Charles Melton, known for his role in the popular CW series *Riverdale*, has taken on a fresh role as the face of the 2027 Gonna Need Milk Milk Man campaign. Having recently embraced fatherhood, the 35-year-old actor is eager to promote the hydrating properties of milk and reminisce about its significance in his childhood.
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Growing up in various locations due to his family’s military background, including Texas, Korea, Germany, and Alaska, Melton has fond memories of guzzling milk after long days spent outdoors. Reflecting on these experiences, he stated, “Milk, for me, has been like a huge part of my childhood.” He recalls the simple pleasure of drinking directly from a gallon, a memory that fondly encapsulates his youthful days.
Although it wasn’t until later in his life that Melton fully realised milk’s hydrating benefits—attributable to its electrolytes and protein—he has always held a deep appreciation for the beverage. “Milk is iconic,” he asserts. Through the Milk Man campaign, he hopes to redefine the beverage’s image while reconnecting with the joyous memories of his youth.
Joining forces with Gonna Need Milk not only allows Melton to champion the drink but also provides him the opportunity to work alongside his partner, Camille Summers-Valli. Summers-Valli, who served as the photographer for the campaign, shares a creative synergy with Melton, having collaborated previously on his Coach Fall 2024 campaign. “I love her work and I love everything she represents,” he said, expressing enthusiasm for their professional relationship.
Recently, Melton and Summers-Valli welcomed their first child together, a milestone he announced on social media. While specifics regarding their baby remain private, Melton revealed his overwhelming joy in becoming a father. “I have the best job in the world and that’s being a dad,” he mentioned, encapsulating a sense of gratitude for this new chapter in his life.
In discussing their creative dynamic, Melton described how a deep trust exists between him and Summers-Valli, both at home and on set. “Whenever you take away the constructs of a structured idea in art, there’s just freedom in trusting the person that you’re working with,” he explained. He added that the collaborative atmosphere in projects is akin to children at play, all contributing their best talents.
The announcement of Melton as the new Milk Man created a buzz on social media, with enthusiastic responses from fans, alongside humorous comments such as “CHARLES…QUENCH ME” from popular Instagram accounts. Despite the fanfare surrounding him, Melton remains grounded, expressing that he doesn’t overly concern himself with his image as a heartthrob. “I think it’s cool, but it’s not something that I really think about,” he stated.
While the attention from the campaign has been gratifying, Melton is primarily focused on the journey of fatherhood. He credits his family and friends for their unwavering support, which has prepared him well for the responsibilities of parenting. When asked what he enjoys most about being a dad, his answer was simple: “Everything.”
Currently, Melton is abroad in France, indulging in the local cuisine, but he looks forward to returning to Los Angeles soon to prepare for an upcoming project with acclaimed directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. Regardless of where he is, he maintains a fondness for milk, insisting on ordering his coffee with “cow milk” to ensure clarity.
For anyone interested in Melton’s collaboration with Gonna Need Milk, a free Milk Man Hydration Calendar will be available with any purchase of milk through the link in the Gonna Need Milk Instagram bio. Through this partnership, Melton invites others to share in the simple joys and nostalgic memories that milk continues to evoke for him.