The stars of the groundbreaking dramedy “Ugly Betty” paid tribute to series creator Silvio Horta following his death Tuesday at age 45.
“I’m stunned and heartbroken to hear the devastating news of ‘Ugly Betty’ creator, Silvio Horta’s death,” America Ferrera, who played the title role, said in a statement on Instagram. “His talent and creativity brought me and so many others such joy & light. I’m thinking of his family and loved ones who must be in so much pain right now- and of the whole Ugly Betty family who feel this loss so deeply.”
“Still in shock after hearing the tragic news of our #uglybetty creator #silviohorta ??’”,” Vanessa Williams, who portrayed Wilhelmina Slater on all four seasons, wrote on Instagram. “His creativity and passion will be missed by so many of us that worked with him. May he Rest In Peace.”
Christopher Gorham, who starred on Horta’s UPN sci-fi series “Jake 2.0” before playing Henry on “Ugly Betty,” thanked Horta for giving him “two of the greatest opportunities in my career with ‘Jake 2.0’ and ‘Ugly Betty.’ I will be forever grateful for his creativity, his enormous heart, and his friendship. His family was his world and my heart goes out to them tonight. Let’s all take care of each other.”
Meanwhile, Michael Urie, who played Betty’s “frenemy” Marc St. James, said on Twitter that “I will be forever indebted to this sweet, brilliant man.”
“I am devastated,” said Alec Mapa, who portrayed Suzuki St. Pierre on the final three seasons of “Ugly Betty.” “Sylvio cared so deeply about the message of the show, that kindness is our greatest strength and cruelty a weakness.”
“No. This is horrible, horrible news” said Richard Shepherd, who directed the “Ugly Betty” pilot. “Silvio was the sweetest guy. So talented and exciting to work with. Our collaboration on the pilot of “Ugly Betty” was one of the most terrific experiences. Devastating.”
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Silvio Horta gave me two of the greatest opportunities in my career with Jake 2.0 and Ugly Betty. I will be forever grateful for his creativity, his enormous heart, and his friendship. His family was his world and… https://t.co/MxdjOmVWi8
— Christopher Gorham (@ChrisGorham) January 8, 2020
I will be forever indebted to this sweet, brilliant man. ? https://t.co/M8MYuDle6I
— Michael Urie (@michaelurie) January 8, 2020
I am devastated. Sylvio cared so deeply about the message of the show , that kindness is our greatest strength and cruelty a weakness. https://t.co/395xZap7c0
— Alec Mapa (@AlecMapa) January 8, 2020
No. This is horrible, horrible news. Silvio was the sweetest guy. So talented and exciting to work with. Our collaboration on the pilot of “Ugly Betty” was one of the most terrific experiences. Devastating. Ugly Betty’ Creator Dies in Suicide – Variety https://t.co/OjwDrKjZpm
— Richard Shepard (@SaltyShep) January 8, 2020