How fun was this? Pretty damned fun! Much of the cast of gay-fave "Ugly Betty" showed up at the Director's Guild of America yesterday (including my pretend boyfriend Eric Mabius) for a informative and sometimes hilarious panel discussion and a wonderfully intimate after-party. America Fererra, Ana Ortiz, Vanessa Williams, Judith Light, Michael Urie and Mabius were there from the cast as well as the show's creators. The kid who plays Justin was not present but there was much discussion about his character - a 12 year old we all know is gay but a storyline producers want to handle with care. What's great is this is a 12 year old whose family loves him fiercely no matter what.
I will share the best of the discussion in a bit. But some of my favorite moments: the rousing and prolonged ovation given to Judith Light - far longer than any other cast member - as a demonstration of the love the LGBT community has for this great actress and wonderful woman.
Then there was the sight of Vanessa Williams showing for the audience how she showed Urie and another newbie to stardom co-star how to walk down a red carpet. Hard to believe, but Vanessa was Miss America 23 years ago...and she's been a big star ever since...and never bigger than now.
Producer Marco Penette shared that Michael Urie's gay character is going to have a love interest in the coming season and the great Patti LuPone, who played his unaccepting mother, will return for at least one more show....He also says there "may" be a musical episode...Santos, the father of Justin, was shot in the season finale but, he may not be dead! /but then he might be...
Also: If America Fererra gets nominated for an Emmy Award this week, she will be the first Latina nominated in the best actress in a comedy category...
Will update with more later...