< Getty Images; François Duhamel/Courtesy of Netflix >
Charles Melton made headlines for his dedication to gaining weight for his role in May December. The movie, which premiered on Netflix in December 2023, follows the story of actress Elizabeth (Natalie Portman) who travels to meet and study the life of Gracie (Julianne Moore), a controversial romance with Joe (Melton), who is 23 years her junior. Two months before the movie’s release, director Todd Haynes praised Melton for his portrayal of a man emotionally stunted by his trauma. Melton’s performance has received significant praise, showcasing his acting skills beyond his previous roles.
Charles Melton’s decision to gain weight for the role ultimately contributed to his success. The film’s heavy inspiration from Mary Kay Letourneau’s infamous relationship helped elevate Melton’s career, earning him nominations and recognition at various awards shows. Melton’s candid quotes reveal his commitment to embodying the character of Joe, including his diet of childhood snacks and informed decisions to eat whatever he wanted in order to stay in character.