The Varied Fates of the Ugly Betty Cast Two Decades Later

This month marks the 20th anniversary of the premiere of ABC's "Ugly Betty." The comedy series, which followed the style-challenged Betty Suarez, played by America Ferrera, navigating the fashion magazine Mode, garnered critical acclaim, including three Emmy and two Golden Globe awards during its four-year run.

America Ferrera - Betty Suarez

America Ferrera's portrayal of Betty Suarez earned her an Emmy and a Golden Globe, and was praised by U.S. Congresswoman Hilda Solis for breaking down stereotypes and providing a role model for young Latinas. Ferrera was also named to Time's 100 Most Influential People list in 2007 and 2024. Post-"Ugly Betty," Ferrera voiced Astrid in the "How to Train Your Dragon" franchise. She returned to television as Amy in NBC's "Superstore," which ran for six seasons. In 2023, she received an Oscar nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance as Gloria in the film "Barbie."

Eric Mabius - Daniel Meade

Eric Mabius, who played the editor-in-chief Daniel Meade, went on to star in the Hallmark Channel series "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" and its accompanying TV movies. He also had a recurring role on NBC's "Chicago Fire." Mabius most recently starred in Hallmark movies and is set to appear in the upcoming TV series "Head Trip." In February 2025, he was arrested for battery and resisting law enforcement, but the charges were dropped by prosecutors in May 2025, and the case has been sealed.

Tony Plana - Ignacio Suarez

Before "Ugly Betty," Tony Plana had an extensive career with roles in films like "An Officer and a Gentleman" and "JFK," and numerous television guest spots. After playing Betty's father, Ignacio Suarez, Plana continued to work in films such as "Pain & Gain" and "Bombshell," and had a significant arc on "Madam Secretary." He also reprised his role as Ignacio in a few episodes of "Superstore" alongside America Ferrera. Plana has also transitioned into directing, helming episodes of various television series and a TV movie.

Ana Ortiz - Hilda Suarez

Ana Ortiz played Betty's protective older sister, Hilda Suarez. Ortiz had previously held a series regular role on the short-lived series "Kristin" and appeared in "Over There." After "Ugly Betty," she starred as Marisol Suarez in the Lifetime series "Devious Maids" and voiced Rafa in "Elena of Avalor." Her recent roles include Isabel Salazar in the TV series "Love, Victor" and Alexandra Romanov in "History of the World, Part II."

Becki Newton - Amanda Tanen

Becki Newton, who played the initially antagonistic but eventually warm receptionist Amanda Tanen, has had a prolific television career since "Ugly Betty." Her notable roles include arcs in "How I Met Your Mother," "Weird Loners," "Tell Me A Story," and "Divorce." She currently stars as Lorna Crane in the Netflix series "The Lincoln Lawyer."

Michael Urie - Marc St. James

Michael Urie, who portrayed Wilhelmina Slater's secretary Marc St. James, began his career at the Juilliard School. After "Ugly Betty," Urie appeared in films like "The Decoy Bride" and the television series "Partners." He has had guest arcs on "Modern Family" and "The Good Wife," and played Brian in Apple TV+'s "Shrinking." Most recently, he appeared in Bradley Cooper's film "Maestro."

Mark Indelicato - Justin Suarez

Mark Indelicato, who played Betty's nephew Justin Suarez, portrayed one of television's youngest openly gay characters at the time. Following the series finale, Indelicato stepped back from acting to focus on his studies at New York University, pursuing International Relations and Gender Studies. He later returned to acting with roles in the film "White Bird in a Blizzard," the Freeform series "Dead of Summer," and the HBO Max series "Hacks." He most recently appeared in the Amazon Prime Video series "With Love."

Vanessa Williams - Wilhelmina Slater

Vanessa Williams, known for her history-making win as the first Black Miss America and a subsequent music and acting career, starred as the ambitious Wilhelmina Slater. For her role, she received three Emmy nominations. After "Ugly Betty," Williams joined the cast of "Desperate Housewives" for two seasons and appeared in other ABC series and television movies. She has also lent her voice to animated projects and recently starred in a West End production of "The Devil Wears Prada" musical.