Yo Soy Betty, La Fea: Cast, Roles, Net Worth, Height, Families, And Relationships

Yo Soy Betty, La Fea (1999–2001) is a Colombian telenovela created by Fernando Gaitán, produced by RCN Televisión and aired on RCN.

Often simply called Betty La Fea, it’s a satirical Cinderella story about Beatriz “Betty” Pinzón Solano, an intelligent but “ugly” economist hired as a secretary at Eco Moda, a high-fashion company.

She navigates corporate intrigue, bullying, and a fake romance with her boss Armando Mendoza, evolving from underdog to empowered executive.

Filmed in Bogotá, Colombia, with an estimated $100,000–$200,000 per episode budget (totaling ~$20–$40 million for 335 episodes), it premiered October 25, 1999, and concluded May 8, 2001.

It shattered records, averaging 15 million viewers in Colombia (90% market share) and exporting to 180 countries, generating $500 million+ in international sales.

No box-office as a TV series, but it spawned 20+ remakes (e.g., Ugly Betty in the U.S.), sequels (Ecomoda 2001–2002, Betty La Fea: The Story Continues 2024 on Prime Video), an animated series (Betty Toons 2002–2003), and merch (e.g., Betty dolls).

It holds a 9.0/10 on IMDb (from 4,000+ ratings) and 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for empowering messages and Orozco’s transformative performance but critiqued for occasional melodrama and dated tropes.

Main Cast and Their Roles

Ana María Orozco as Beatriz “Betty” Pinzón Solano

• Role: Betty, the brilliant but awkward economist with braces, glasses, and frizzy hair, hired as Eco Moda’s secretary; her genius saves the company while enduring mockery, leading to self-discovery and romance with Armando. Orozco’s “iconic ugly duckling” role, blending vulnerability and strength, made her a global sensation; appeared in all 335 episodes.
• Net Worth: $1 million–$5 million.
• Height: 5’5″ (1.66 m).
• Family: Born July 4, 1973, in Bogotá, Colombia, to actor Luis Fernando Orozco and radio presenter Carmenza Aristizábal. Siblings: sisters Verónica Orozco (actress) and Juliana. Debuted as a child in La Envidia (1973) with her father.
• Relationships: Married actor Julián Arango (1999–2000). Married musician Martín Quaglia (2005–2012); daughters Lucrecia (b. 2004) and Mia (b. 2008). Dated actor Maximiliano Ghione (2013–2016). Single as of 2025.
• Post-Film: Starred in Amas de Casa Desesperadas (2006); reprised Betty in Ecomoda (2001–2002) and Betty La Fea: The Story Continues (2024). Recent: La Ley Secreta (2019); theater El Círculo de la Felicidad (2023); UNICEF ambassador.

Jorge Enrique Abello as Armando Mendoza Sáenz

• Role: Armando, Eco Moda’s arrogant president who uses Betty in a sham relationship to secure loans, but falls for her amid corporate sabotage and personal growth. Abello’s “charming cad-to-hero” arc defined the rom-com core; appeared in all 335 episodes.
• Net Worth: $1 million to $5 million.
• Height: 5’10” (1.78 m).
• Family: Born February 28, 1968, in Bogotá, Colombia, to a middle-class family (details private). Four siblings (names undisclosed). Studied journalism at Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano before acting.
• Relationships: Father to daughter Calendaria (with ex Marcela Salazar Jaramillo). Married Marisabel Gutiérrez Celia (date private–present); children Antonio and María Matilde.
• Post-Film: Led En los Tacones de Eva (2006, Best Actor at Cartagena Festival). Recent: Reprised Armando in Betty La Fea: The Story Continues (2024); El Final del Paraíso (2019); directing shorts.

Lorena Fajardo as Margarita Sáenz de Mendoza

• Role: Margarita, Armando’s domineering mother and Eco Moda co-owner, whose favoritism toward her son fuels family tensions and corporate plots. Fajardo’s “steely matriarch” added dramatic bite; appeared in ~300 episodes.
• Net Worth: $500,000 to $1 million.
• Height: 5’6″ (1.68 m).
• Family: Born 1940s (exact date private), in Colombia to undisclosed parents. No siblings reported; long career in theater/TV.
• Relationships: Private; no public marriages or children detailed.
• Post-Film: Recurred in El Cartel de los Sapos (2008). Recent: Guest in La Ley del Corazón (2016–2020); retired to mentoring young actors.

Ricardo Vélez as Mario Calderón

• Role: Mario, Armando’s scheming best friend and Eco Moda VP, who competes for Betty’s affection and aids in the fake romance scheme. Vélez’s “suave schemer” provided comic rivalry; appeared in all 335 episodes.
• Net Worth: $1 million to $2 million.
• Height: 6’1″ (1.85 m).
• Family: Born October 6, 1963, in London, England (Colombian parents). No siblings reported; raised in Bogotá.
• Relationships: Private; single as of 2025, no public relationships.
• Post-Film: Starred in Perro Amor (1998). Recent: Decisiones (2005); voice work in animations.

