Selton Mello, 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 on December 30, 1972, 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.
In 2024, Mello continues to impact Brazilian cinema with anticipated projects like O Auto da Compadecida 2 and Bury Your Dead, reflecting his ability to adapt to diverse narratives. 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.
Anaconda
2025
Tributo: Francisco Cuoco
Self
2025
The Rogue's Trial
Chicó
2024
Bury Your Dead
Edgar Wilson
2024
I'm Still Here
Rubens Paiva
2024
The Long Voyage of the Yellow Bus
2023
Nos Tempos do Imperador
Dom Pedro II, Imperador do Brasil · (154 episodes)
2021
You Were Never Alone
Self · (7 episodes)
2021
Babenco: Tell Me When I Die
Banquet Attendee
2020
The Mechanism
Marco Ruffo · (16 episodes)
2018
Treze Dias Longe do Sol
Saulo Garcez · (10 episodes)
2017
Lino
Lino (voice)
2017
The Movie of My Life
Paco
2017
Soundtrack
Cris
2017
Lady Night
Self · (1 episode)
2017
My Hindu Friend
Common Man
2016
Dangerous Liaisons
Augusto de Valmont · (10 episodes)
2016
Trash
Frederico
2014
Rio 2096: A Story of Love and Fury
Abeguar / Balaio / Cau / JC (voice)
2013
Sessão de Terapia
Dr. Caio Barone · (70 episodes)
2012
Billi Pig
Wanderlei
2012
Kings & Rats
Troy Somerset
2012
Aperana Street 52
Self
2012
The Clown
Benjamin / Palhaço Pangaré
2011
The Invisible Woman
Pedro · (13 episodes)
2011
Federal
Dani
2010
Lope: The Outlaw
Marqués de las Navas
2010
Reflections of a Blender
Liquidificador (voz)
2010
Miracle Hands
Dimas Bevilláqua · (9 episodes)
2010
Jean Charles
Jean Charles
2009
The Invisible Woman
Pedro
2009
Slightly Out of Tune
Dico - young
2008
The Herb of the Rat
Ele
2008
My Name Ain't Johnny
João Guilherme Estrella
2008
O Sistema
Matias Cadore / Matt · (6 episodes)
2007
Drained
Lourenço
2006
Tarantino's Mind
Friend #2
2006
O Coronel e o Lobisomem
Pernambuco Nogueira
2005
Câmera, Close!
Himself
2005
Dry Movie
Bob
2005
Os Aspones
Tales · (7 episodes)
2004
Nina
Amigo de Ana
2004
Garotas do ABC
Salesiano
2003
Lisbela and the Prisoner
Leléu
2003
Caramuru: Brazil Reinvented
Diogo Álvares, Caramuru
2001
To the Left of the Father
André
2001
Os Normais
Nilo · (1 episode)
2001
Os Normais
Bernardo · (14 episodes)
2001
Os Maias
João da Ega · (42 episodes)
2001
Brava Gente
Daniel · (1 episode)
2000
Brava Gente
Sardinha · (1 episode)
2000
A Dog's Will
Chicó
2000
A Invenção do Brasil
Diogo Álvares, o Caramuru · (3 episodes)
2000
Making of O Auto da Compadecida
2000
Força de um Desejo
Abelardo Silveira Sobral · (226 episodes)
1999
O Auto da Compadecida
Chicó · (4 episodes)
1999
The Battle of Canudos
Tenente Luís da Gama
1997
Four Days in September
César / Oswaldo
1997
A Indomada
Emanuel Faruk · (203 episodes)
1997
A Próxima Vítima
Antônio Mestieri (Tonico) · (203 episodes)
1995
A Comédia da Vida Privada
(1 episode)
1994
Tropicaliente
Vitor Velasquez · (194 episodes)
1994
Lamarca
Ivan
1994
Olho no Olho
João Carlos Zapata (Juca) · (185 episodes)
1993
Pedra Sobre Pedra
Bruno · (179 episodes)
1992
Uma Escola Atrapalhada
Renan
1990
Sinhá Moça
Rafael (criança) · (1 episode)
1986
Corpo a Corpo
Ronaldo Pellegrini · (179 episodes)
1984