Ugly Bettycreator Silvio Horta has died, PEOPLE confirms. He was 45.
A representative for the television producer confirmed his death, but could not provide any further details at this time.
Varietyreportshis body was discovered in Miami.
Horta was best known for creating the ABC sitcomUgly Betty, which ran from 2006 to 2010 and starredAmerica Ferreraas the titular character, a Mexican-American girl from Queens who lands a job at a Manhattan fashion magazine.
The series earned Horta an Emmy nomination in 2007 for outstanding comedy series, and Ferrera won outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for her role that same year at the Emmys and theGolden Globes. In 2007,Ugly Bettywon best television series — comedy or musical at theGolden Globes.
Ugly Bettywas adapted from the Colombian telenovela,Yo Soy Betty, La Fea.
Silvio Horta.Michael Caulfield/WireImage
The Miami native had previously discussed how certain elements of his own life, including experiences with immigration and sexuality, made their way into the show.
Mel Melcon/Getty Images
RELATED VIDEO: Billionaire Businessman Ronald Burkle’s Son Andrew Found Dead at 27 in His Beverly Hills Home
After the news of his death, several of his fans were quick to express their sadness on social media, includingPoseactor Johnny Sibilly.
“Silvio was such a kind guy. This is so f— sad. Rest In Peace brother,” Sibillywrote on Twitter.
Perez Hilton called the loss of Horta “devastating.”
“Noooooo!!!!!!!! NOOOO! His poor family! Poor him! Ugh! I always felt such kinship with Silvio Horta,” Hiltonwrote on Twitter. “A fellow gay Cubanito from Miami who, like me, also went to NYU’s Tisch School Of The Arts. And we were around the same age. This is devastating!”
source: people.com