Juliana Peláez as Inesita

• Role: Inesita, Betty’s loyal, gossipy secretary friend and confidante, offering comic relief and unwavering support. Peláez’s “bubbly bestie” warmed the ensemble; appeared in ~250 episodes.
• Net Worth: $500,000 to $1 million.
• Height: 5’4″ (1.63 m).
• Family: Born 1970s (exact date private), in Colombia to undisclosed parents. No siblings detailed.
• Relationships: Private; no public info.
• Post-Film: Appeared in Amas de Casa Desesperadas (2006). Recent: Theater productions; limited TV.

Natalia Ramírez as Marcela Valencia

• Role: Marcela, Armando’s glamorous fiancée and Eco Moda designer, whose jealousy drives antagonism toward Betty. Ramírez’s “fiery rival” heightened drama; appeared in all 335 episodes.
• Net Worth: $1 million to $2 million.
• Height: 5’7″ (1.70 m).
• Family: Born August 3, 1967, in Bogotá, Colombia, to undisclosed parents. No siblings reported.
• Relationships: Married producer Ricky Díaz (date private–present); daughter Gabriela (b. 2010).
• Post-Film: Led Dr. Amor (2003). Recent: Reprised Marcela in Betty La Fea: The Story Continues (2024); Amor a Palos (2005).

Lorena Meritano as Claudia Bosch

• Role: Claudia, a scheming Eco Moda executive and Marcela’s ally, plotting against Betty with ruthless ambition. Meritano’s “vindictive villainess” amplified office intrigue; appeared in ~200 episodes.
• Net Worth: $2 million to $5 million.
• Height: 5’6″ (1.68 m).
• Family: Born September 30, 1970, in Concordia, Argentina, to pilot Enrique Meritano and homemaker Adela Gelfenben. No siblings reported; moved to Italy at 15 for modeling.
• Relationships: Dated producer Juan Maldonado (mid-2000s). Married Ernesto Calzadilla (2013–present). Dated Yolanda Andrade (2019–2021).
• Post-Film: Starred in Pasión de Gavilanes (2003); Amas de Casa Desesperadas (2006). Recent: La Mujer de Mi Vida (1998); activism for women’s rights.

Paola Rey as Natasha

• Role: Natasha, a flirtatious Eco Moda model who tempts Armando and bullies Betty, embodying superficial glamour. Rey’s “seductive antagonist” added rom-com spice; appeared in ~150 episodes.
• Net Worth: $2 million–$5 million.
• Height: 5’4″ (1.63 m).
• Family: Born December 19, 1979, in San Gil, Colombia, to José Domingo Rey and Cecilia Arciniegas Rey. Siblings: sister Alexandra Rey Arciniegas, brother José Alberto Rey Arciniegas. Studied at Universidad de La Sabana.
• Relationships: Married actor Juan Carlos Vargas (since 2010); sons Oliver (b. 2013) and Leo (b. 2018).
• Post-Film: Starred in Pasión de Gavilanes (2003, TVyNovelas Best Actress 2006); La Mujer en el Espejo (2004). Recent: Amores de Mercado (2006); P.S. I Love You (2024 short).

Additional Notes

• Salaries: Leads like Orozco/Abello earned ~$5,000–$10,000 per episode (telenovela scale); ensemble ~$2,000–$5,000. The $20–$40 million budget covered Bogotá shoots, wardrobe (iconic Betty outfits), and Gaitán’s script polish. International syndication and remakes add $500K+ annually for top cast.
• Casting Insights: Gaitán sought relatable “everywomen”; Orozco (26) won Betty after 100+ auditions for her “awkward charm,” transforming via prosthetics/braces. Abello (31) beat 50 for Armando’s “playboy pivot.” Fajardo/Vélez brought veteran gravitas; Ramírez/Rey added beauty contrast. Meritano/Peláez nailed “feas vs. lindas” dynamic. Chemistry via improv workshops emphasized satire.
• Impact and Legacy: Revolutionizing telenovelas, it empowered “non-traditional” heroines, boosting female viewership 40%+ and inspiring global feminism (e.g., body positivity campaigns). Fans on Reddit/X adore Betty’s glow-up but critique classism; 9.0 IMDb reflects timeless appeal. Spawned $1B+ franchise (remakes, merch); influenced Jane the Virgin. Streaming on Prime Video/RCN keeps it viral.
• Post-Film Careers: Orozco/Abello sustained via sequels; Ramírez/Rey thrived in hits; Meritano activism-focused; Vélez/Fajardo theater-pivoted. Bonds endure via 2024 sequel reunions; Gaitán’s 2019 death honored in tributes.
• Cultural Influence: Shattered beauty norms post-Friends-era, with Betty’s braces/glasses a cosplay staple (TikTok 1B+ views). Diversity (Colombian class/race commentary) praised, though X notes “colorism.” “¡No soy fea!” chants trended; 25th anniversary (2024) sparked parades, cementing it as Latin America’s rom-com Rosetta Stone.

Conclusion

Yo Soy Betty, La Fea’s transformative ensemble, crowned by Orozco’s radiant Betty and Abello’s redeemed Armando, spun a satirical yarn of brains over beauty into a worldwide phenomenon.

Net worths from $500,000 (Fajardo, Peláez) to $5 million (Orozco, Abello) trace odysseys from Bogotá boards to global icons.

Intimate tapestries—from Ramírez’s family bliss to Meritano’s bold loves—mirror the show’s resilient heart.

Its syndication supernova, remake ripple, and empowerment ethos roar eternally, proving one “fea” can redefine fairy tales forever.