Tony Plana stars as Ignacio Suarez on "Ugly Betty," Betty Suarez’s hardworking and devoted father who serves as the emotional center of the Suarez family in Queens. Loving, protective, and deeply committed to his children, Ignacio works to support his family while encouraging Betty to remain true to herself as she enters the demanding world of Mode magazine. His warmth, traditional values, and strong sense of family help ground the series emotionally.
Before joining "Ugly Betty," Plana had already built a long and respected career in film, television, and theater. His screen credits included roles in projects such as "An Officer and a Gentleman," "JFK," and numerous television dramas and comedies, establishing him as a versatile and experienced character actor. He was also widely recognized for his stage work and voice performances.
In addition to his acting career, Plana had extensive experience in theater and directing, contributing to a broad body of work across multiple areas of performance. His ability to balance humor, emotional sincerity, and dramatic weight made him especially well suited for the family-focused storytelling at the heart of "Ugly Betty."
As "Ugly Betty" begins, Plana brings warmth, dignity, and emotional depth to the role of Ignacio Suarez. On the series, he helps anchor the Suarez family with compassion and authenticity while providing an important contrast to the image-driven world of Mode magazine.
