5 Instances the World Was Infatuated with Charles Melton Pre-'May December' Craze
From his breakout role in 'Riverdale' to captivating performances in 'AHS' and 'The Sun Is Also a Star,' explore how Charles Melton charmed audiences way before his acclaimed role in 'May December' Discover the rise of this talented actor in 5 must-see projects (349 characters)
Charles Melton has received high praise for his performance in May December, showcasing his impressive acting skills. For those familiar with his filmography, this comes as no surprise. Melton's journey to success includes moving frequently as a child before settling in Manhattan, Kansas. Initially, he pursued studies at Kansas State University before leaving to chase his passion for acting in Los Angeles.
"My parents have always been incredibly supportive. They were a bit nervous about me moving, not knowing what would happen, but their support meant everything to me," he told Today in November 2023. "I'll never forget driving to football practice and hearing a radio ad asking, 'Do you want to be an actor?' I immediately knew that was what I wanted to do. I auditioned and one thing led to another, eventually leading me to L.A."
Before making it big, Melton briefly pursued modeling and landed guest roles on Glee and American Horror Story. His breakthrough came when he took over the role of Reggie Mantle on The CW's Riverdale, where he starred from 2017 to 2023.
After securing the fan-favorite role, Melton added to his list of credits with appearances on American Horror Stories and Poker Face. In his film work, Melton impressed audiences with his roles in The Sun Is Also a Star and Heart of Champions.
However, it was his role alongside Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore in May December that truly earned him recognition for his acting talent. Following the movie's release in December 2023, critics and fans began to advocate for Melton to receive an Academy Award nomination for his gripping performance as Joe.
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Before the 2024 Oscar nomination announcements, Melton won awards at the Gotham Awards, New York Film Critics Circle, and Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Take a look at some of Melton's stand-out performances below.
Credit: Justine Yeung/The CW
5 Times Us Was Obsessed With Charles Melton Before the ‘May December’ Hype
Charles Melton's performance in May December has sparked major praise, but the actor's skills aren’t a surprise for those of Us more familiar with his filmography.
Having moved around frequently during his childhood, Melton eventually settled in Manhattan, Kansas. Although he initially studied at Kansas State University, he ultimately decided to drop out and move to Los Angeles in pursuit of his acting ambitions.
"[My parents] have always been incredibly supportive," he shared with Today in November 2023. "I think [they were nervous about me moving]. They didn't really know [what would happen], but they were so supportive, and I was really lucky. I was driving to football practice and I heard [a radio ad that asked], 'Do you want to be an actor?' And I was like, 'Yeah.' So I called and I auditioned. Then one thing led to another and I drove out to L.A."
Melton briefly explored modeling before landing guest roles on popular shows such as Glee and American Horror Story. His career took off when he replaced Ross Butler as Reggie Mantle on The CW's Riverdale, a role he held from 2017 to 2023.
Following his success on Riverdale, Melton furthered his acting career with appearances on American Horror Stories and Poker Face. On the big screen, he impressed audiences with his performances in The Sun Is Also a Star and Heart of Champions.
Melton's talent finally received recognition when he acted alongside Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore in the film May December. Following the movie's release in December 2023, both critics and fans praised his performance as Joe, suggesting he deserved an Academy Award nomination.
In anticipation of the 2024 Oscar nominations, Melton won awards at the Gotham Awards, New York Film Critics Circle, and Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Keep scrolling for a look back at Melton's most memorable performances:
Credit: Hulu
'American Horror Story: Hotel'
Melton made a fleeting guest appearance in AHS as Mr. Wu, checking himself into the haunted Hotel Cortez where he was seduced by Agnetha (Helena Mattsson) and ultimately met his demise. As a ghost, Mr. Wu engaged in a polyamorous relationship and became an urban legend, offering sexual favors to female hotel guests from beyond the grave.
Credit: Youtube
‘Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored’
Ariana Grande did everyone a favor by choosing Melton as her romantic partner in her 2019 music video. In the video, Grande tried to convince Melton to break up with his girlfriend for her, and their on-screen chemistry was undeniable.
Credit: Youtube
'The Sun Is Also a Star'
His portrayal opposite Yara Shahidi in The Sun Is Also a Star secured Melton's place as the first Korean American and Asian American actor to headline a teen romance film produced by a major Hollywood studio. Adapted from Nicola Yoon's novel of the same title, Melton portrayed a student who established a bond with an undocumented immigrant as her family confronted deportation.
Credit: Hulu
'American Horror Stories'
We're still reeling from seeing Melton in a crop top on the AHS spinoff. In the Christmas-themed episode, he played Wyatt, a jock who landed on Santa's naughty list.
Credit: The CW
'Riverdale'
Melton never failed to keep us captivated with Reggie's adventurous pursuits, from his wild escapades to his attempt at launching a tickle fetish business. Through Melton's portrayal, viewers also saw the depth of his talent in portraying Reggie's emotional journey as he coped with his father's deteriorating health.
