Upheaval Amongst Unnamed Ugly Betty Cast Members
May 14, 2008 by Tom
This week’s Ausiello Report has some intriguing news about Ugly Betty’s move to NYC, and three of the cast members:
Question: Is it true that Eric Mabius is refusing to follow Ugly Betty to New York next season? — Kendall
Ausiello: Not true at all. Mabius will definitely be making the trek. Can’t say the same for one of his co-stars. This unnamed individual, who just purchased a new home in L.A., is showing some resistance to the move. As a result, this series regular may only make occasional guest appearances next season. Meanwhile, another Betty thesp is using the coast-hop as leverage for more money — and it’s the last person you’d think.
OK, just to make sure we’re all together on this, there are three separate people discussed here.
- First, Ausiello lets us know that all is well with Eric Mabius. (Silvio told us that yesterday as well). This is interesting, because HE’S the one with a baby and one on the way.
- Next, comes the unnamed regular who just bought a house and may only make guest appearances next year.
- Finally, a cast member is using the move to ask for more money (and who wouldn’t?) Of course, Ausiello is coy about who it might be.
My guess? I think the regular who will be dropping to a co-star could be Ashley Jensen Or Ana Ortiz. I know there has been news of America Ferrera buying a house in LA, but come on! I know Becki Newton and Michael Urie live very close to one another, but I thought they were condo owners. I would imagine the two older cast members (Tony Plana and Judith Light) are already established in houses. Mark Indelicato is too young. Maybe some of you with insight into the Los Angeles real estate market could chime in.
The one asking for more money? My guess is Mark Indelicato. He makes $460K (and sees a $50 a week allowance). Although that money would go a long way in my neck of the woods, I would imagine that setting up residence in NYC would take a huge chunk out of that.
So what do you think? Who is going to move to “guest star” status, and who is asking for more money?
Image: Newscom
It is good to hear that Eric Mabius will be moving, because Betty needs her job!
And I agree with the co-star deal. I initially thought that it was Ana Ortiz.
Ana is somewhat recently married and might have been wanting to settle in.
And as for the one asking for more money, and not being someone we would expect, I wasn’t really sure who to think but I dont know if it could be Mark Indelicato or not. He is originally from Philly, but I suppose anything is possible.
i know that ashley jensen just bought a house in LA, but i dont know- maybe someone else has bought a house too. i SERIOUSLY hope that ashley doesnt go down to guest star status- shes my fav character, but i guess i dont see that there will be any pressing need for her character after she has the baby. but she’s always talking about how she doesn’t really like LA, and she’s even said that she likes new york better. i dont know.
and i have NO clue who wants more money. uglybettyisin had an article up about the move saying something about rebecca leaving again.
maybe it’s america ferrera? i wouldn’t expect it, i suppose.
Yeah, there’s been news that America was buying a new house with her boyfriend… but they’d never relegate Betty to “guest star” status, for obvious reasons. My guess is Ana Ortiz; I remember reading something about her being unhappy about the move.
As for who wants more money, beats me! Marc Indelicato could be a good guess… but who knows.
i meant that i am guessing it is america ferrera asking for more money.
being the star of the show, the producers probably touched base with her before making the decision to move the production to NYC. anyway, famous, rich people own houses on both coasts and everywhere in between, it wouldn’t faze most of them to relocate or commute for part of the year.
I’d be so upset if there was less Hilda on the show. We need MORE Hilda!
America Ferrera decide she need more money buy new house with maybe her boyfriend or her own house,I guess.
Regarding Eric Mabius – to me, there was little doubt that he’d leave the show or even be relegated to “recurring” status. First, he is obviously the second most important character on the show, next to Betty. Secondly, he’s probably under contract. So naturally, he’d eventually figure out a way to make the move with the others.
However, I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re not getting the complete story here. Considering his wife is pregnant and he has a young son AND he has a nice home setup in California (which, from what I learned, certainly don’t come cheap), I bet he probably was hesitant and maybe even frustrated about this “surprise” move. Chances are, he probably still is (just like this unnamed cast member), but unfortunately, there’s not much anyone can do about it now. He has to go where the job takes him. Frankly, I think Silvio and others are putting it lightly when they say Eric and the cast are generally “okay” and “excited” with this move. And why wouldn’t they say that, right? It’s the only way to alleviate the fans and keep some sort of “damage control”.
As for the co-star who is showing resistance to the move? Yeah, I’d go with Ana Ortiz or perhaps even Ashley Jensen. It’s certainly a pity, though, if this move causes either of their characters to be downgraded on the show – especially for Ana. The Suarez family is an important part of the series, and I can’t imagine Betty not having her sister to bond with.
As for the individual asking for more pay? I’d go with Mark Indelicato, too. As the youngest cast member with a not-so-major role, he’s the one person I’d least expect to ask for more. So, perhaps it is him.
Anyway, with all of these crazy shakeups going on, I’m still very wary of UB’s move to New York. It’s great that the ABC folks are confident about the whole issue, but so far, I’m not…
Let’s just hope everything turns out well in the ratings eventually.
I think the guest Star status may go to Ashley or Tony. Im pretty sure its not Ana cuz she is from New York.
Maybe that means cliff will be on more!
Holly, I found an article the other day, that has some major spoilers in it for the rest of the season but it stated that like we have all heard that it’s getting back to Betty and all the future guest stars are going to interact with Betty in some way, but anyway the article said Cliff would be back in Season 3.
Thanks, dani…
but i meant, maybe if ana or ashley are just coming back every once in a while, it’ll make them bring cliff back more. like to replace them or to give betty somebody else to talk with?
Pls clarify:
Mark Indelica makes $46,000 per ep or per season? Or is it $460,000 per season or per year?
$460k is almost $500k which is alot alot alot of $!Thx.
Last night (Th 2 Oct) Ash Jensen was pushed down the stairs so I guess she is the 1 leaving?
NY is closer to UK so its easier 4 ehr 2 fly home but I guess she likes Cali.