Michael Urie Reflects on Unusual Early Career Before ‘Ugly Betty’

Before captivating audiences with his sharp wit and nuanced portrayal of Marc St. James on ABC’s “Ugly Betty,” Michael Urie’s career trajectory was anything but typical. In a candid interview, Urie revealed that one of his first jobs in New York City was working as a “party motivator” at bar mitzvahs, where he entertained teenagers on the dance floor to keep the energy high and the celebration lively . Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Urie described the role as “the gayest job you could possibly have,” noting the performative and improvisational skills he honed during those events would later serve him well as an actor .

Urie’s early experiences as a party motivator gave him unique insights into the art of entertainment, audience connection, and self-confidence—traits that became essential when he landed the role of Marc St. James in “Ugly Betty.” The character, a sharp-tongued yet deeply human assistant, quickly became a fan favorite and an important figure for queer representation on network television at a time when authentic LGBTQ+ characters were still rare .

Reflecting on his journey, Urie told Sophia Bush in a recent podcast interview that his unconventional work history provided invaluable lessons about improvisation and adapting to unpredictable environments. “You can’t control how people will react, but you can meet them where they are and make them feel seen,” Urie said, underscoring the importance of empathy in both entertainment and LGBTQ+ advocacy .

Since “Ugly Betty,” Urie has continued to prioritize queer narratives in his work, co-founding the Pride Plays festival to spotlight LGBTQ+ playwrights and stories that might otherwise go unheard . As a producer, director, and actor, he remains deeply invested in creating space for transgender people, lesbians, gay men, bisexual people, nonbinary people, and all members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Urie’s advocacy extends to hosting the GLAAD Media Awards and participating in rewatch podcasts such as “Still Ugly,” where he reunites with his “Ugly Betty” co-star Becki Newton to discuss the show’s legacy and the evolution of queer representation in media .

For many LGBTQ+ viewers, the visibility of out actors like Michael Urie in major television roles has been a source of affirmation and inspiration. Urie has spoken openly about how seeing openly queer performers and stories as a young person helped him envision a future for himself in the industry . He now strives to pay that forward, mentoring emerging talent and encouraging industry leaders to invest in diverse storytelling.

By sharing his story—from bar mitzvah party motivator to acclaimed actor and queer advocate—Urie offers a reminder that every journey is unique, and that the skills developed in unexpected places can become the foundation for groundbreaking work. As the entertainment world continues to evolve, Urie’s commitment to authenticity and inclusion remains a guiding light for both LGBTQ+ performers and audiences alike .