Charles Melton Net Worth: $7 Million
Charles Melton’s net worth is estimated at $7 million as of 2026. The Korean-American actor burst onto the scene as Reggie Mantle on Riverdale before earning widespread critical acclaim for his stunning performance in Todd Haynes’ May December (2023), which transformed him from a teen drama heartthrob into one of Hollywood’s most promising dramatic actors.
| Full Name | Charles Michael Melton |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 4, 1991 |
| Age | 35 years old |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, Model |
| Net Worth | $7 Million (2026) |
| Spouse/Partner | Single |
| Known For | Riverdale, May December, The Sun Is Also a Star |
How Does Charles Melton Make Money?
| Income Source | Estimated Amount | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverdale (CW Series) | $3-4M total | Cumulative (personal) | 6 seasons as Reggie Mantle (2017-2023); salary reportedly grew from $20K to $80K+ per episode |
| Film Roles | $500K-1.5M per film | One-time (personal) | May December, The Sun Is Also a Star, Bad Boys: Ride or Die; rates increasing post-May December acclaim |
| Modeling | $200-400K/year | Annual (personal) | Fashion campaigns and magazine covers; represented by major agencies |
| Brand Endorsements | $300-500K/year | Annual (personal) | Fashion and lifestyle brand partnerships |
| Estimated Total Net Worth | $7 Million (2026) | ||
Early Life and Background
Charles Michael Melton was born on January 4, 1991, in Juneau, Alaska, to a Korean mother and an American father of European descent who served in the U.S. military. Growing up in a military family, Melton moved frequently during his childhood, living in various locations across the United States and South Korea before the family settled in Manhattan, Kansas.
Melton attended Kansas State University, where he initially played football as a defensive end for the Wildcats. However, his interests shifted from athletics to entertainment when he began exploring modeling opportunities. He left college to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, moving to Los Angeles to try his hand at both modeling and acting — a decision that would prove transformative.
His mixed Korean-American heritage would later become a significant part of his public identity and career narrative, as he became one of a growing number of Asian-American actors breaking through in mainstream Hollywood. He has spoken publicly about navigating identity between two cultures and the importance of representation in the entertainment industry.
Career and Rise to Fame
Melton’s entertainment career began in modeling, where his striking looks and athletic build quickly caught the attention of major fashion brands and magazines. He appeared in campaigns and editorial spreads while simultaneously pursuing acting opportunities in Los Angeles.
His early acting credits included small guest roles on television shows like Glee in 2014 and American Horror Story: Hotel in 2015-2016. These appearances gave him valuable on-set experience and introduced him to the mechanics of professional television production, but it was his next role that would change everything.
In 2017, Melton was cast as Reggie Mantle on The CW’s hit series Riverdale, replacing Ross Butler who had departed for another show. The role thrust Melton into the spotlight, making him a household name among the show’s massive young audience. He appeared in the series for six seasons through 2023, with his salary reportedly growing from around $20,000 per episode in early seasons to over $80,000 per episode as the show progressed. The role earned him a Teen Choice Award nomination and established his leading man credentials.
In 2019, Melton made history as one of the first Asian-American actors to lead a major studio teen romance in The Sun Is Also a Star, based on Nicola Yoon’s bestselling novel. The film paired him with Yara Shahidi and was a milestone for Asian-American representation in mainstream romantic leads.
However, it was his performance in Todd Haynes’ May December (2023) that truly elevated Melton’s career to a new level. In the film, he played a young man caught in a complex relationship with an older woman, opposite Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore. His nuanced, deeply affecting performance earned him extraordinary critical acclaim and a wave of awards recognition including Best Supporting Actor from the Gotham Independent Film Awards, the National Society of Film Critics, and the New York Film Critics Circle. He also received nominations for the Critics’ Choice Movie Award and the Golden Globe Award, cementing his transition from television heartthrob to serious dramatic actor.
Following May December’s success, Melton appeared in Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024) alongside Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, demonstrating his ability to handle big-budget action entertainment as well as intimate drama. His post-May December career trajectory suggests significantly larger roles and paychecks in the years ahead.
