Michael Urie Celebrates 20 Years of *Ugly Betty*, Calls It His ‘Perfect Big Break’

Urie took to Instagram to commemorate the show’s 20th anniversary, sharing a collection of photographs from his time on the series and looking back at the friendships and memories he made during its run.

“Happy twentieth birthday, Ugly Betty! Two decades ago, the world met Betty Suarez, her beautiful family, and her unlikely coworkers,” Urie wrote in the caption.

The actor described the series as the ideal opportunity to launch his career, saying the relationships he formed while working on the show remain among the most meaningful parts of the experience.

“I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect big break - the lifelong friendships and pride I carry with me from this job overwhelm me,” he wrote.

Urie also expressed his gratitude that audiences continue to remember the show and engage with its legacy years after it ended.

“The best part is, I get to talk about it all so much because people remember the show and still love it. Thank you to Silvio Horta for bringing us all together. What a time!” he added.

*Ugly Betty* premiered in September 2006 and ran until April 2010. Developed by Silvio Horta, the comedy-drama was adapted from the Colombian telenovela *Yo soy Betty, la fea*.

The series centred on Betty Suarez, played by America Ferrera, a smart and determined young woman from Queens, New York, who lands a job at the prestigious fashion magazine *Mode* despite having little interest in the industry’s emphasis on appearance.

As Betty attempts to establish herself in the glamorous but fiercely competitive fashion world, she navigates workplace politics and challenges traditional expectations while remaining closely connected to her family.

The ensemble cast included Ferrera, Eric Mabius, Vanessa Williams, Ana Ortiz, Tony Plana, Urie and Becki Newton.

The series also received an Indian adaptation titled *Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin*. The Hindi television show starred Mona Singh, Apurva Agnihotri, Rakshanda Khan, Parmeet Sethi and Gaurav Gera, among others.

The Indian adaptation followed Jassi, an intelligent young woman who takes up a job at a leading fashion agency headed by Armaan Suri. Despite her abilities, she faces several challenges as she tries to find her place in the competitive workplace.

Two decades after *Ugly Betty* first premiered, Urie’s tribute reflects the lasting affection among its cast and viewers for the series and the characters that became part of popular television culture.