Ugly Betty

Background:

“Maybe I didn't know Valentino and Michael Kors, but I knew Coach, Gucci, Versace and Dolce & Gabbana. Fashion means a lot. The way you look is the way people judge you. I don't care what people say, that's the way people are.” Mark Indelicato

American actor of Puerto Rican and Italian descent Mark Indelicato is best known to television audiences for playing Betty's (played by America Ferrera) fashion conscious nephew, Justin Suarez, on the hit ABC series “Ugly Betty” (2006-present), from which he netted nominations at ALMA, Young Artist and the SAG Awards. An aspiring singer, Indelicato also performed the songs “Good Morning, Baltimore” and “Something's Coming” on the show. Other TV credits include guest roles in Comedy Central's “Chappelle's Show” (2004) and Disney Channel's “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” (2007). Indelicato has also recorded a CD for young children.

“…I have a few. I mean, America Ferrera is definitely one of my biggest role models right now and she has been for the last three years. Like a big sister, someone I can look up to and aspire to be. But I don't really look at celebrities as role models. I just don't see them like that. I guess it’s because I’m in that world so I know that no one is perfect. So, because I work with America, I’ve gotten really close to her and I feel like I look up to her a lot.” Mark Indelicato (on his role models)

Angelina Jolie Fan

Childhood and Family:

Mark Indelicato was born on July 16, 1994, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was raised in nearby Neshaminy in Bucks County. He was trained as an actor at The Actors Center in Philadelphia and later attended vocal classes at the Dupree School of Music in Linwood, New Jersey.

During his leisure time, Mark enjoys playing video games and hanging out with his friends at the mall. He currently lives in Los Angeles.

Mark mentions Angelina Jolie and the cast of “Grey’s Anatomy” as his favorite actors. He stated, “Angelina Jolie is my favorite. I’ve never met her before, but I just know she’s amazing. I definitely like the cast of ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’ As far as movie stars go, it’s the very typical, you know, movie stars like Julia Roberts. People like that, you can’t even talk about them without getting jealous.”

Little Maestro

Career:

8 year old Mark Indelicato began his acting career with the Walnut Street Theater in his native Philadelphia. After performances in the stage productions “La Vie En Bleu” and “A Christmas Carol,” he appeared in the theater's staged reading of “Fame Forever,” which after its Philadelphia opening was presented in New York City. He also acted in the Academy of Music's production of “Evita.”

Indelicato made his television debut in 2003 in an episode of “Hack,” a CBS series that focused on the life of an ex-cop (played by David Morse) who works as a taxi driver in Philadelphia. The same year, he appeared as a kid on a bike in the 17-minute short “Disposal,” which was directed and co-written by Alex Turner. He went on to appear in a 2004 episode of Comedy Central's “Chappelle's Show,” which was created and hosted by comedian Dave Chappelle, who also starred in various skits.

Indelicato's big breakthrough came when he won the regular role of Justin Suarez, Betty's fashion savvy nephew, on the ABC comedy series “Ugly Betty.” Starring America Ferrera, the show premiered on September 28, 2006, and soon became a hit. It has been renewed for a fourth season, which will begin on October 9, 2009. The show has won Golden Globes for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy (America Ferrera) and Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy, and many other awards and nominations. For his acting job, Indelicato was nominated for a 2007 ALMA for Outstanding Supporting Actor - Television Series, Mini-Series or Television Movie, a 2008 Young Artist for Best Performance in a TV Series - Supporting Young Actor, and two Screen Actors Guilds for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (2007 and 2008). In 2007, Indelicato was also seen playing Antonio in an episode of the popular Disney Channel sitcom “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” called “Lip Syncin' in the Rain.”

Also a singer, Indelicato recorded a CD for young children called “Little Maestro.” He performed with ex “American Idol” contestant Clay Aiken in concert, and in October 2008, took part in the 5th Anniversary concert performance of “Wicked.”

Awards:
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