Personal Life
Melton previously dated his Riverdale co-star Camila Mendes from 2018 to 2019, a relationship that attracted significant media attention due to the show’s massive fanbase. As of 2026, Melton appears to be single and focused on his rapidly ascending career.
He is known for maintaining a dedicated fitness regimen, a habit carried over from his college football days. Melton has spoken openly about his experience growing up biracial in America, navigating Korean and American cultural identities, and the impact of representation on young people who share similar backgrounds. He is active on social media, where he engages with fans and shares glimpses of his professional and personal life.
Net Worth History
Melton’s financial journey reflects his career arc from model to TV star to critically acclaimed film actor. His modeling career provided a modest income in his early twenties. The Riverdale series (2017-2023) was his first significant source of wealth, with cumulative earnings estimated at $3-4 million over six seasons. His film career added incrementally through The Sun Is Also a Star and other projects. The May December breakthrough in 2023 significantly increased his market value, and with major studio films now in his pipeline, his net worth is projected to grow substantially in the coming years.
Little-Known Facts
- Melton played college football as a defensive end at Kansas State University before switching to entertainment
- He was born in Juneau, Alaska, making him one of the few Hollywood actors from America’s northernmost state
- He replaced Ross Butler as Reggie Mantle on Riverdale when Butler left for Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why
- His mother is Korean and his father served in the U.S. military, giving him a multicultural upbringing across multiple countries
- His May December performance won Best Supporting Actor from three major critics’ organizations despite not receiving an Oscar nomination
What is Charles Melton’s net worth in 2026?
Charles Melton’s net worth is estimated at $7 million as of 2026. His wealth primarily comes from six seasons on Riverdale, his modeling career, and increasingly lucrative film roles. His critically acclaimed performance in May December has positioned him for even larger paydays going forward.
How did Charles Melton become famous?
Melton first gained widespread fame playing Reggie Mantle on The CW’s Riverdale from 2017 to 2023. He then achieved critical recognition for his performance in Todd Haynes’ May December (2023), which earned him multiple Best Supporting Actor awards from major critics’ organizations.
Is Charles Melton Korean?
Charles Melton is half Korean. His mother is Korean and his father is of European-American descent. He grew up between the United States and South Korea due to his father’s military service. Melton has spoken publicly about his experience navigating dual cultural identities and the importance of Asian-American representation in Hollywood.
Was Charles Melton in May December?
Yes, Melton delivered a career-defining performance in Todd Haynes’ May December (2023) alongside Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore. He played a young man in a complex relationship with an older woman. The role won him Best Supporting Actor from the Gotham Awards, the National Society of Film Critics, and the New York Film Critics Circle.
Did Charles Melton play football?
Yes, before becoming an actor, Charles Melton played college football as a defensive end at Kansas State University. He left the team and eventually left college to pursue modeling and acting in Los Angeles, a career pivot that led to his casting on Riverdale and subsequent film success.
Who did Charles Melton date from Riverdale?
Melton dated his Riverdale co-star Camila Mendes from 2018 to 2019. The relationship attracted significant attention from the show’s devoted fanbase. As of 2026, Melton appears to be single.
How tall is Charles Melton?
Charles Melton stands at 6 feet 1 inch tall (185 cm). His tall, athletic build was honed during his years as a college football player and has served him well in both his modeling and acting careers.
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Post-Riverdale Career Evolution
Charles Melton’s career took a significant turn with his critically acclaimed performance in “May December” (2023), directed by Todd Haynes and starring opposite Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore. The role demonstrated dramatic depth that surprised audiences who primarily knew him from the teen drama “Riverdale.” His nuanced portrayal earned him Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations, opening doors to more serious dramatic opportunities. Melton has since been attached to several prestigious projects, signaling a transition from television heartthrob to respected film actor. His Korean-American heritage and advocacy for Asian representation in Hollywood have also made him an important figure in ongoing conversations about diversity in the entertainment industry.