'Ugly Betty' creator Silvio Horta found dead in motel room in apparent suicide
Creator of 'Ugly Betty', Silvio Horta was found dead on Tuesday, January 7, in a Miami motel room.
The screenwriter and television producer, 45, who adapted the hit Colombian telenovela 'Yo soy Betty, la fea' into the American version of ABC's popular series, is said to have committed suicide.
A Variety report quotes sources who said he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Reportedly, one of his representatives confirmed his death but there is no news on the nature of it. Horta served as showrunner and head writer on the comedy-drama, that ran for four seasons from the year 2006 to 2010.
The American version starred America Ferrera in the titular role of Betty. Taking to Instagram, she posted a picture of herself and Horta and captioned it, "I'm stunned and heartbroken to hear the devastating news. 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."
Actress Vanessa Williams, who played Wilhelmina, also posted a picture of herself and Horta on Instagram. "Still in shock after hearing the tragic news of our #uglybetty creator #silviohorta," she wrote. "His creativity and passion will be missed by so many of us that worked with him. May he Rest In Peace."
Christopher Gorham, who played Henry on the show, also remembered the showrunner on Instagram. He wrote, "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 my heart goes out to them tonight. Let’s all take care of each other."
Expressing his gratitude, 'Ugly Betty' star Michael Urie also took to Twitter and wrote, "I will forever be indebted to this sweet, brilliant man." Octavia Spencer also posted on the micro-blogging platform and said, "Really sad to hear about Silvio Horta. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones."
During its run, his show 'Ugly Betty' won two Golden Globes, one for best comedy series and one for Ferrera. While receiving the award, he said, "Like most of us up here, Betty is an immigrant and The American Dream is alive and well and in reach of anybody who wants it."
A Cuban American, Horta was born in Miami and started his career with the 1998 teen satirical hit 'Urban Legend'. The showrunner was also known for his work on two other sci-fi television shows, 'Jake 2.0' and 'The Chronicle'. Horta came out of the closet when he was 19 and was openly gay.