Charles Melton, born January 4, 1991, is a 34-year-old American actor and model of Korean, Caucasian, and Cherokee descent, celebrated for his roles in Riverdale and May December. With a net worth estimated at $7 million in 2025, Melton’s career spans modeling for brands like Dolce & Gabbana and acting in acclaimed films. His height of 6 feet and weight of approximately 73 kg complement his on-screen presence. Currently unmarried, Melton’s dating history includes high-profile relationships. This article delves into his age, career, salary, personal life, and recent updates, offering fresh insights into his journey.
Early Life and Background: Charles Melton’s Age and Roots
Born in Juneau, Alaska, Charles Michael Melton grew up in a military family, frequently relocating due to his father Phil’s Army career. His mother, Sukyong, a Korean immigrant, instilled a strong sense of cultural pride. Living in places like South Korea for five years shaped Melton’s identity as a Korean-American. He settled in Manhattan, Kansas, graduating from Manhattan High School in 2009. At 34 years old in 2025, Melton’s multicultural background fuels his nuanced performances, particularly in roles exploring complex identities.
Melton’s early passion for football saw him play as a defensive back at Kansas State University. However, at 20, he left college to pursue acting, moving to Los Angeles with just $500 and a suitcase of groceries from his family, a testament to their support. This bold move marked the start of his journey to stardom.
Career Journey: From Modeling to Hollywood Stardom
Modeling Beginnings
Melton’s career began in 2012 as a model, walking runways for VLOV New and Park & Ronen at New York Fashion Week. His striking features landed him campaigns with Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, and Mac Cosmetics, where he became the face of their men’s makeup line. His height of 6 feet and weight of 73 kg made him a natural fit for high-fashion editorials, including the cover of Prestige magazine.
Acting Breakthroughs
Melton’s acting debut came in 2014 with a guest role on Glee, followed by appearances in American Horror Story: Hotel (2015–2016). His breakthrough arrived in 2017 as Reggie Mantle in The CW’s Riverdale, a role he took over from Ross Butler. This performance catapulted him to fame, showcasing his ability to portray complex characters. In 2019, he starred as Daniel Bae in The Sun Is Also a Star, becoming the first Asian-American to lead a major Hollywood teen romance film.
His critically acclaimed role in May December (2023) opposite Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman earned him nominations for a Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Movie Award. Melton’s portrayal of Joe, a man grappling with a traumatic past, was praised for its emotional depth. Director Todd Haynes noted, “Charles brought a unique vulnerability to Joe, revealing layers that deepened the story.” Recent projects include Warfare (2024), an A24 war film, and upcoming roles in Love Child with Elizabeth Olsen and Beef Season 2.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in 2025
As of 2025, Charles Melton’s net worth is estimated at $7 million, amassed through acting, modeling, and endorsements. His salary varies by project, with leading roles in films like May December reportedly earning him between $100,000 and $500,000 per project, based on industry standards for actors of his caliber. Modeling campaigns with brands like Kenneth Cole and Dolce & Gabbana also contribute significantly. Unlike some peers, Melton keeps his endorsements private, focusing on his craft over commercial ventures.
Personal Life: Married, Dating, and Relationships
Is Charles Melton Married?
Charles Melton is not married as of 2025. His romantic life, however, has drawn public interest. He dated Riverdale co-star Camila Mendes from October 2018 to December 2019, with a brief reunion in 2021. Their chemistry, both on and off-screen, delighted fans. In 2022, Melton was linked to Chase Sui Wonders, but the relationship ended by late 2022. In 2023, he dated Chloe Bennet, with the couple spotted at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. They parted ways by year’s end.
Melton’s approach to love is refreshingly candid. In a 2023 interview with Hunger Magazine, he said, “Life’s too short to not be a hopeless romantic. Believe in love.” His focus remains on personal growth and career, with no confirmed dating status in 2025.
Family and Values
Melton is close to his family, including parents Phil and Sukyong, and sisters Patricia and Tammie. Tammie works as his producing partner, strengthening their bond. His mother’s support was pivotal, from driving him to football practice to attending premieres like The Sun Is Also a Star. Melton’s Korean heritage and military upbringing instill a grounded perspective, keeping fame from overshadowing his roots.
Physical Stats: Height, Weight, and Presence
Charles Melton’s height of 6 feet (1.85 m) and weight of 73 kg (161 lbs) contribute to his commanding on-screen presence. His athletic build, honed during his football days, suits roles ranging from high school jocks to complex dramatic characters. With black hair, dark brown eyes, and a shoe size of 10 US, Melton maintains a polished yet approachable image, evident in his red-carpet appearances.
Recent Updates and Future Projects
In 2024, Melton starred in Warfare, directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, earning praise for his intense performance. He’s set to appear in Love Child (release TBD) and Her Private Hell alongside Sophie Thatcher. His role in Beef Season 2 with Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan is highly anticipated. As a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics International, Melton advocates for inclusion, reflecting his commitment to social impact.
Unique Insights: A Rising Star’s Perspective
Having followed Melton’s career, I’ve observed his ability to balance mainstream appeal with artistic integrity. His transition from Riverdale’s teen drama to May December’s psychological depth showcases versatility rare among actors his age. Unlike many peers, Melton avoids overexposure, choosing roles that challenge societal norms, like May December’s exploration of trauma. His cultural duality as a Korean-American adds authenticity to his performances, resonating with diverse audiences. Data from IMDb shows May December garnered a 7.0/10 rating, with Melton’s performance cited as a standout, highlighting his growing influence.
Charles Melton Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Charles Michael Melton |
| Date of Birth | January 4, 1991 |
| Age | 34 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Juneau, Alaska, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Korean, Caucasian, Cherokee |
| Height | 6 feet (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 73 kg (161 lbs) |
| Parents | Phil Melton (father), Sukyong Melton (mother) |
| Siblings | Patricia Melton, Tammie Melton |
| Education | Manhattan High School; Kansas State University (dropped out) |
| Profession | Actor, Model |
| Net Worth | $7 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | $100,000–$500,000 per major film project |
| Notable Roles | Reggie Mantle (Riverdale), Joe (May December), Daniel Bae (The Sun Is Also a Star) |
| Awards | Gotham Independent Film Award, National Society of Film Critics Award (2023) |
| Relationship Status | Unmarried; previously dated Camila Mendes, Chase Sui Wonders, Chloe Bennet |
| Social Media | Instagram: @melton (6.7M followers) |
| Charity Work | Global Ambassador for Special Olympics International |
| Upcoming Projects | Love Child, Her Private Hell, Beef Season 2 |
Conclusion
Charles Melton’s journey from a military brat to a Golden Globe-nominated actor is a story of resilience and talent. At 34, his net worth of $7 million, height of 6 feet, and weight of 73 kg complement a career marked by versatility and depth. Unmarried and private about his dating life, Melton focuses on impactful roles and advocacy. For more details, visit his Wikipedia page or follow him on Instagram. Stay tuned for his exciting 2025 projects!
