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Selton Mello

Acting Born Dec 30, 1972 Passos, Minas Gerais, Brazil 24 credits

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.

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Known for

Film

Anaconda

as Santiago
Film

A Dog's Will

as Chicó

Full filmography

  • Anaconda (2025) as Santiago
  • Força de um Desejo (1999) as Abelardo Silveira Sobral
  • Brava Gente (2000) as Daniel
  • Brava Gente (2000) as Sardinha
  • The Next Victim (1995) as Antônio Mestieri (Tonico)
  • Corpo a Corpo (1984) as Ronaldo Pellegrini
  • Tropicaliente (1994) as Vitor Velasquez
  • A Indomada (1997) as Emanuel Faruk
  • Pedra Sobre Pedra (1992) as Bruno
  • Olho no Olho (1993) as João Carlos Zapata (Juca)
  • In the Emperor's Times (2021) as Dom Pedro II, Imperador do Brasil
  • Sessão de Terapia (2012) as Dr. Caio Barone
  • A Dog's Will (2000) as Chicó
  • Little Missy (1986) as Rafael (criança)
  • Lady Night (2017) as Self
  • I'm Still Here (2024) as Rubens Paiva
  • Dona Santa (1981) as Sidney
  • Os Maias (2001) as João da Ega
  • The Mechanism (2018) as Marco Ruffo
  • Trash (2014) as Frederico
  • A Comédia da Vida Privada (1994)
  • O Auto da Compadecida (1999) as Chicó
  • Os Normais (2001) as Nilo
  • Os Normais (2001) as Bernardo