Ferrera's

Less than year after retiring her signature braces and colorful poncho to bid adieu to Ugly Betty, America Ferrera is back on television, trading in the love triangles, murder trials and Meade family drama for a story line closer to reality — and Ferrera's heart.

America Ferrera: "My Heart is Very Close" to Good Wife Guest Role 2011

Making her Good Wife debut in February, Ferrera's character got caught in the campaign crossfire when Eli Alan Cumming discovered that Natalie was Wendy Scott-Carr's undocumented nanny — and biggest political liability.

America Ferrera: "My Heart is Very Close" to Good Wife Guest Role 2011

Ferrera's career illustrates what Hollywood and Chicago have in common: when women are leaders, great things happen -- but women don't get to lead nearly often enough.

K. Sujata: Tearing Down the Celluloid Ceiling K. Sujata 2011

For example, Salma Hayek was an executive producer of Ugly Betty, and Ferrera's breakthrough came in Real Woman Have Curves, directed and co-written by women.

K. Sujata: Tearing Down the Celluloid Ceiling K. Sujata 2011

Ferrera's career illustrates what Hollywood and Chicago have in common: when women are leaders, great things happen -- but women don't get to lead nearly often enough.

K. Sujata: Tearing Down the Celluloid Ceiling K. Sujata 2011

For example, Salma Hayek was an executive producer of Ugly Betty, and Ferrera's breakthrough came in Real Woman Have Curves, directed and co-written by women.

K. Sujata: Tearing Down the Celluloid Ceiling K. Sujata 2011

He also revealed that he filmed a kiss with America Ferrera's Natalie Flores last season, but it was cut from the show.

Scoop on The Good Wife, Glee and More 2011

Plus, get the latest on Charlie Sheen's possible new TV show, and America Ferrera's surprise wedding.

Harry Potter's Daniel Radcliffe: I Won't Miss Those Quidditch Scenes! 2011

Ferrera's career illustrates what Hollywood and Chicago have in common: when women are leaders, great things happen -- but women don't get to lead nearly often enough.

K. Sujata: Tearing Down the Celluloid Ceiling K. Sujata 2011

For example, Salma Hayek was an executive producer of Ugly Betty, and Ferrera's breakthrough came in Real Woman Have Curves, directed and co-written by women.

K. Sujata: Tearing Down the Celluloid Ceiling K. Sujata 2011