Silvio Horta Bio
Silvio Horta was an American screenwriter and television producer widely noted for adapting the hit Colombian telenovela Yo soy Betty, la fea into the ABC series Ugly Betty. Horta served as head writer and executive producer on the series.
The series “Ugly Betty,” which starred America Ferrera, ran for four seasons on ABC from 2006 to 2010 and was adapted from the hit Colombian telenovela “Yo soy Betty, la fea.” Horta served as showrunner and head writer on the comedy-drama.
During its run, the show won two Golden Globes, one for best comedy series and one for Ferrera. The original series was created in 1999 by Fernando Gaitan and ran until 2001.
Horta’s moved into TV in the early 2000s with the Sci-Fi series “The Chronicle,” which ran for a single season. In 2003, Horta continued his science fiction run with the UPN series “Jake 2.0.” The series, which also ran for one season. His most recent credit was for writing the 2015 TV movie “The Curse of the Fuentes Women.”
According to variety, Horta had a project with Mary J. Blige in development at Fox in 2018. The prospective series, titled “Move,” was inspired by the life of famed choreographer and creative director Laurieann Gibson, who created routines for the likes of Beyonce, Michael Jackson, Alicia Keys and Lady Gaga.
Quick Facts You Need to Know
Silvio Horta Ealy Life, Education
Silvio Horta Gay
Horta was openly gay, coming out to his family at 19.
Silvio Horta Age
Horta was born on August 14, 1974, in Miami, Florida, United States. He died on January 7, 2020, in Miami, Florida. He was 45 years old.
Silvio Horta Family
Horta was born in Miami to Cuban parents.
Silvio Horta Career
Horta penned many as yet unproduced screenplays including “Even Exchange” and “The Furies” (with Nip/Tuck creator Ryan Murphy). Prior to Ugly Betty, Horta wrote the screenplay for the 1998 teen satirical hit slasher film Urban Legend and he can be heard on the DVD commentary. Before Legend, he was working as a perfume spritzer.
Horta was also the creator of two short-lived sci-fi television show Jake 2.0, which starred Christopher Gorham, who would later join the cast of Ugly Betty, and The Chronicle. In 2007, he accepted the Golden Globe for Best Comedy Series Ugly Betty, stating, “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”.
Horta started the production company “Silent H Productions”, named as a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment of the common mispronunciation of the silent H in Horta’s last name.
Silvio Horta Death
Silvio Horta was found dead in a Miami motel room on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, in an apparent suicide. He was 45.
America Ferrera paid tribute to Horta in an Instagram post. Ferrera wrote, “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.”
Silvio Horta Cause of Death
Silvio Horta’s cause of death was suicide. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.