Silvio Horta Creator Of Ugly Betty Dead At 45

Photo: J.Sciulli/WireImage.

TV producer and creator of ABC’s Ugly Betty Silvio Horta has died, according to Deadline. Reports around the cause of death vary at this time. Refinery29 has reached out for comment. Horta was 45.

Horta, a Miami native, was just 25 when he wrote the script for 1998 cult classic horror movie Urban Legend. He went on to build a career in television, working on the comedy The Chronicle from 2001 to 2002 and the following year created the series Jake 2.0., which starred eventual Ugly Betty actor Christopher Gorham and ran for one season.

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In 2006, Horta developed Ugly Betty, which was based on Colombian telenovela Yo soy Betty, la fea. The series, which starred America Ferrera as an ambitious, but unstylish, writer working at a fashion magazine, ran for four seasons.

Horta and the cast reunited at the Austin Television Festival in 2016, which sparked talk of a continuation of the series.

“The only thing I know for sure, if we were to do somethings it would be a dream, but everybody on the would have to be involved,” Horta said of the possibility of creating more Ugly Betty.

In 2015, Horta developed television pilot The Curse of the Fuentes Women for NBC. It ultimately did not go to series. He sold a musical pilot with Mary J. Blige to Fox in 2018, titled Move.

Upon hearing news of his death, Ferrera wrote on Instagram:

"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."

View this post on Instagram

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.

A post shared by America Ferrera (@americaferrera) on Jan 7, 2020 at 4:54pm PST

Mark Indelicto, who played Justin on Ugly Betty, a gay character whom Horta said he shared similarities to, shared Ferrera's post to his Instagram Story, along with the message:

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"Truly devastating news. Silvio gave me my start at 11 years old and trusted me with a character that was so close to his heart. He will be greatly missed by all."

Others, including Vampire Diaries creator Julie Plec and actress Octavia Spencer, expressed their grief over Horta's death on social media.

Very sad to hear that Silvio Horta has left us. May he find peace in rest.
— Julie Plec (@julieplec) January 8, 2020

Really sad to hear about Silvio Horta. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones.
— octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) January 8, 2020

Silvio was a really sweet guy, who broke down barriers and changed the world with his work. https://t.co/MhNzrnLaWS
— Kris Q. Rehl 🏳️‍🌈 (@krisrehl) January 8, 2020

I am heartbroken. Silvio was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known. Ugly Betty was a testament to his joy and talent. What a loss. #RIP https://t.co/gIchj2kjqA
— Jeff Greenberg (@JeffGreenbergCD) January 8, 2020

Rest in peace, dear friend.https://t.co/htSElz5nkR
— Marc Malkin (@marcmalkin) January 8, 2020

Absolutely horrible news.
RIP Silvio Horta. https://t.co/JjeyLT23Ma
— Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) January 8, 2020

Rest In Peace, Silvio Horta. Your spirit and genius will be missed.
— Henry Goldblatt (@HenryGoldblatt) January 8, 2020

Silvio was such a kind guy. This is so fucking sad. Rest In Peace brother 💔😢 https://t.co/fBfd3N2E2Y
— JOHNNY SIBILLY (@JohnnySibilly) January 7, 2020

Noooooo!!!!!!!! NOOOO! His poor family! Poor him! Ugh! I always felt such kinship with Silvio Horta. A fellow gay Cubanito from Miami who, like me, also went to NYU’s Tisch School Of The Arts. And we were around the same age. This is devastating! https://t.co/udfCfN2gWA
— Perez (@ThePerezHilton) 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

Refinery29 has reached out for comment.

If you are thinking about suicide, please contact Samaritans on 116 123. All calls are free and will be answered in confidence.

This post has been updated.

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