Madonna (via Instagram)
Silvio Horta, Creator Of LGBTQ-Inclusive ‘Ugly Betty,’ Dead At 45
Ugly Betty writer/showrunner Silvio Horta (screen capture)
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear brother and son, Silvio Horta. Through his friendships, his love and his work in TV and films, Silvio touched the lives of millions. Silvio had an ongoing struggle with addiction and depression, but through it all, he always found a way to turn his struggle into laughter. He was a kind and beautiful man. He may be gone but his light will shine on.”
Ugly Betty, which ran for four seasons from 2006 to 2010, was a smash-hit for the openly gay writer from the get-go. The series, an adaptation of the Colombian telenovela Yo soy Betty, la fea, chronicled the adventures (or misadventures) of fashion industry neophyte Betty Suarez, played by America Ferrera, as she made her way up the corporate ladder of the fictitious Mode Magazine. In addition to being stylish and witty, the show was recognized for being LGBTQ-inclusive with storylines that included the coming out of Betty’s teenage nephew Justin (Mark Indelicato), the hysterical fawning of queer fashion assistant Marc St. James (launching the career of Michael Urie into a new orbit), and transgender character Alexis Meade (Rebecca Romijn). The series also gave longtime LGBTQ ally Vanessa Williams the chance to shine as the over-the-top diva, creative director Wilhelmina Slater. The show landed with LGBTQ audiences not only for its fresh, undeniably queer slant but an empowering message of embracing our authentic selves. Over the course of its run, Ugly Betty scored three Emmy Awards including one for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and was nominated for four Golden Globe Awards, winning two – one for Ferrera and one for Best Television Series (Comedy). Numerous other honors came from organizations as diverse as the GLAAD Media Awards, the ALMA Awards, The Imagen Foundation Awards, and the NAACP Image Awards. Horta’s career breakthrough came in 1998 when he wrote the surprise horror film Urban Legend starring future Oscar winner Jared Leto (Dallas Buyer’s Club) and Alicia Witt (Dune). He also executive produced the 2001 series The Chronicle starring Octavia Spencer as well as UPN’s sci-fi series Jake 2.0 in 2003. IMDB lists his most recent credit as the made-for-TV film The Curse of the Fuentes Women in 2015. Horta’s Ugly Betty colleagues took to social media to express their condolences.
Profound sorrow at the loss of our dear Ugly Betty creator Silvio Horta
This is a deep loss for his family friends and our Ugly Betty family
Sending loving thoughts to all
May his soul rest now in peace— JudithLight (@JudithLight) January 8, 2020
If you are thinking about suicide or are feeling alone and need someone to talk to, please contact the Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7. Additionally, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
New CBS series “Partners” to star Michael Urie of “Ugly Betty” & “How To Succeed…”
From Playbill: CBS has announced its new primetime lineup for the 2012-13 season. The new comedy “Partners,” starring Ugly Betty/How to Succeed‘s Michael Urie and David Krumholtz (Conversations with My Father), will air Monday nights at 8:30 PM ET.
Based on the lives of creators David Kohan and Max Mutchnick, “Partners,” according to CBS, is “about two life-long best friends and business partners whose ‘bromance’ is tested when one of them is engaged to be married. Joe (Krumholtz) is an accomplished architect who leads with his head and not his heart, especially in his love life. That’s in stark contrast to his gay co-worker, Louis (Urie), who is spontaneous, emotional and prone to exaggeration. Both have found joy in their love lives: Joe is newly engaged to Ali (Sophia Bush), a beautiful and sophisticated jewelry designer, while Louis is dating Wyatt (Brandon Routh), a vegan nurse who Louis insists is just a promotion away from becoming a doctor. As news of Joe’s engagement settles, time will tell if their business and personal bond can adapt to the addition of two other important relationships.” James Burrows directed the pilot.
“Ugly Betty”s Michael Urie to join Broadway’s HOW TO SUCCEED…
The producers of HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING announced today that Michael Urie (“Ugly Betty,” The Temperamentals) will make his Broadway debut as Bud Frump, beginning Tuesday, January 24, 2012, for 6 months through Sunday, July 1, 2012.
Urie will co-star with Nick Jonas and Beau Bridges. Tickets for Urie’s engagement in HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING are now on sale.
Michael Urie is currently starring as Yepikhodov in the Classic Stage Company’s production of Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard. He also recently starred in the Signature Theatre Company’s revival of Angels in America as Prior Walter, as well as the 2009’s The Temperamentals, in which he originated the role of Rudi Gernreich and received a Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Lead Actor. Also in New York, Michael has worked with The Nerve Ensemble at HERE, The Foundry, HB Playwrights, and in WTC VIEW during the Fringe Festival, which went on to become a film from director/writer Brian Sloan.
Michael was seen opposite Vanessa Williams for four seasons on ABCs hit series UGLY BETTY as ‘Marc.’
I saw Michael in the Angels In America revival and he was perfection. As I’m certain he will be in HOW TO SUCCEED. Make sure you see him in the show.
HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING began previews on Saturday, February 26, 2011 and opened Sunday, March 27 at Broadway’s Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th Street).
Read more at BroadwayWorld.com