Hispanic women navigating Hollywood ranks

October 09, 2007 The smiling face of actress America Ferrera in braces, bangs and geeky glasses might not be a revolution in fashion, but it's nothing short of a coup for Hispanic women in entertainment. "Ugly Betty," ABC's Golden Globe-winning comedy, is both a career-making starring vehicle for Ferrera (she's been honored with a Golden Globe and an Emmy for her role) and a crucial victory for executive producer Salma Hayek, who also recently signed a landmark deal to produce Latin-themed pictures for MGM. Writer Luisa Leschin, whose television credits include "George Lopez" and "Resurrection Blvd.," already senses that "Ugly Betty" has whetted the network appetite for Latin-themed programming.

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