Ugly Betty creator Silvio Horta has been found dead in Miami at the age of 45.
A representative for Horta declined to comment on the cause of death, but his passing was confirmed by his agent in a statement on Tuesday (January 7), according to Deadline.
Unverified sources speaking to Variety have reported his cause of death to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Horta worked Ugly Betty for all of its four seasons from 2006 to 2010, which began as an adaptation of Colombian telenovela 'Yo soy Betty, la fea'.
The acclaimed show starred America Ferrera as Betty Suarez, an unlikely new addition to a New York fashion magazine.
Ferrera responded to the news of Horta's passing in an Instagram post, writing: "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."
Also featured in the series were Eric Mabius , Vanessa Williams , and Rebecca Romijn.
Williams wrote in a post on Instagram: “"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."
During his time on the series, Horta remained as head writer, with the show winning two Golden Globes during its run: Best Comedy Series and Best Actress in a Comedy Series for America Ferrera.
Ugly Betty pilot director Richard Shepard tweeted on Tuesday: "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."
In 2018, Horta had a series in development with Mary J. Blige titled Move which would have been inspired by iconic choreographer Laurieann Gibson, who worked on creative routines for the likes of Beyonce and Alicia Keys.
Silvio Horta also worked on series such as The Chronicle, Jake 2.0, and on the 2000 horror-thriller film Urban Legend.
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