Ugly Betty Casting News!
June 19, 2009 by Tom
Have you seen the Ugly Betty casting news first seen on SpoilerTV, then confirmed by Ausiello?
Exclusive – Ugly Betty – Episode 4.01 – Casting Call for Major Recurring Role
[EMILY] 20’s, female, gorgeous, African American, must be a strong actress. MAJOR RECURRING ROLE.
I’ve seen speculation that this is a reworking of Wilhelmina’s daughter, but this makes no sense to me. Wilhelmina’s daughter was named Nico (speaking of, I DO think it’s time for her to make an appearance again).
Besides, that whole “new Darren” thing always leads to no good.
The name of this character (Emily), also blows a theory I had when I first saw this. I thought to myself, wouldn’t it be neat if in season 4 Wilhelmina had visions / flashbacks just as Betty did in seasons 1 and 2? I can see Willy, right after some dastardly deed, having a conversation with “Wanda”, her younger, pre-Wilhelmina self.
The only problem with this is that it would be almost impossible to pull off, because we ALL are very familiar with what young Vanessa Williams looked like (some of us who got our hands on a certain magazine have seen more than others 
).
So, this “Emily” is a new character. Could she be Matt’s new girlfriend? A new corporate person? A model with a secret?
The only thing I ask the producers – PLEASE do not make her a love interest for Daniel. At LEAST give the man till the mid-season break to grieve.
Image: Bauer-Griffin
Tom,
In general, I agree with you about the whole “new Darrin” thing (that’s a “Bewitched” reference, for all of you kids out there), but I would be willing to make an exception if they were to cast a new Fey Sommers (particularly because we have primarily only ever seen Fey in photographs, in Fashion TV news clips, and in Willi/Wanda’s flashback). I have always envisioned Jessica Walter as Fey, but I’m sure there are plenty of other actresses who would fit in the role too.
My first thought was that this Emily may possibly have a familial connection to Wilhelmina, but I just hope that she doesn’t turn out to be a “secret” daughter. They shouldn’t put too many secret children in one series (Daniel Jr.; Claire’s son, who I think might turn out to be Matt; Amanda Tanen Sommers; and, in a way, Alexis/Alex). I guess it is possible for two African-American characters on one show not to be related
I have to say one thing about your comment regarding how many of us are too familiar with what Vanessa Williams looked like back in the day, that wouldn’t really matter for Willi flashbacks, though, because Wanda totally changed her appearance when she morphed herself into Wilhelmina. Since we have only seen Wanda in one or two photographs, they could really cast just about any young African-American in the role if they were ever to do flashbacks. Of course, the name Emily precludes this casting call having anything to do with flashbacks anyway, so I guess we’ll have the rest of the summer to speculate about who Emily will turn out to be.
At first, I thought it would be Wili’s daughter, but when I saw the name of the character(Emily)then maybe she could be someone else. I was thinking maybe she could be Daniel’s new assistant since the position is open due to Betty’s promotion, a new “love interest” for Daniel (and I agree with you, give him some time to grieve first) or like you said Tom a new girlfriend for Matt. If it’s the last guess, the writer’s really want to be put obstacles between Betty & Matt. (and for Matt to say that Betty was his “first love”..boy he’s a piece of work & to move on that quickly & rub it in Betty’s face. that would a side of his personality we haven’t seen if that’s the case) It’s bad enough Betty is going to have to deal with Matt as a boss & see him on a daily basis. I don’t think Betty deserves that much angst. But I guess maybe this might be one of the obstacles that Horta may have been alluding to which their relationship may be strenghtened & will be changing & growing..To the writers, can Betty have happiness somewhere?? (esp. with her relationships)
Of course, they could make this Emily turn out to be Nico, but instead of not mentioning her change in appearance (the way they handled the two Darrins on “Bewitched”, the two Chrises on “Partridge Family”, the two Miss Ellies on “Dallas”, the two Lionels on “The Jeffersons”, the two Fallons on “Dynasty”, the two Amandas on “Dynasty”, the two Adams on “Dynasty”, well, you get my point) they could work the face-change into the plot by having Nico get plastic surgery in order to sneak back into Wilhelmina’s life to cause more chaos for her dearest mommy (this would be more in line with the two Stephens on “Dynasty”, the two Romans on “Days of Our Lives”… OK, I’ll stop now).
Omg, I agree. If this new Emily character is yet ANOTHER love interest 4 Daniel, I think my head will explode. They better give him time.. like a LooooooooonG time b4 he can even THINK of dating again. After seeing the finale, I dun think he will. Nd I dunno if ne1 else saw despite wat Silvio said, but when Daniel saw Molly behind Betty @ the awards, it was like a huge foreshadowing of the fact that Betty is wat Daniel will need most after she dies, nd I hope that Daniel will c Betty as more than just a friend n likewise 4 Betty.
I still think it could be Nico. Most casting calls use a different name to throw people off. If it’s not Nico I hope it’s not Renee. Let Daniel grieve for a while just like you said Tom. I still think this is very interesting news.
I hope it’s something related to Wilhelmina. Like something crazy {i.e. another child/twin}. And I completely agree. It’s time to bring back Nico
Tom, I LOVE the idea of a model with a secret. Could add some of that season 1 element incase the Fey Sommer’s theory is wrong. I just hope this person doesn’t turn out to be who was in Wilhelmina’s apartment. I want Fey Sommer’s more than ANYTHING! =)
Tom, don’t worry about the Susan Boyle mistake. There are so many informational resources available on the internet and out there in the world, that it is REALLY hard to know which ones to trust. Thanks for posting the correction!
I discovered a new casting announcement for Episode 4.01 on Spoiler TV:
http://spoilertv.blogspot.com/2009/07/exclusive-ugly-betty-episode-401.html
The character sounds really interesting. I love the fact that the character doesn’t say any bad words, but yet is able to insult anyone that she is talking to. She sounds really fake- I guess she’ll fit in at mode just fine! Maybe she’ll give the other mode meanies a run for their money!
Does anyone know if the casting for the role of Emily has taken place or who I can contact for it?