Salma Hayek Celebrates 20 Years of *Ugly Betty*, Says Latino Community ‘Stood Behind’ the Show

Hayek took to Instagram to celebrate the milestone, sharing a collection of scenes from the comedy-drama, which originally aired from September 2006 to April 2010.

Looking back at the show’s debut, Hayek highlighted the immediate connection it established with audiences, particularly within the Latino community.

“Twenty years ago today, Betty Suarez walked into Mode and 16 million people were watching. The Latino community stood behind this show from the very first night, and it changed what was possible on American television,” Hayek wrote.

She also praised America Ferrera, who played the titular character, while expressing her pride in everyone involved in bringing the series to life.

“America Ferrera was Betty. So proud of her, and of everyone who made this show @americaferrera #UglyBetty,” she added.

Developed by Silvio Horta, *Ugly Betty* was based on the Colombian telenovela *Yo soy Betty, la fea*. The series centred on Betty Suarez, a smart and ambitious young woman from Queens, New York, who lands a job at the prestigious fashion magazine *Mode* despite having little interest in the fashion world’s emphasis on appearance.

As Betty attempts to navigate the glamorous and competitive environment, the show explored themes of identity, workplace expectations and stereotypes while also focusing on her close relationship with her family.

The series starred Ferrera alongside Eric Mabius, Vanessa Williams, Ana Ortiz, Tony Plana, Michael Urie and Becki Newton.

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

The Indian version followed Jassi, an intelligent young woman who joins a leading fashion agency headed by Armaan Suri. Despite her abilities, she faces several challenges as she attempts to establish herself in her new workplace.

Two decades after *Ugly Betty* first premiered, Hayek’s tribute highlights the continued relevance of the series and its significance for audiences who saw themselves represented through Betty and her family.