him, calling him a "loser," "worthless," and other degrading names.'

Nick addressed the lawsuit in a statement at the time, explaining that he 'believes strongly that life begins at conception' and that 'every embryo is life on the journey towards birth.'

He added: 'I created these two female embryos with the purpose of taking them to term and not destruction, because I have always dreamed of being a father.'

The producer also implied that he wanted to use the embryos to have children of his own - either with the involvement of his ex or without her.

'I have previously offered to waive any parental or financial responsibilities or obligations on the part of my ex, and to even give her the opportunity to be involved with the child in the future, should she change her mind,' he continued.

'I take the responsibility and obligation of being a parent very seriously. Where a man does want to become a father, and wants to impose no obligations on the other party, he should have that corresponding right.'

He sued the Modern Family star in 2015 in a bid to stop her from destroying two cryopreserved female embryos that had been created through IVF in 2013. They're seen in 2014

Sofia's lawyers told People at the time that she 'has never wanted to destroy her embryos' but is 'content' to leave them 'frozen indefinitely.' 

They added: 'She has no desire to have children with her ex.' 

Plus, in an interview on SiriusXM in May 2015, Sofia railed against her ex, claiming that he was well aware of his rights and signed a fertility contract twice over the course of their relationship.

She added that she did not think it was wise to go forward with having a child if the parents were not in a loving relationship.

'More than a mother, [a child] needs a loving relationship of parents that get along, that don't hate each other,' she said.

'I don't hate him but obviously he has a problem with me... I wouldn't imagine anyone [trying] to bring to the world kids that already have everything set up wrong for them. It'd be so selfish.'

Sofia also accused him of 'taking advantage of her career' and trying to use her to 'promote himself and get press' to Good Morning America.

'I've been working very hard for 20 years to get to this point. I promote all my movies, all my work, but I don't like promoting my private life and I don't understand why this person… I don't want to allow this person to take more advantage of my career and try to promote himself and get press for this,' she said.

In December 2016, Nick dropped his lawsuit against Sofia after a judge ruled that he would have to identity two women who had abortions after he had impregnated them.

It was said that the judge wanted to question both women in court, as their own actions contracted Nick's current pro-life stance. At the time, Nick claimed that his beliefs started as a result of the abortions. 

But Nick then filed a new suit in which he claimed the embryos, which he called 'Emma' and 'Isabella' in court documents, had a right-to-life because he had set up a trust for them.

He filed the papers in Louisiana, a state that offers special legal protections for frozen embryos. 

Sofia responded by filing her own documents asking the court to stop Nick from being allowed to file any more suits in relation to the embryos since he had signed a contract stating he cannot bring them to term without mutual consent from her from the start. 

She also argued that Nick's suit had no connection to Louisiana and pushed for it to be thrown out. 

Nick, who had residences in New York and Florida at the time, but not Louisiana, had previously attended Tulane University in New Orleans and was still a reserve police officer in the state. 

After seven years of battling it out in court, a judge ruled in favor of Sofia in March 2021, granting a permanent injunction that said Nick could not use the embryos without her consent. 

Nick tried to appeal the case but was denied twice - something he later said was because of Sofia's status as an actress.

'The judge was clearly influenced by Hollywood,' he told People. 'It's sad that Sofia, a devout Catholic, would intentionally create babies just to kill them.'

Sofia was married to Joe Manganiello for eight years, and after their 2023 divorce, she claimed their romance ended because he wanted kids and she didn't

Sofia was introduced to Joe by her Modern Family costar Jesse Tyler Ferguson in May 2014, and they started dating a few months later. They're seen in 2018

By December 2014, Joe got down on one knee and asked her to marry him and they wed in November 2015. They're seen in 2018

Sofia was introduced to Joe by her Modern Family costar Jesse Tyler Ferguson in May 2014, while she was still engaged to Nick.

And after they split, Nick 'immediately' decided to make his move.

Jesse recalled on The Late Late Show, 'When she broke up with her fiancé at the time, Joe, like, immediately, the moment it was out in the world, called me and was, like: "I need her number."'

They went on their first date that June, and announced that they were in a relationship in August.

And by December 2014, Joe got down on one knee and asked her to marry him during a romantic getaway to Hawaii.

They wed at the lavish Breakers Resort in Palm Beach, Florida, in November 2015.

For years, they were total couple goals, which is why when news hit the web that he had filed for divorce in July 2023, the world was totally stunned.

They said in a statement at the time, 'We have made the difficult decision to divorce. 

'As two people that love and care for one another very much, we politely ask for respect of our privacy at this time as we navigate this new phase of our lives.'

