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Will Marc Find Love On 'Ugly Betty'? Former Clearwater Resident Hopes So

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 25, 2007

Mode magazine's flamboyant office snitch Marc St. James (Michael Urie) finally hooks up for romance on ABC's 'Ugly Betty.'

And the object of his affection is a scruffy, slightly chubby, fashion-challenged photographer named Cliff, played by David Blue, who grew up in Clearwater.

'It was exciting to be working with all those amazing actors,' says Blue, who grew a beard for the role.

'My character presents an odd situation for Marc because he's such a fashionable guy, and my character is average-looking and doesn't care about how he dresses,' Blue said in a recent telephone interview.

'He's comfortable just being himself, but Marc is not comfortable and is actually ashamed of Cliff.'

Instant Chemistry Tonight

Blue appears in three episodes, and the door is open for more in the future. On tonight's episode at 8, Marc meets Cliff, and there is instant chemistry.

It's one of several story lines being juggled on this comedy-fantasy series set at a fashion magazine.

Now in its second season, 'Ugly Betty' revolves around the misadventures of Betty Suarez (America Ferrera), a smart, sweet, hard-working Latina from a modest background who is not thin and fashion-savvy like her co-workers at Mode.

Marc has become a breakout character. He's the snippy, insecure assistant to the villainous Wilhelmina Slater (Vanessa Williams), a Mode executive who wants to take over the magazine.

'I think that so many fans who love the Marc character want to see more of his home life, and I feel like I was brought in to allow that to happen,' Blue says.

'I think I did a decent job of bringing out a softer side to Marc's character.'

Marc is attracted to Cliff's sense of humor and laid-back attitude. In next week's episode, we learn that Marc fears becoming lonely and empty like Wilhelmina, but he is still embarrassed to be seen with Cliff.

Blue says he hopes his run on the series will be extended 'for my career and my bank account.'

Moved To Clearwater As A Child

Born on Long Island, N.Y., Blue moved to Clearwater with his family when he was 8.

'I went to Safety Harbor Middle School and Countryside High School,' he says.

'I was in the 'Nutcracker' in the second grade, and I performed in plays at Countryside, but it was just for fun,' he says. 'I planned to get a degree in computer science at the University of Florida. But just before I was to go to college, I was in my room at home one night, and I decided that while I'm great at computers, I love acting. So I switched to the University of Central Florida.'

He earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in acting and musical theater performance. His first film role was in a low-budget independent film, 'Winter Follies,' an early project by director Darren Lynn Bousman, who would go on to make the horror thrillers 'Saw II' and 'Saw III.'

A self-taught piano and guitar player and champion swing dancer, Blue worked in regional theaters throughout the country before moving to Los Angeles in 2002. He has had minor roles on 'Scrubs,' 'Veronica Mars,' 'The Suite Life of Zack and Cody' and 'Dirt.'

In between acting gigs, he has worked as a waiter and done all the odd jobs actors do until they get their big break.

'Working on 'Ugly Betty' was so amazing,' he says. 'I know it sounds corny and Hollywood, but everyone there was nice, and it was fun just to be watching the actors work. I didn't want to leave. They actually were like a family.'

Walt Belcher can be reached at (813) 259-7654 or wbelcher@tampatrib.com.

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