Ugly Betty star America Ferrera has paid tribute after the show’s creator, Silvio Horta, who has been found dead at the age of 45.
America – who played Betty Suarez in the hit US comedy – paid tribute to the producer in an Instagram post, saying she was “stunned and heartbroken” by the news.
On Tuesday, representatives for Silvio Horta confirmed that he had died, but did not provide any further information.
The actress wrote shortly after the news broke: “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.”
Other members of the cast, including Vanessa Williams and Michael Urie, have also been paying their respects on social media.
Mark Indelicato – the former child actor who played Betty’s nephew Justin Suarez – shared a post on his Instagram story about the “truly devastating news”.
He wrote: “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.”
Silvio was best known for his work on Ugly Betty, which was his adaptation of the popular Colombian series, Yo Soy Betta, La Fea.
He was also the executive producer and writer of the short-lived shows The Chronicle and Jake 2.0, the latter of which starred future Ugly Betty actor Christopher Gorham.