Ugly Bettycreator Silvio Horta has passed away at age 45.
His agent sadly confirmed the news that Horta had been found dead in Miami, Florida on Tuesday (January 7), though his representative declined to comment on the cause of death (viaDeadline).
Horta won a Golden Globe Award for Outstanding Comedy Series for adaptingUgly Bettyfrom a hit telenovela, having cast America Ferrera as the titular personal assistant at fictional fashion magazineMode.
Vince Bucci / Getty Images
Ferrera would win a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance as Betty, and the show itself racked up seven other nominations from the Emmys between and (******************************************************.
Just over a year before Horta’s tragic death, cast member
Michael Uriehad confirmed that the cast were hoping thatanUgly Bettyreunion would ultimately happen.
Actress Vanessa Williams –Ugly Betty‘s Wilhelmina Slater – Paid homage to Horta on Instagram, posting: “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.”
Series star America Ferrera wrote: “I’m stunned and heartbroken to hear the devastating news ofUgly Bettycreator, 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 wholeUgly Bettyfamily who feel this loss so deeply. “
Ugly Bettypilot director Richard Shepard paid tribute on Twitter,writing: “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 of my life. This is horrible, horrible news. “
Octavia Spencer, who starred in four episodes ofUgly Bettyas Constance Grady, (Tweet: “Really sad to hear about Silvio Horta. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones.”
Aside from the hit ABC comedy, Horta also executive produced science fiction showsThe ChronicleandJake 2.0, as well as writing the hit horror movieUrban Legend.
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(************************************ Justin Harp Justin Harp is Digital Spy’s US-based Night News Editor covering all things entertainment on West Coast time.
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