Selton Mello
Known for: Acting
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
Film
Anaconda
Santiago
2025
Series
Little Missy
Rafael (criança)
1986
Film
I'm Still Here
Rubens Paiva
2024
Series
Força de um Desejo
Abelardo Silveira Sobral
1999
Series
Brava Gente
Daniel
2000
Series
Brava Gente
Sardinha
2000
Series
Lady Night
Self
2017
Series
Sessão de Terapia
Dr. Caio Barone
2012
Series
A Indomada
Emanuel Faruk
1997
Series
In the Emperor's Times
Dom Pedro II, Imperador do Brasil
2021
Series
Power Play
Ronaldo Pellegrini
1984
Series
The Next Victim
Antônio Mestieri (Tonico)
1995
Series
Olho no Olho
João Carlos Zapata (Juca)
1993
Series
Tropicaliente
Vitor Velasquez
1994
Series
Pedra Sobre Pedra
Bruno
1992
Film
A Dog's Will
Chicó
2000
Series
Os Maias
João da Ega
2001
Film
Trash
Frederico
2014
Series
The Mechanism
Marco Ruffo
2018
Series
The Rogue's Trial (TV Series)
Chicó
2026
Series
Braço de Ferro
Raimundo
1983
Series
Os Aspones
Tales
2004
Film
Sete Vidas
voz do Gato
2007
Series
Treze Dias Longe do Sol
Saulo Garcez
2017
Series
O Auto da Compadecida
Chicó
1999
Series
A Comédia da Vida Privada
1994
Film
Nina
Amigo de Ana
2004
Zero K
Series
Miracle Hands
Dimas Bevilláqua
2010
Series
Dangerous Liaisons
Augusto de Valmont
2016
Series
You Were Never Alone
Self
2021
Film
To the Left of the Father
André
2001
Film
Lino
Lino (voice)
2017
Film
Câmera, Close!
Himself
2005
Series
The Invisible Woman
Pedro
2011
Film
Four Days in September
César / Oswaldo
1997
Series
Os Normais
Nilo
2001
Series
Os Normais
Bernardo
2001
Film
La Perra
Duda
2026
Film
Lope: The Outlaw
Marqués de las Navas
2010
Series
O Sistema
Matias Cadore / Matt
2007
Film
The Invisible Woman
Pedro
2009
Film
The Clown
Benjamim / Palhaço Pangaré
2011
Film
Rio 2096: A Story of Love and Fury
Abeguar / Balaio / Cau / JC (voice)
2013
Film
The Rogue's Trial
Chicó
2024
Film
Reflections of a Blender
Liquidificador (voz)
2010
I Don’t Even Know Who I Was
Film
Uma Escola Atrapalhada
Renan
1990
Series
A Invenção do Brasil
Diogo Álvares, o Caramuru
2000
Film
Babenco: Tell Me When I Die
Banquet Attendee
2020
Film
The Long Voyage of the Yellow Bus
2023
Film
Dry Movie
Bob
2005
Film
My Hindu Friend
Common Man
2016
Film
Girls from ABC
Salesiano
2003
Film
Drained
Lourenço
2006
Film
My Name Ain't Johnny
João Guilherme Estrella
2008
Film
The Movie of My Life
Paco
2017
Series
Dona Santa
Sidney
1981
Series
Guerra de Canudos - Minissérie
Tenente Luís da Gama
1997
Film
Lamarca
Ivan
1994
Film
The Alienist
Simão Bacamarte
Film
Kings & Rats
Troy Somerset
2012
Film
Tarantino's Mind
Friend #2
2006
Film
Making of O Auto da Compadecida
2000
Film
O Coronel e o Lobisomem
Pernambuco Nogueira
2005
Film
Slightly Out of Tune
Dico - young
2008
Film
Jean Charles
Jean Charles
2009
Film
Bury Your Dead
Edgar Wilson
2025
Film
Você Não Sabe Quem Eu Sou
Self
2018
Film
Tributo: Francisco Cuoco
Self
2025
Film
Federal
Dani
2010
Film
Caramuru: Brazil Reinvented
Diogo Álvares, Caramuru
2001
Film
Soundtrack
Cris
2017
Film
Billi Pig
Wanderlei
2012
Film
The Battle of Canudos
Tenente Luís da Gama
1997
Film
The Herb of the Rat
Ele
2009
Film
Diário de Novas Lembranças
Narrator
2014
Film
Aperana Street 52
Self
2012
Film
Lisbela and the Prisoner
Leléu
2003