
Selton Mello
Department: 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.
Known For

The Invisible Woman
2009

Four Days in September
1997

The Rogue's Trial
2024

A Dog's Will
2000

Dry Movie
2005

Drained
2006

Jean Charles
2009

O Coronel e o Lobisomem
2005

To the Left of the Father
2001

Federal
2010

My Name Ain't Johnny
2008

Lisbela and the Prisoner
2003

Caramuru: Brazil Reinvented
2001

The Herb of the Rat
2009

Slightly Out of Tune
2008

I'm Still Here
2024

The Clown
2011

Bury Your Dead
2025

A Messed-Up School
1990

Lope: The Outlaw
2010

Billi Pig
2012

Kings & Rats
2012

Tarantino's Mind
2006

Trash
2014

Rio 2096: A Story of Love and Fury
2013

The Movie of My Life
2017

My Hindu Friend
2016

Girls from ABC
2003

The Long Voyage of the Yellow Bus
2023

Soundtrack
2017

Lino
2017

Nina
2004

Reflections of a Blender
2010

The Battle of Canudos
1997

Lamarca
1994

Aperana Street 52
2012

Making of O Auto da Compadecida
2000

Câmera, Close!
2005

Babenco: Tell Me When I Die
2020

Anaconda
2025

Tributo: Francisco Cuoco
2025

La Perra
—

Você Não Sabe Quem Eu Sou
2018

The Alienist
—

Sete Vidas
2007

Diário de Novas Lembranças
2014

I Don’t Even Know Who I Was
—

The Invisible Woman
2011

Sessão de Terapia
2012

Os Normais
2001

Lady Night
2017

Nos Tempos do Imperador
2021

The Mechanism
2018

Os Aspones
2004

Corpo a Corpo
1984

Os Maias
2001

You Were Never Alone
2021

Pedra Sobre Pedra
1992

A Próxima Vítima
1995

Tropicaliente
1994

A Indomada
1997

Força de um Desejo
1999

Olho no Olho
1993

A Comédia da Vida Privada
1994

Sinhá Moça
1986

A Invenção do Brasil
2000

O Auto da Compadecida
1999

O Sistema
2007

Miracle Hands
2010

Treze Dias Longe do Sol
2017

Dangerous Liaisons
2016

Os Normais
2001

Brava Gente
2000

Brava Gente
2000

Braço de Ferro
1983

O Auto da Compadecida 2
2026