Oscar Hopeful Charles Melton CallsRiverdale'Truly My Juilliard'

Mar. 15, 2025

Charles Melton as Reggie Mantle in ‘Riverdale’.Photo:Kailey Schwerman/The CW

Kailey Schwerman/The CW

While many of the teens onRiverdalewere caught up in sex, lies and murder plots, starCharles Meltonwas using his time on the drama series to perfect his acting chops.

The actor said that the hit CW show “helped me refine this work ethic” as he toldi-D, “I learned so much being there. I formed relationships that I will have until the end of my days.”

Melton, 32, then went a step further, crediting the show for teaching him what the likes of a professional acting program would teach, as he said, “Riverdaletruly was my Juilliard — I was learning and growing and playing and taking risks. I was allowed to do that.”

Melton played football player Reggie Mantle for the show’s entire seven-year run and called August’sseries finale"bittersweet."

“But I’m so happy it brought joy to so many people,” he added.

Justine Yeung/The CW

Melton also acknowledged that the series ending “frees up more time for projects likeMay December,” theJulianne MooreandNatalie Portman-led film that’s earning him Oscar buzz — and for which hewon a Gotham Awardlast month.

He described his involvement in the film — his first major movie role — as “another step … I don’t know in the right direction, but it’s definitely the direction,” as he expressed his desire to continue acting in films in the next few years.

Melton said the list of artists he wants to work with in future projects “is so long.”

Joe Maher/Getty

Earlier this fall after the cast wrapped filmingRiverdale, Melton’s costarsCamila Mendes,Lili ReinhartandMadelaine Petschwere among those who paid tribute to their near decade-long experience on the show.

Mendes, whodated Melton for a yearoff screen, said the show ending marked the end of a whole chapter of life for her and the cast.

Dean Buscher/The CW

Reinhart, 27, shared afive-partseries of Instagram posts to pay tribute to the show, featuring photos with her costars and glimpses into their behind-the-scenes lives.

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RiverdaleandMay Decembercan both be streamed on Netflix.

source: people.com