Honestly, if you’ve been following Sofía Vergara since her early days on Univision or even just from her decade-long run on Modern Family, you know she doesn't do anything halfway. That includes her love life. The headlines usually scream about the bombshell looks or the "J" tattoos, but the reality of Sofia Vergara dating history is a lot more complex than just a list of famous men. It’s a mix of high-school sweethearts, mob-linked club owners, and high-stakes legal battles that felt more like a telenovela than actual real life.
She’s currently making waves with a new man, but to understand where she is now, you have to look at the wreckage—and the triumphs—of where she’s been.
The Early Years: Joe Gonzalez and the Miami Club Scene
Before the Hollywood star on the Walk of Fame, there was Joe Gonzalez. They were high school sweethearts in Colombia. She was 18. They got married in 1990, and by 1991, they had their son, Manolo. It didn't last long, though. They divorced in 1993, but here’s the kicker: they actually stayed friends. Like, "he stays at her house when he visits the U.S." friends. That’s a rarity in Hollywood.
Then came the Miami era. In the late '90s, Sofía was linked to Chris Paciello. This wasn't your typical celebrity fling. Paciello was a notorious South Beach nightclub kingpin with, well, mob ties. Things got dark fast. In 2000, he was charged with felony murder related to a 1993 robbery. Sofía actually offered up her Miami home as collateral for his $15 million bail. Talk about loyalty. They eventually split when he went to prison, but they’ve been spotted hanging out as friends decades later. She seems to have a knack for keeping exes in her orbit without the drama.
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The Tom Cruise Setup and the Nick Loeb Disaster
You might’ve forgotten that she almost became the next Mrs. Tom Cruise. In 2005, Will Smith reportedly set them up. Cruise was apparently "dazzled" by her, showering her with flowers and chocolates. But the flame fizzled out for a very specific reason: Scientology. Sofía, a devout Catholic, reportedly feared she’d "burn in hell" if she joined the church. She walked away before it got too serious.
Then came Nick Loeb. This is the one most people remember because it turned into a legal nightmare. They started dating in 2010 and got engaged in 2012. By 2014, it was over. But the breakup was just the beginning. They ended up in a years-long court battle over frozen embryos they had created during their relationship. Loeb wanted to bring them to term; Sofía didn't. It was messy, public, and took years to fully resolve in her favor. It’s the kind of baggage that would make anyone give up on dating altogether.
Why the Joe Manganiello Marriage Actually Ended
When Joe Manganiello and Sofía Vergara got together in 2014, it looked like a match made in genetic heaven. He famously "busted" himself checking her out at the White House Correspondents' Dinner while she was still with Loeb. Once she was single, he moved fast. They were engaged by Christmas and married in 2015.
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For seven years, they were the "it" couple. Then, in July 2023, the bombshell dropped: they were divorcing. Fans were blindsided, but the reason was surprisingly grounded. Joe wanted children. Sofía, already a mother to a grown son, didn't want to be an "old mom."
"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 País in early 2024.
It wasn't a scandal. It was just two people in different seasons of life.
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The Current Chapter: Justin Saliman and Douglas Chabbott
After the divorce, Sofía didn't stay solo for long. By October 2023, she was spotted with Justin Saliman, a high-profile orthopedic surgeon. It was a classic "soft launch" on Instagram. She even joked about her "J" tattoo for Joe Manganiello, saying she was "recycling" it for Justin. However, by the 2025 Golden Globes, she was telling reporters she was "kind of single" again, manifesting a new lover for the year.
There were brief rumors about Lewis Hamilton and even a "summer fling" with Tom Brady after they were seen on a yacht in Spain in mid-2025, but those were mostly tabloid noise.
The real news broke in December 2025. Sofía finally confirmed she’s in a serious relationship with American businessman Douglas Chabbott. She posted a selfie of them in New York City with the caption, "I love you ❤️ @dougchabbott." Unlike the whirlwind romance with Manganiello, this one seems more low-key. Chabbott is a professional who stays out of the limelight, which might be exactly what she needs after decades of Hollywood drama.
Actionable Insights for the Curious
If you’re looking at Sofía’s history and wondering how she stays so resilient, here are a few takeaways:
- Protect your values: She walked away from Tom Cruise because of her faith. Never compromise your core beliefs for a "big" relationship.
- Amicable is possible: Staying friends with her first husband shows that maturity can override bitterness.
- Recycle the "J": Her joke about her tattoo is a great lesson in not taking the past too seriously. You can't change the ink, but you can change the person it represents.
- Know your "No": She was honest about not wanting more children, even if it meant losing a marriage. Clarity on your life goals is better than a resentment-filled partnership.
Sofía Vergara is currently enjoying life in New York and Los Angeles, balancing her business ventures with a new romance that feels more intentional. She’s proven that being a "fiftysomething-year-old woman" in the dating pool isn't a dead end—it’s just a new level.