America Ferrera is 'heartbroken' and Vanessa Williams is 'still in shock' after learning of the tragic passing of the 'Ugly Betty' creator, who died of an alleged self-inflicted gunshot wound.
- January 8, 2020
AceShowbiz - Silvio Horta, the creator of ABC's popular series "Ugly Betty", has died at 45 years old. The screenwriter and TV producer, who was born in Miami, was found dead in a Miami motel room on Tuesday, January 7 in an apparent suicide.
Variety reported that the writer of Cuban-American descent died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His representative has confirmed the sad news, but did not provide a cause of death.
After news of his tragic passing hit the internet, the cast of the "Ugly Betty" took to Twitter to express their feelings. America Ferrera posted on Instagram along with a photo of her with the late Horta, "I'm stunned and heartbroken to hear the devastating news of Ugly Betty creator, Silvio Horta's death. 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."
Vanessa Williams, who also starred on the American version of the hit Colombian telenovela "Yo soy Betty, la fea", wrote on her own account, "Still in shock after hearing the tragic news of our #uglybetty creator #silviohorta His creativity and passion will be missed by so many of us that worked with him. May he Rest In Peace."
Christopher Gorham, who is best known for his recurring role as Henry Grubstick on "Ugly Betty", added, "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."
Horta created, served as head writer and executive producer on "Ugly Betty", which ran for four seasons on ABC. The show received a number of awards and nominations, including winning a Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series - Comedy or Musical in 2006.
Horta also created, wrote for and executive produced the 2002-03 Sci-Fi Channel series "The Chronicle" before creating the drama series "Jake 2.0", which aired during the 2003-04 season on UPN. His most recent credit was for writing the 2015 TV movie "The Curse of the Fuentes Women".
