The Russian TV viewer is well acquainted with the series “Don't Be Born Beautiful,” and if loyal fans know everything about him, then the rest will probably be interested in the fact that the project is not original, but is an adaptation of the Colombian soap opera “I am Betty, the ugly girl”. He also formed the basis of the American version called "The Ugly." The actors of the series, the storyline and some interesting facts - all this you will find in the article.
From the history of the creation of the series
The very idea of such a project appeared, as already mentioned, in Colombia. It was in this country that the TV series first appeared on television screens in 1999. The straightforward plot, which gives great scope for the development of the project, contributed to the fact that it was adapted in more than 70 countries of the world. The idea of transferring the series to American television arose in 2001, but it remained unrealized until 2006, when the famous Hollywood actress Salma Hayek was included in the work . Initially, 13 pilot series were ordered. However, the creators, the film crew and the actors of the series “The Betty Ugly” have tremendously coped with their work and won another 3 seasons.
Story line
Only the main line remains untouched in all adaptations - the transformation of an unattractive girl into a pretty one. In the American television version, the focus of the plot is the daughter of an immigrant from Mexico - Betty Suarez. She is good-natured and largely naive, but her main drawback is a complete lack of taste. She does not differ in external beauty and compliance with the standards of models, and for this reason the owner of the magazine takes her to work as an assistant to her son - the chief editor and the rake. The secret meaning was hidden in this act, the father believed that with such an assistant Daniel Mead’s thoughts would only be about work. The whole pun is that Betty got into the magazine about high fashion, from which she is very far away.
It is noteworthy that in the series "The Ugly Girl" the actors participate in a very different caliber: from beginners to very famous. Including Vanessa Williams, performer of the role of the antagonist D. Mead - creative director V. Slater. However, let us dwell on the main roles and characters in more detail.
Betty Suarez
The central character of the series. She got a job in the fashionable and glamorous magazine MODE with the easy submission of her father’s chief editor. Absolutely far from fashion and everything connected with it. The lack of their own style, ridiculous clothes became the cause of numerous ridicule and practical jokes from colleagues. The family helps her in everything: her father, sister and nephew, who thinks more about fashion issues than all of them combined.
In the course of the development of the series, Betty herself also changes, she experiences unhappy love and gradually rises up the career ladder, despite the fact that the nickname "ugly girl" is firmly entrenched in her. Actors series are selected very harmoniously. So, America Ferrera, an American actress, the daughter of immigrants from Honduras, became the leading actor. Bright and non-standard appearance, talent helped her create a colorful image that was remembered and loved by the audience.
Daniel Mead
The son of rich, but, alas, unhappy parents, and after the death of his older brother, he was the editor of a glossy fashion magazine. An absolute rake, on the mind of which only women and entertainment. His work practically does not occupy him; he is far from her. However, Betty rescues him, to whom he first reacted very wary. Gradually, they come together and become a friendly team, easily opposing W. Slater and all other troubles. This role, we can say, brought widespread popularity to the American actor
Eric Mabius, who is also known for his participation in the project "Resident Evil".
Wilhelmina Slater
One of the main characters and the main "villain" of the series "Ugly". Actors and roles are often perceived as a whole, and this is the highest manifestation of talent. Wilhelmina Slater performed by Vanessa Williams is charming and terrible at the same time. She is a creative director and a true professional in her field, a magazine is her life. Therefore, when the still young and inexperienced D. Mead was appointed to the post of chief editor, she became furious and declared war on him. And now she, together with her assistant Mark, is building sophisticated conspiracies and weaving intrigues. Dissatisfied, cunning, very effective and beautiful. "The ugly girl" (the actors and roles in it are very professionally registered) is, of course, not W. Williams's debut as an actress, but still the role brought her even more popularity.
She is known mainly as the first "Miss America" of African American descent, as well as as a singer. In 1995, she received three prizes at once (Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy) for her performance of the song Colors of the Wind for the cartoon Pocahontas.
Betty Family
Very talented and vividly fulfill their roles and other actors of the film "The Ugly Girl". In particular, Anna Ortiz is Betty's screen sister Hilda Suarez. Both were raised by a strict father who remained a widower. He, together with their mother, immigrated to America in his youth. Hilda has a teenage son, Justin. The young man is very passionate not only about fashion, but also about music, constantly participating in musicals and acting productions, which gives reason for the pride of the whole family. Over the course of four seasons, they have been confronted with a variety of situations - from minor quarrels to problems with an immigrant visa, the health and tragic loss of loved ones.
Mark and Amanda
The assistant to the “almighty” Wilhelmina Slater and the secretary rejected by D. Mead make up a sweet couple. These are the main plotters and conspirators of the series "The Ugly." Actors Michael Uri and Becky Newton participate in all four seasons. Although the appearance of Mark was supposed to be episodic according to the initial idea. W. Williams insisted on his constant participation, who really liked his work. As the plot develops, their characters change as well. There is no trace of an openly rude and neglectful attitude towards Betty, moreover, their characters become friendly to some extent.
TV Ratings
The series was received very warmly by the audience. The brilliant cast, the excellent work of the scriptwriters and the entire film crew brought him to the leading lines of the rating. After the first thirteen episodes, it was decided to extend it. Critics also welcomed him, as indicated by the Golden Globe Award. in 2007 in the nomination "Best Series (musical or comedy)". For excellent acting work the same award was awarded to the leading woman singer A. Ferrera. In addition, she won the Screen Actors Guild Award and Emmy.