Have you ever wondered how some child actors grow up and still stay famous? Mel Maia is one of those rare stars. She started acting when she was very young and quickly became a well-known face on Brazilian TV. Over the years, Mel Maia has taken on many roles and won the hearts of people all across Brazil. In this article, we will talk about her journey from a child star to a loved icon in the entertainment world.
Birth, Parents, and Education
Mel Maia was born on May 3, 2004, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Her full name is Melissa Maia de Sousa. She grew up with her parents, Débora Maia and Luciano Souza, and has a sister named Yasmin Maia.
Mel showed an interest in acting from a young age. She began her acting career in 2011 when she was just 7 years old, appearing in the show “O Relógio da Aventura.” Details about her formal education are not widely publicized, but her early start in acting suggests that she balanced her schooling with her acting commitments.
Her breakout role came in 2012 when she played young Rita in the telenovela “Avenida Brasil,” which brought her national recognition and several awards.
Career
Mel Maia began her acting career at a very young age. In 2011, when she was just 7 years old, she appeared in a TV special called O Relógio da Aventura, playing the role of Nina. This was her first time acting on television.
In 2012, Mel became well-known across Brazil when she played young Rita in the popular TV show Avenida Brasil. Her performance was praised, and she won several awards for her role.
In 2013, she played the main character, Pérola, in the TV show Joia Rara. This role showed her talent and made her even more popular.
Over the next few years, Mel continued to act in many TV shows. In 2015, she played Felícia in Além do Tempo. In 2016, she was in Liberdade, Liberdade as Joaquina. From 2016 to 2017, she starred in A Cara do Pai. In 2018, she appeared in Deus Salve o Rei as Agnes. In 2019, she played Cássia in A Dona do Pedaço.
In 2023, Mel acted in the TV show Vai na Fé, playing the character Guiga. She also appeared in the Netflix series #NoFilter as Lohana. These roles showed that she continues to grow as an actress.
Mel Maia’s career started when she was a child, and over the years, she has become one of Brazil’s most recognized young actresses.
Relationship and Dating History
- João Pedro (2019–2020): In late 2019, Mel Maia was in a relationship with Brazilian footballer João Pedro. At the time, she was 15, and he was 18. Their relationship attracted media attention, especially when Mel visited João in London after he joined Watford FC. Due to legal age considerations in the UK, she returned to Brazil and stayed there until turning 16.
- João Maria Ferreira (Until Early 2025): Mel later dated surfer João Maria Ferreira. Their relationship ended in early 2025.
- Luan Medeiros (2025): In early 2025, rumors surfaced about Mel dating her boxing coach, Luan Medeiros. Photos and videos shared on social media suggested a close relationship. Sources confirmed they were seeing each other, but the relationship was in its early stages.
Social Media Presence
Mel Maia is very active on social media, especially on Instagram. Her official account, @melissamelmaia, has over 21 million followers. She shares photos and videos from her daily life, including moments with friends, family, and her work as an actress. Her posts often show her fun personality and sense of humor.
Mel also uses her platform to talk about important topics like mental health. She connects with her fans by sharing honest thoughts and experiences, which many people appreciate.
In addition to Instagram, Mel has a Facebook page called “Mel Maia,” which is managed by her, her mother, and a fan. She also has a TikTok account, @MelMaia, with 18 million followers, where she shares updates and interacts with her followers.
Net Worth
Mel Maia has achieved significant financial success through her acting career and online presence.
As of 2025, Mel Maia’s estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $5 million. Her income is derived from various sources, including acting roles, brand endorsements, and social media activities.
With a substantial following on platforms like Instagram, Mel Maia leverages her online presence for brand collaborations and sponsored content. Her estimated monthly earnings from social media activities range between $175,000 and $240,000, translating to an annual income of approximately $2.1 million to $2.8 million.
Conclusion
At a tender age, Mel Maia took her first step toward becoming an actress. With unwavering determination, Mel Maia gradually gained recognition across Brazil. She starred in several TV shows, which later paved her way onto Netflix. Besides being a part of her audience’s favorites, Mel has captured the attention of many with his unfiltered honesty on social media. This is a remarkable demonstration of how talent, when combined with relentless dedication, can produce phenomenal results.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Mel Maia?
Mel Maia is a popular Brazilian actress who started acting as a child and became famous after her role in Avenida Brasil.
Q2. What is Mel Maia’s age in 2025?
Mel Maia was born on May 3, 2004, so she is 21 years old in 2025.
Q3. What is Mel Maia’s most famous role?
Her most famous role was playing young Rita in Avenida Brasil in 2012.
Q4. Is Mel Maia active on social media?
Yes, she is very active on Instagram and has over 22 million followers.
Q5. Who has Mel Maia dated?
She has been linked with João Pedro, João Maria Ferreira, and recently with Luan Medeiros in 2025.
Q6. How much is Mel Maia worth in 2025?
Her net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million in 2025.
