The collaboration of the Multicultural Student Affairs and College Hispanic American Students brought alumna Aurabela “Belita” Moreno as the Hispanic Heritage Month closing speaker.

Belita is mainly known for her role in the “George Lopez” show as “Benny,” the rather blunt grandmother.

On Wednesday, Belita spoke about her childhood and her hardships and triumphs as a Latina of her time.

Belita was born in Dallas, attended Justin F. Kimball High School and was the second Latina to major in theater at Southern Methodist University on a
full scholarship.

Before Belita’s acting career started in earnest, she worked at the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Santa Maria, Calif.

However, it wasn’t long before Belita missed the theater.

She appeared in film productions such as “3 Women,” “A Wedding,” “A Perfect Couple,” and many others.

She then became a regular on the ABC sitcom “Perfect Strangers” from 1986 to 1992 and portrayed Beth Henley’s “Popeye” in “The Miss Firecracker Contest.”

Then, from 2002 to 2007, Belita had a regular role as “Benny” in “George Lopez” that was the second most watched TV show after “Friends.”

Belita spoke about her childhood hardships as a Latina in her neighborhood and as a Latina actor.

She also spoke of her transformation from a shy child to an outspoken actor who never knew the meaning of the word “no,” when in the pursuit of following
her dreams.

In the closing of the Q&A; portion, Belita offered free advice to the current students of SMU that included “dream, be curious, and be open” when striving to make dreams come true.

Belita embodies the notion that with perseverance and dedication one can accomplish his or her dreams.