Selton Mello
Born: 1972-12-30 in Passos, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Known For: Acting
Biography
Selton Figueiredo Melo, known as Selton Mello (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
2026
- O Auto da Compadecida 2 as Chicó
- La Perra as Duda
2025
- Anaconda as Santiago
- Bury Your Dead as Edgar Wilson
- Tributo: Francisco Cuoco as Self
2024
- I'm Still Here as Rubens Paiva
- The Rogue's Trial as Chicó
2023
- The Long Voyage of the Yellow Bus
- Tá Roxeda ... (Art Department Coordinator)
2021
- Nos Tempos do Imperador as Dom Pedro II, Imperador do Brasil
- You Were Never Alone as Self
2020
- Babenco: Tell Me When I Die as Banquet Attendee
2018
- The Mechanism as Marco Ruffo
- Você Não Sabe Quem Eu Sou as Self
2017
- Lady Night as Self
- Lino as Lino (voice)
- Treze Dias Longe do Sol as Saulo Garcez
- Soundtrack as Cris
- The Movie of My Life as Paco
2016
- Dangerous Liaisons as Augusto de Valmont
- My Hindu Friend as Common Man
2014
- Trash as Frederico
- Diário de Novas Lembranças as Narrator
2013
- Rio 2096: A Story of Love and Fury as Abeguar / Balaio / Cau / JC (voice)
2012
- Sessão de Terapia as Dr. Caio Barone
- Kings & Rats as Troy Somerset
- Billi Pig as Wanderlei
- Aperana Street 52 as Self
2011
- The Invisible Woman as Pedro
- The Clown as Benjamim / Palhaço Pangaré
2010
- Lope: The Outlaw as Marqués de las Navas
- Miracle Hands as Dimas Bevilláqua
- Reflections of a Blender as Liquidificador (voz)
- Federal as Dani
2009
- The Invisible Woman as Pedro
- Jean Charles as Jean Charles
- The Herb of the Rat as Ele
2008
- My Name Ain't Johnny as João Guilherme Estrella
- Slightly Out of Tune as Dico - young
- December ... (Editor)
2007
- O Sistema as Matias Cadore / Matt
- Sete Vidas as voz do Gato
2006
- Tarantino's Mind as Friend #2
- Drained as Lourenço
- Quando o Tempo Cair ... (Director)
2005
- Dry Movie as Bob
- O Coronel e o Lobisomem as Pernambuco Nogueira
- Câmera, Close! as Himself
2004
- Os Aspones as Tales
- Nina as Amigo de Ana
2003
- Girls from ABC as Salesiano
- Lisbela and the Prisoner as Leléu
2001
- Os Maias as João da Ega
- Os Normais as Nilo
- To the Left of the Father as André
- Caramuru: Brazil Reinvented as Diogo Álvares, Caramuru
2000
- A Dog's Will as Chicó
- Brava Gente as Daniel
- A Invenção do Brasil as Diogo Álvares, o Caramuru
- Making of O Auto da Compadecida
1999
- Força de um Desejo as Abelardo Silveira Sobral
- O Auto da Compadecida as Chicó
1997
- A Indomada as Emanuel Faruk
- Four Days in September as César / Oswaldo
- The Battle of Canudos as Tenente Luís da Gama
1995
- A Próxima Vítima as Antônio Mestieri (Tonico)
1994
- Tropicaliente as Vitor Velasquez
- A Comédia da Vida Privada
- Lamarca as Ivan
1993
- Olho no Olho as João Carlos Zapata (Juca)
1992
- Pedra Sobre Pedra as Bruno
1990
- Uma Escola Atrapalhada as Renan
1986
- Sinhá Moça as Rafael (criança)
1984
- Corpo a Corpo as Ronaldo Pellegrini
1983
- Braço de Ferro as Raimundo