Friday, April 09, 2010

ABC's 'Ugly Betty' broke ground for Latinos and Gays

"During its four-year run, ABC's "Ugly Betty" skewered the New York fashion world, nabbing celebrity cameos from the likes of Lindsay Lohan, Shakira and Isaac Mizrahi. It turned America Ferrera, who played the plucky but style-challenged Betty Suarez, into a household name. And it landed a prestigious Peabody Award," reports Laura Wides-Munoz. "As the credits roll on the wacky dramedy's last episode April 14, Latino, gay rights groups and fans are lamenting more than the loss of Betty's cringe-inducing outfits and the melodrama of the Meade family — owners of the show's fictional fashion magazine Mode. The hourlong show was also among the rare network programs to tackle such controversial issues as gay teens, body image and illegal immigration. The show contrasted Betty's career at Mode with her working class, Mexican immigrant family, including her widower father Ignacio, her impulsive older sister Hilda and her theater-loving, fashion expert nephew Justin, who came out as gay in this last season. READ MORE