Charles Melton: Quietly Transforming into the Next-Gen Star of ‘Beef’

Charles Melton is quietly transforming into a next‑generation star in Beef. The actor plays Austin in season two of the anthology series Beef on Netflix. Austin is a former college football standout who now works as a trainer.

On Austin and the show’s tone

Austin is swept into the central conflict early in the season. He and his fiancée, played by Cailee Spaeny, witness a violent altercation between a country club manager and his wife. The manager is played by Oscar Isaac and his wife by Carey Mulligan.

Creator Lee Sung Jin, also known as Sonny Lee, co‑crafted Austin with Melton. The actor and writer traded long conversations as the character took shape. Melton has pushed back on reductive labels and emphasized Austin’s kindness and intent.

Career arc and breakout roles

Melton replaced Ross Butler on Riverdale in 2017. He then worked steadily in film and television.

In 2023 he starred as Joe in Todd Haynes’s May December. Julianne Moore plays Gracie, and Natalie Portman plays an actress researching Gracie’s life. Melton gained 40 pounds for that role to achieve the character’s lived‑in look.

He also appears in Warfare, a drama about a Navy SEAL platoon from Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza. The cast included Will Poulter, Joseph Quinn, and Kit Connor. The production required immersive boot‑camp training.

Physical work and training

Melton approaches physical transformations with fidelity to the character. For Warfare he focused on dense, functional strength and conditioning. He worked on running, rucking, and trap‑bar deadlifts rather than bodybuilding size.

He prepared Austin with power cleans, squats, and deadlifts to match the trainer’s former football physique. Melton has a history as a competitive athlete. He ran track and played multiple sports in school.

Athletic background and stats

• Started football in eighth grade.
• Earned all‑state honors twice in high school.
• Played in Kansas’s high school all‑star game in 2009.
• Reported personal bests included a 10.9‑second 100‑meter and a 4.5‑second 40‑yard dash.
• Was a preferred walk‑on at Kansas State University before leaving to pursue auditions and modeling.

Method, nuance, and public perception

Directors and co‑workers praise Melton’s meticulous approach. Lee Sung Jin noted the actor’s focus during ADR sessions. Song Kang‑ho, a Beef co‑star, also impressed production with repeated takes.

Observers describe Melton as subtle rather than theatrical. He often erases himself inside a role to deliver quiet, affecting moments. This restraint made some of his performances stand out among bigger names.

Personal life and recent milestones

Melton lives in Los Angeles and became a father days before this interview. His partner is filmmaker and photographer Camille Summers‑Valli. Melton showed baby photos during a visit to Millie’s Cafe in Los Angeles.

He grew up in a military family and moved often. His childhood included stints in Alaska, Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, South Korea for five years, Texas, Germany for four years, and Kansas. That upbringing informed his adaptability.

Style, routine, and leisure

Melton has a measured approach to grooming and style. He worked with hairstylist Candice Birns on a soft mullet look. He does not manage his own social accounts and learned about some trends after public events.

He favors functional training now and works with trainer Ty Manzo. Steven Yeun recommended Manzo for the Warfare preparation. Melton has adjusted training to protect joints and focus on mobility.

Small pleasures and habits

• Frequented Millie’s Cafe and Handles Coffee in Los Angeles.
• Owns a matte‑black BMW X6 M, which he describes as a practical “dad car.”
• Favorite rewatch is A Knight’s Tale. He often gifts copies of Siddhartha.
• Workout soundtrack includes Kendrick Lamar.

How he chooses roles and what’s next

Melton is selective about projects. Fatherhood has sharpened his priorities and scheduling choices. He wants to balance presence at home with meaningful creative work.

He will star opposite Lucy Liu in a film adaptation of the novel Audition by Katie Kitamura. Melton says he prefers doing great work over seeking headline‑grabbing stunts. Peers credit his conscientiousness and versatility.

This feature appears in the Spring 2026 issue of Filmogaz.com.