Mark Indelicato

"Justin was such a dynamic character, he was far more than just his sexual orientation."

When Ugly Betty first came out, it should have been our show. Based in the world of fashion, it starred our favourite ex-Miss America and featured a bunch of relatable LGBT role models….tens across the board, right? Sadly for us, the year was 2006, and Loverboy was still locked up in the closet. So, along with everything else marked ‘homosexuelle’ it went straight on the ‘Watch this and you’re gay’ list. Thanks to the wonders of illegal streaming sites, however, we were allowed to enjoy it years later, and enjoy it we did. I mean, we still use this meme daily.

The show stopped airing after its fourth season but we’re still holding out for its return – come thru Hulu! But while Loverboy has yet to move on, one person who has truly blossomed since then is Mark Indelicato (Justin Suarez). Loverboy’s Michael Turnbull caught up with Mark to discuss life since the show, whether he believes in being typecast and who he still sees from the cast.

What have you been up to since Ugly Betty?
I went to NYU and got my degree in International Relations. I’m currently working on a documentary about my family and my upbringing in a small Pennsylvania town. More to come 🙂

Did you feel Ugly Betty had run its course or was there more to tell?
I definitely don’t feel Ugly Betty has run its course. I know I was left with so many unanswered questions and I think the fans feel the same way.

What would Justin be up to now?
I suppose the short answer would be working at Mode, of course!

Did you ever worry about being typecast?
If by “typecast” you mean gay, then no. Justin was such a dynamic character that he was far more than just his sexual orientation.

You were subject to abuse after playing Justin. How did that affect you?
I think that the radical, homophobic right has always been alive and well and I believe that hatred was the source of said abuse. At the time it was difficult for me to understand why people would write letters that contained death threats, but at twenty-four years old in the age of Trump-ism that doesn’t seem all that odd.

What has been the best thing for you to come out of the Ugly Betty experience?
The best thing to come out of Ugly Betty as a whole was it’s resounding effects on pop culture itself. It truly changed the landscape of television and the possibilities of who could be represented and visible on television on a global scale. But on a lighter note, I think being labeled a “gay icon” by some would be my favourite part. I might not actually be one, but it is nice to hear!

What is your fondest memory from your time on the show?
There are so many fond memories, but more generally, I remember the laughter. We had an incredible time making the show.

Who do you still see from the show?
I see America and Ana Ortiz the most, but I will say that the entire cast has remained extremely close.

Can you tell us a bit about your role in Dead of Summer?
My role as Blair was centered around an openly gay teen in the late 1980’s that falls in love with a closeted trans teen (played by my great and immensely talented friend Zelda Williams). While it was meaningful and important to portray such a story, I also had a great time filming the horror aspects of the show!

Your Instagram profile shows that you love experimenting with style. Who do you consider your style icons?
David Bowie, David Bowie and David Bowie. Need I say more?

Loving the bleached eyebrows. What inspired that?
It was for fun and it kinda just stuck.

You went to Drag Con NY this year. Who is your favourite queen?
I’m partial to Aquaria because we are friends, but I absolutely love Willam, Alaska, Kennedy Davenport and Alyssa Edwards. I love a queen that has a sense of humor.

Lastly we ask everyone this – we are named after the Mariah song. What is your favourite Mariah song?
‘Emotions’. I think it’s her most accomplished whistle tone. You know the one.