Actress Elizabeth Pena died last Tuesday at the age of 55. The star, who brought us life and humor with her roles in movies such as 'The Incredibles,' 'Lone Star' and 'Jacob's Ladder,' passed away after battling an unknown disease for some time.

Elizabeth Pena will be remembered for her many achievements in the film industry. Aside from her role before the camera, she will also be remembered for the person she was behind the camera, a caring daughter, sister and a role model for all Latina actresses.

Among her many roles, Pena is known for appearing as the mother of a character played by Sofia Vergara in the ABC hit sitcom Modern Family.

The Latina actress will also be remembered for the roles she played in both the big and small screens.. Career highlights for Pena include her roles in "Down and Out in Beverly Hills," "Rush Hour," "La Bamba" and "The Incredibles." In recent times, Elizabeth Pena also appeared on the TV drama "Matador."

On Wednesday night, Pena's friends and colleagues expressed their shock and disbelief at the passing of the icon.

Fellow La Bamba actor Lou Diamond Phillips was shocked by the news of her death after the illness. He tweeted, "I am stunned and heartbroken, just found out about the passing of my friend Elizabeth Peña. She was such a Life Force it's hard to believe."

"Rest in Peace Elizabeth Pena ... you paved the way for so many of us!!" Eva Longoria tweeted.

"News of Elizabeth Pena's death hits particularly hard, for some reason, maybe because she was consistently outstanding in everything," Matt Zoller Seitz, editor-in-chief of RogerEbert.com tweeted.

Elizabeth Pena was born in New Jersey. She graduated from New York's High School of Performing Arts in 1977. She is survived by her loving mother, her husband, her sister and her two children.