Charles Melton Is Feeling Himself
If there was one word to describe Charles Melton, it would be “grateful.”
When I first arrive at the undisclosed location in West Hollywood for our interview, the May December actor had been shooting his ad campaign for YSL Beauty—he’s the handsome new U.S. voice of the brand’s MYSLF cologne in the U.S.—since the early morning, and has a short break to grab something to eat before we talk. I surprise him with a handful of Asian snacks, ranging from rice crackers to chocolate sticks to a variety of Korean moon pies, which he quickly sifts through, picking the rice crackers to consume first.
“That’s so sweet,” Melton says, in the most charming way. “Thank you so much.”
Throughout our interview, the 33-year-old Korean American actor continues to express this gratitude for everything in his life. Since the release of Todd Hayes’ acclaimed Netflix melodrama co-starring Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman, Melton’s stardom has sky-rocketed, earning him high praise from critics and multiple accolades for his performance as Joe Yoo, an emotionally repressed man married to his older, former boss (played by Moore), whom he became involved with when he was just 13 years old. (The script is loosely based on the story of Mary Kay Letourneau.)
“I feel so great,” Melton reflects. “It’s so incredible. The gift of May December and all the things that have been happening in my life. The people that I’ve met [and] the conversations that I’ve had with these people that inspire me are an absolute gift.” (The screenwriter, Samy Burch, received an Oscars nomination for Best Original Screenplay.) He pauses, then continues, “There’s so much to be grateful for. I’m just focused on the work. Art is beautiful. To be a part of that, and to be a storyteller, and an actor, and to be able to have opportunities, that’s so great to me.”
Charles Melton as Joe Yoo in May December.
Melton just wants to live in the moment, focusing on the opportunities he’s already being given. Fortunately, he has several projects lined up to keep him busy. He explains that if he fixates too much on what others think about him, he would lose a sense of himself—and that’s not the type of life he wants to lead. This also applies to his fashion choices.
Throughout awards season, Melton has topped all the style lists for his red carpet looks. But that doesn’t mean he feels any pressure to be camera-ready at all times. He credits his stylist, Samantha McMillen, in understanding how he wants to dress.
“This is a version of expression, and whatever I wear, she’s the director and the person that brings out the best in that whole aspect of things,” Melton explains. “It’s a part of my narrative…I’m just putting on what I want to put on, what I want to wear. That’s really a testament to her art and her vision and it being so aligned with who I am.”
Below, more from Melton on his beauty regimen, how his style has evolved over the years, the one item he can’t live without, and more.
How would you describe your personal style?
There are so many different kinds of clothes, but I prefer very clean and loose-fitting [items] made of great materials. I’m a huge fan of Japanese and Asian influences when it comes to designs. Very clean. But really, I feel great every time I put on whatever. One day can be a different thing. It just depends on what mindset I’m in or what mood [I’m in] or what I’m creating.
What’s the one fashion item you can’t live without?
I love carrying a satchel, which is waterproof, that I have strapped around my body. And I keep a little notepad and chapstick in it. It’s my purse.
Any other trends you’re currently loving?
Right now, I have these Mary Jane shoes that I wear, and these slippers that I really like. I would have never imagined that I would wear those types of shoes, but they’re so great. They kind of fit everything that I am already drawn to with clothes.
Any that you would like to forget?
When I was in high school and during my freshman year in college, I used to wear these muscle tees with skinny spaghetti straps that showed, like, half of my upper torso. I would never do that. No offense to anyone that does that…
Do you have a favorite scent?
MYSLF—I mean, well, not myself, but the YSL fragrance MYSLF. I’ve been wearing YSL Beauty for about seven years. It all started with Y2. I really love those scents; I’ve received the most compliments I’ve ever gotten while wearing those scents. I guess you can say that, or my mom’s home cooking that I can’t live without.
Being mixed Korean, you know we love our skin care, what’s your routine?
I wake up. I use a little face wash, a little moisturizer, and a little eye cream. I do that when I wake up, and then I do that before I go to bed. That’s it. I drink a lot of water, too.
Describe your go-to date night outfit.
That’s simple: a pair of high-water pants, boots, and an oversized sweater.
How do you get ready for a date?
I really try not to think about it. I just brush my teeth. I make sure I have my skin moisturized before I walk out the door. After I walk out of the car to the date, I spray on MYSLF. I like to spray it in the air and then just walk through the aroma. Because that’s what it is: It’s all just a reflection of being myself and expressing myself and spraying on MYSLF.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.