Dr. Mary Beltran

Biography

Mary Beltran is a Professor in the Department of Radio-Television-Film at the Moody College of Communication. Her research focuses on Latina/Latinx representation in media, authorship, U.S. television and film history, and mixed-race media culture. She has investigated representation, social hierarchies, and cultural citizenship in narrative television and film. Beltran’s scholarship explores the evolution of Latina/o film and television production and the implications of media industries' use of mixed-race actors. Her recent book, 'Latino TV: History' (NYU Press, 2022), provides a pioneering exploration of key moments in the evolution of Latina/o narratives and authorship in U.S. English-language television. She has previously published 'Latina/o Stars U.S. Eyes: Making Meaning Film TV Stardom' (University of Illinois Press, 2009) and co-edited the anthology 'Mixed Race Hollywood' (NYU Press, 2008). Beltran has authored articles and book chapters across various venues, and her recent works include titles addressing bilingualism and multiculturalism in media. She was the founding director of the Latino Media Arts & Studies Program at the Moody College of Communication from 2017 to 2020 and currently serves as a faculty advisor for the college’s Latino Media Arts & Studies minor.

Research Interests