It's definitely been a minute since two-time Golden Globe-winning show Ugly Betty left our screens. Originally airing from 2006 to 2010, the series represented a fresh and interesting departure from what audiences were used to witnessing when it came down to fashion-related television. Inspired by the 1999 Colombian soap opera Yo soy Betty la fea, the inclusive cast and compelling narratives that expanded beyond the realms of fashion kept fans hooked to the screen.
And exactly because it had such a wonderful impact on viewers, Ugly Betty is a show worth revisiting at every turn. Sure, it's easy to remember the grand scheme of things. But exactly how much attention did you pay to the show? Let's take a trip down memory lane and look at ten details about Ugly Betty that everyone missed!
10 Not So Mexican
Saying that the show simply wouldn't be the same without America Ferrera's take on the main character of Betty Suarez is the understatement of the century. Betty made the show what it was, and imprinted its unique essence on a television world not usually dominated by ethnic minorities.
But it was the supporting cast that truly knocked it out of the park, particularly when it comes down to the entire Suarez family. Curiously enough, though, while they're supposed to be from Mexico, none of the actors playing the Suarez family members are of Mexican ethnicity. America Ferrera is Honduran, Tony Plana is Cuban, Ana Ortiz is Puerto Rican-Irish, and Mark Indelicato is Puerto Rican-Italian.
9 The MODE Issue
MODE magazine represents the stage where most of the action takes place throughout the entire run of the show. No other environment would suit a show about fashion quite like a fashion magazine. And what better name to give this outstanding publication - without any ripoffs - than MODE?
Well, curiously enough, the name isn't what you would call one hundred percent original. Turns out that, once upon a time, a magazine called MODE actually existed, and it was aimed towards plus-sized women. But not to worry! The magazine actually ceased publication in 2001, years before Ugly Betty even premiered. Plus, the similarities pretty much begin and end with the name.
8 Fey Sommers Rings A Bell
How many characters out there can brag about the fact that they had a major impact on their respective television shows... without ever actually making an appearance? Such is the case of Fey Sommers, the previous editor-in-chief of MODE magazine, and quite the horrible, manipulative person, at that.
Well, in case you've been wondering for all these years just why her name seems to ring a bell, that's because Fey Sommers' character is based on Vogue magazine editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. Even in the few glimpses we get of her, Fey's look is a clear nod to Wintour's signature style. Eat your heart out, The Devil Wears Prada!
7 I See Your Book
In many ways, Betty Suarez was the role that put America Ferrera on the map. It not only granted her several nominations for prestigious awards, but it also helped her snatch the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical in 2007 - not too shabby of an accomplishment!
But prior to landing the role that would turn her into a star, America already had quite the resumé as an actress. Including the movie Sisterhood Of The Travelling Pants, based on the book by the same name. If you look closely, Betty's nightstand on the show has the novel upon which the movie was based on her nightstand.
6 City Of Angels
There is no shortage of iconic television shows that paid homage to one of the most beautiful and bustling cities in the world, New York. From Sex and The City to Gossip Girl, many series over the years were conceived around the idea of writing a love letter to this incredible place. And as we're told from the very beginning, Ugly Betty unravels in New York as well.
Except... it's not! While viewers are supposed to believe the show is, in fact, taking place in the Big Apple, the first two seasons were actually shot in Los Angeles. By using stock footage of New York, the show was able to fool fans. However, from the third season onwards, Ugly Betty relocated to the iconic city where it belongs.
5 What's In A Name?
Michael Urie's rendition of Mark was one of the things that made the show so great in the first place. Even though all the props go to America Ferrera for bringing the character of Betty Suarez to life, the supporting cast once again needs to be mentioned and commended for its stellar performance.
The most interesting thing about Mark is his name. In one episode of the show, it's shown to be Mark Saint-James. However, in another episode, it's revealed to be Mark Weiner. Apparently, in a deleted scene that didn't make the cut, Betty asks him about his original last name, Weiner, which he admits to having changed by saying: "I had to change it. A gay kid named Weiner? I wanted to beat myself up".
4 The Anne Boleyn "Cameo"
We bet that the last thing you expected to see on a show like Ugly Betty, set in 21st-century New York where the main characters work in a fashion magazine, was a reference to 16th century English royalty. But alas, the show did nothing better than surprising its fans, whether it was in the form of dramatic revelations or subtle references.
One of Betty's signature pieces from the show is the necklace with a B made out of pearls. As it turns out, this is an exact replica of the necklace worn by Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second wife, and later by her daughter and Queen of England, Elizabeth I. Wonder what History buffs noticed this?
3 The Older Sis
For many episodes, Ugly Betty tortured fans with the mysterious figure of the bandaged women. There was quite a lot of suspicion surrounding this particular character, and most people put their money on the not-so-deceased-after-all Fey Sommers. Queue the surprised faces when it was revealed this was actual Daniel's transgender sister, Alexis.
Yes, the drama was real, and no one was quite expecting it. This was one of the instances were everyone realized the show was actually inspired by a soap opera! But while on-screen, Alexis is supposed to be older than Daniel, in real life, Eric Mabius is actually over a year older than Rebecca Romijn.
2 Is This My House?
The Suarez family home was one of the staples of the show, right behind the headquarters of MODE magazine. One of the reasons fans were so quick to warm up to the characters was due to the cozy feelings that transpired from this home and the tight-knit family that lived there.
However, Betty, Justin, Ignacio, and Hilda didn't actually have a home. What we saw during the first two seasons of the show was actually a set, and the outside was just a wall. It kind of kills the vibe, no? Don't worry, as soon as the show relocated to New York City, the Suarez family got to film in the house they deserved.
1 There's Something About Justin
The character of Justin was incredibly important in the sense that it portrayed the journey of a young boy discovering and coming to terms with his sexuality. This journey included a series of heart-warming moments starring the Suarez family and meant quite a bit to the creator of the show, Silvio Horta.
Horta, an openly gay man, actually stated in an interview with USA Today that he saw a lot of himself in the character of Justin, which makes Justin's happy ending even more beautiful.
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