Selton Mello
Acting • Born 1972-12-30
Biography
Selton Figueiredo Melo (born December 30, 1972) one of Brazil’s most respected actors and directors, has built a remarkable career spanning four decades. From his beginnings as a child actor to his status as a celebrated artist, Mello has consistently demonstrated his passion for storytelling and connection with audiences. Born in Passos, Minas Gerais, Mello began acting in Brazilian television soap operas during the 1980s. His talent quickly earned him recognition, leading to his transition to cinema. In the 1990s, he gained acclaim with films such as Lavoura Arcaica (To the Left of the Father) and O Auto da Compadecida (A Dog’s Will). The latter remains a cultural classic, with Mello’s role as Chicó highlighting his comedic timing and depth. Mello’s versatility as an actor is evident in his diverse filmography, including Meu Nome Não É Johnny (My Name Ain’t Johnny)* and Jean Charles, a poignant portrayal of a Brazilian immigrant’s tragic story. In Ainda Estou Aqui (I’m Still Here), directed by Walter Salles, Mello delivered a powerful performance as Rubens Paiva, a congressman disappeared during Brazil’s military dictatorship. Beyond acting, Mello has excelled as a director. His 2011 film O Palhaço (The Clown), which explores themes of identity and purpose, received widespread acclaim and numerous awards. His second directorial work, O Filme da Minha Vida (The Movie of My Life), further showcased his storytelling ability, earning accolades at the Rome Film Festival. A member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Mello plays a key role in promoting Brazilian cinema internationally. With over 40 years in the industry, Selton Mello remains a significant figure, celebrated for his contributions as an actor, director, and cultural embassador.
Filmography
76 credits
The Invisible Woman
Movie • 2009
Pedro
Four Days in September
Movie • 1997
César / Oswaldo
The Rogue's Trial
Movie • 2024
Chicó
A Dog's Will
Movie • 2000
Chicó
Dry Movie
Movie • 2005
Bob
Drained
Movie • 2006
Lourenço
Jean Charles
Movie • 2009
Jean Charles
O Coronel e o Lobisomem
Movie • 2005
Pernambuco Nogueira
To the Left of the Father
Movie • 2001
André
Federal
Movie • 2010
Dani
My Name Ain't Johnny
Movie • 2008
João Guilherme Estrella
Lisbela and the Prisoner
Movie • 2003
Leléu
Caramuru: Brazil Reinvented
Movie • 2001
Diogo Álvares, Caramuru
The Herb of the Rat
Movie • 2009
Ele
Slightly Out of Tune
Movie • 2008
Dico - young
I'm Still Here
Movie • 2024
Rubens Paiva
The Clown
Movie • 2011
Benjamim / Palhaço Pangaré
Bury Your Dead
Movie • 2025
Edgar Wilson
A Messed-Up School
Movie • 1990
Renan
Lope: The Outlaw
Movie • 2010
Marqués de las Navas
Billi Pig
Movie • 2012
Wanderlei
Kings & Rats
Movie • 2012
Troy Somerset
Tarantino's Mind
Movie • 2006
Friend #2
Trash
Movie • 2014
Frederico
Rio 2096: A Story of Love and Fury
Movie • 2013
Abeguar / Balaio / Cau / JC (voice)
The Movie of My Life
Movie • 2017
Paco
My Hindu Friend
Movie • 2016
Common Man
Girls from ABC
Movie • 2003
Salesiano
The Long Voyage of the Yellow Bus
Movie • 2023
Soundtrack
Movie • 2017
Cris
Lino
Movie • 2017
Lino (voice)
Nina
Movie • 2004
Amigo de Ana
Reflections of a Blender
Movie • 2010
Liquidificador (voz)
The Battle of Canudos
Movie • 1997
Tenente Luís da Gama
Lamarca
Movie • 1994
Ivan
Aperana Street 52
Movie • 2012
Self
Making of O Auto da Compadecida
Movie • 2000
Câmera, Close!
Movie • 2005
Himself
Babenco: Tell Me When I Die
Movie • 2020
Banquet Attendee
Anaconda
Movie • 2025
Santiago
Tributo: Francisco Cuoco
Movie • 2025
Self
La Perra
Movie
Você Não Sabe Quem Eu Sou
Movie • 2018
Self
The Alienist
Movie
Simão Bacamarte
Sete Vidas
Movie • 2007
voz do Gato
Diário de Novas Lembranças
Movie • 2014
Narrator
I Don’t Even Know Who I Was
Movie
The Invisible Woman
TV • 2011
Pedro
Sessão de Terapia
TV • 2012
Dr. Caio Barone
Os Normais
TV • 2001
Nilo
Lady Night
TV • 2017
Self
Nos Tempos do Imperador
TV • 2021
Dom Pedro II, Imperador do Brasil
The Mechanism
TV • 2018
Marco Ruffo
Os Aspones
TV • 2004
Tales
Corpo a Corpo
TV • 1984
Ronaldo Pellegrini
Os Maias
TV • 2001
João da Ega
You Were Never Alone
TV • 2021
Self
Pedra Sobre Pedra
TV • 1992
Bruno
A Próxima Vítima
TV • 1995
Antônio Mestieri (Tonico)
Tropicaliente
TV • 1994
Vitor Velasquez
A Indomada
TV • 1997
Emanuel Faruk
Força de um Desejo
TV • 1999
Abelardo Silveira Sobral
Olho no Olho
TV • 1993
João Carlos Zapata (Juca)
A Comédia da Vida Privada
TV • 1994
Sinhá Moça
TV • 1986
Rafael (criança)
A Invenção do Brasil
TV • 2000
Diogo Álvares, o Caramuru
O Auto da Compadecida
TV • 1999
Chicó
O Sistema
TV • 2007
Matias Cadore / Matt
Miracle Hands
TV • 2010
Dimas Bevilláqua
Treze Dias Longe do Sol
TV • 2017
Saulo Garcez
Dangerous Liaisons
TV • 2016
Augusto de Valmont
Os Normais
TV • 2001
Bernardo
Brava Gente
TV • 2000
Daniel
Brava Gente
TV • 2000
Sardinha
Braço de Ferro
TV • 1983
Raimundo
O Auto da Compadecida 2
TV • 2026
Chicó