For years, they were total couple goals, which is why when news hit the web that he had filed for divorce in July 2023, the world was totally stunned

A source told DailyMail.com afterwards that they had grown apart after the 'true versions of themselves started to show.' They're seen in 2018

A source told DailyMail.com afterwards that they had grown apart after the 'true versions of themselves started to show.' 

'Joe is a big kid, he loves playing Dungeons & Dragons, he loves wrestling, he is all about video games, superhero movies, comic books, going to concerts, huge NFL fan. He chases fun,' they explained. 

'He always loves being out and about and just having a good time. And then when it is time to be serious and when it is time to get to work, he turns on that part of himself, but he is always ready to live life to the fullest and go out and just be fun and have fun. 

'This was immediately an attraction for Sofia who is completely the opposite, sure she loves having a good time and going out, but she is more concerned with the finer things in life, the trips, lavish dinners, being a celebrity, and everything that comes with all of that. 

'She has been told her entire life she is super-hot and beautiful. It really has got to her head. 

'She also has a temper and gets upset over stupid things very easily whereas Joe tries to let things bounce off of him and go with the flow. 

'That was not really seen while they were falling in love, but then the true versions of themselves started showing and they just got annoyed with each other, choosing work over hanging out. 

'Then bit by bit, they stopped wanting to be together and stopped hanging out because something so little would often trigger an attitude that would bug them.

'Their attitudes on everything were completely different and something like that is extremely draining for a relationship and they got to the point where it would be a good day and one thing would be said or done and they would just get upset with each other.'

In January 2024, Sofia spoke out about the divorce, and she claimed that she and Joe split because he wanted kids and she didn't. They're seen in 2018

In January 2024, Sofia spoke out about the divorce, and she claimed that she and Joe split because he wanted kids and she didn't.

'My marriage broke up because my husband was younger; he wanted to have kids and I didn’t want to be an old mom,' she told El Pais.

'I feel it's not fair to the baby. I respect whoever does it, but that's not for me anymore.' 

But Joe fired back and told Men's Journal afterwards, 'That's simply not true.' 

The Magic Mike actor said they 'had a huge conversation right out of the gate during the first month' that they dated, in which he claims to have told her: 'If you're done with kids, then I understand. Just tell me, and I'll know what this is, and that's OK. But that wasn't the case with her.' 

'I swore to her that I would never leave if it didn't work out. And I didn't,' Joe insisted.  '[We divorced] because two people grew apart, and sometimes that happens.

'To be painted as if I had some sort of midlife crisis, and after nine years, turned to somebody and gave them an ultimatum of, "Do this potentially unhealthy thing to your body, or else I’m gone?" That’s never who I was.'

The actress was spotted on multiple dates with doctor Justin Saliman, but claimed she was 'kind of single' last October

Months after her split from Joe, Sofia was spotted out on a date with orthopedic surgeon Justin Saliman. They're seen leaving a party together in October 2023

Weeks after, Sofia seemed to confirm their relationship when she posted photos of them together while on a family vacation in Italy to Instagram

Months after her split from Joe, Sofia was spotted out on a date with orthopedic surgeon Justin Saliman.

Sofia and Justin were spotted together many times throughout 2023 and 2024, but in October, Sofia left people scratching their heads when she claimed that she was 'kind of single.' They're seen in March 2024

A source told DailyMail.com afterwards that they 'bonded on love lost and are just having a complete blast with each other.' 

The insider noted that she is 'very attracted to him and that 'his is way more than a rebound.' 

'Justin is absolutely charming, and handsome, and has an incredible job. He isn't an actor and is very confident and [Sofia] is eating it all up,' they said.

Weeks after, Sofia seemed to confirm their relationship when she posted photos of them together while on a family vacation in Italy to Instagram. 

Justin is no stranger to dating actresses, as he was previously married to Bree Turner, and together, they welcomed a son and daughter.

Sofia and Justin were spotted together many times throughout 2023 and 2024, but in October, Sofia left people scratching their heads when she claimed that she was 'kind of single.' 

When asked if she still thinks New York City is the best place to date after making the remark earlier in the year, the starlet told Us Weekly, 'Totally. Actually, I was talking yesterday about it because now I'm single so… kind of single. Anyways.'

The star has now sparked dating rumors with Lewis Hamilton after they were spotted enjoying lunch together earlier this week

Sofia and Lewis sparked dating rumors when they were seen having lunch together with some friends in New York on Tuesday 

Sofia and Lewis sparked dating rumors when they were seen having lunch together with some friends in New York on Tuesday.

Observers claimed that Sofia hardly ate any of the food in front of her, as she was so engrossed in the table talk, per TMZ.

Outside the restaurant, she and Lewis could be spotted grinning broadly and chatting with one another before she slipped into an SUV and left.

Both of the stars appeared to be in bright spirits as they spoke to one another on the sidewalk after the lunch, which is said to have lasted two hours.