Camila Mendes
Mendes in 2019
Born
Camila Carraro Mendes

(1994-06-29) June 29, 1994 (age 29)[1]
Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S.
Alma materNew York University
OccupationActress
Years active2012–present

Camila Carraro Mendes[2] (/kəˈmiːlə ˈmɛndɛz/; Brazilian Portuguese: [mẽˈdʒis]; born June 29, 1994)[2] is an American actress. She made her debut portraying Veronica Lodge on The CW teen drama series Riverdale (2017–2023), for which she won the Teen Choice Award for Choice Scene Stealer in 2017. Mendes transitioned her career to film, taking on leading roles in films such as the thriller Dangerous Lies (2020), the teen black comedy Do Revenge (2022), and the romantic comedies Upgraded (2024), and Música (2024), serving as an executive producer for the later two. She has has supporting roles in The New Romantic (2018), The Perfect Date (2019), and Palm Springs (2020).

Early life

Mendes was born on June 29, 1994, in Charlottesville, Virginia,[3] to Brazilian parents. Her father, Victor Mendes, is a business executive and her mother, Gisele Carraro, is a flight attendant. She has an older sister.[2][4] Shortly after her birth, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia, then back to Virginia, and then to Orlando, Florida.[5] Due to her father's job and later her parents' divorce, she moved 16 times growing up, but mainly lived in Florida.[6] At the age of 10, she lived in Brazil for a year.[6] Mendes attended the Fine Arts program at the American Heritage School in Plantation, Florida, graduating in 2012.[7] In May 2016, Mendes graduated from New York University Tisch School of the Arts.[8][9][10]

Career

KJ Apa, Lili Reinhart and Mendes at the WonderCon in 2017

Mendes' first acting job was a commercial for IKEA.[11] In 2016, Mendes was cast as "silver-tongued high school sophomore" Veronica Lodge in The CW's teen drama series Riverdale (2017–2023), a subversive take on the Archie Comics.[12] For her performance she won the Teen Choice Award for Choice Scene Stealer in 2017.[13] Mendes was represented by the Carson Kolker Organization, later changing to CAA.[9]

Mendes made her feature film debut as Morgan in The New Romantic, which premiered at the SXSW Festival in March 2018.[14] In the same month, Mendes joined the cast of the romantic comedy The Perfect Date.[15] The film was released on Netflix on April 12, 2019.[16] In 2019, the film Coyote Lake premiered, in which Mendes is the lead. In 2020 she appeared in the critically acclaimed sci-fi/comedy Palm Springs, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was released that July on Hulu.[17] She subsequently headlined the Netflix thriller film Dangerous Lies, released that same year.[18]

In 2022 she co-starred opposite Maya Hawke in the teen black comedy Do Revenge for Netflix earning critical acclaim.[19] Mendes played Drea a popular student at an elite high school trying to get revenge on her ex-boyfriend.[20] Adrian Horton of The Guardian praised her performance writing, "In particular, Mendes’s six years on Riverdale have refined her performance of a popular bitch with secret vulnerability to a fine, relishable point."[21] In February 2024, Mendes starred as Ana Santos, an ambitious art world intern in the Amazon Prime romantic comedy film, Upgraded. The film also starred Archie Renaux, Lena Olin, and Marisa Tomei.[22][23] The film earned positive reviews[24] with Courtney Howard of Variety describing this film as a "clever and charming romantic comedy" adding "Mendes and Renaux make for a lovely on-screen duo, teasing out lighthearted tenderness within the witty banter."[25] That same year she starred in another Amazon romantic comedy, Mùsica (2024) which premiered at the SXSW Festival.[26] Rafael Motamyer of IndieWire praised the film for it's "subversion of the musical comedy", adding the film is "charming" while also praising the chemistry of the two leads.[27]

Personal life

When auditioning for characters of Latin American background, she has been told, "You don't look Latina enough."[28] Mendes is Brazilian American and identifies as Latin American. She speaks Portuguese.[29]

"I really appreciate how these two cultures created who I am. I am a Brazilian of blood, with all the extended family of Brazilians, but I was born and raised in the United States. When I go to Brazil, I feel like an American, and in the United States, I always realize the traits that make me Brazilian."

— Camila Mendes, in an interview with People Magazine.[30]

Mendes was "roofied and sexually assaulted" during her time at NYU, which inspired her to get a tattoo that says "to build a home" in cursive lettering above her rib, representing her commitment to build stability and safety for herself.[31]

Mendes dated photographer and director Ian Wallace from 2013 to 2017.[32][33][34] Mendes had begun dating Riverdale co-star Charles Melton by October 2018;[35] they broke up by December 2019.[36] In 2023, she revealed that she was dating actor and internet personality Rudy Mancuso.[37]

Filmography

Key
† Denotes works that have not yet been released

Film

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2018 The New Romantic Morgan
2019 The Perfect Date Shelby Pace Netflix film
Coyote Lake Ester
2020 Palm Springs Tala
Dangerous Lies Katie Franklin Netflix film
2022 Do Revenge Drea Torres Netflix film
2024 Upgraded Ana Santos Also executive producer
Música Isabella Also executive producer

Television

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2017–2023 Riverdale Veronica Lodge Main role
2020 Day by Day Grace Voice; Episode: "Fallin' Rain"
The Simpsons Tessa Rose Voice; Episode: "The Hateful Eight-Year-Olds"
Dear Class of 2020 Herself Television special
Celebrity Substitute Herself Web series [38]
2021–2022 Fairfax Melody Voice; Recurring role

Music videos

Year Title Artist(s) Role Ref.
2018 "Give a Little" Maggie Rogers Dancer [39]
"Side Effects" The Chainsmokers featuring Emily Warren Riley [40]

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2017 Teen Choice Awards Choice Scene Stealer Riverdale Won [13]
2018 MTV Movie & TV Awards Best Kiss (with KJ Apa) Nominated [41]
People's Choice Awards Female TV Star of 2018 Nominated [42]
Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actress Drama Nominated [43][44]
Choice TV Ship (with KJ Apa) Nominated
2019 Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actress Drama Nominated [45]

References

  1. ^ @CamilaMendes (June 30, 2017). "thank you for all the birthday wishes and making 23 feel more interesting than it is❤️" (Tweet). Archived from the original on May 7, 2023. Retrieved July 17, 2017 – via Twitter.
  2. ^ a b c "Camila Mendes". Biography (A&E Networks). July 17, 2020. Archived from the original on July 26, 2021. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  3. ^ "Camila Mendes". TV Guide. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved May 6, 2017.
  4. ^ "Camila Mendes Biography". TV Guide. Archived from the original on August 19, 2021. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
  5. ^ Rodriguez, Priscilla (April 6, 2017). "Meet Camila Mendes, the Brasilia Bringing 'Riverdale's' Latina Veronica Lodge to Life". Latina. Archived from the original on July 4, 2017. Retrieved May 6, 2017.
  6. ^ a b Flaherty, Keely (February 28, 2017). "Meet TV's New Blair Waldorf". BuzzFeed. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved March 20, 2017.
  7. ^ "Heritage Fine Arts Alumni: Where are they now?". iPatriotPost. April 1, 2020. Archived from the original on December 6, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
  8. ^ Kaplan, Ilana (March 30, 2017). "Meet Camila Mendes, Breakout Star of 'Riverdale'". V. Archived from the original on June 27, 2018. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  9. ^ a b Sun, Rebecca (May 16, 2016). "CAA Signs 'Riverdale' Star Camila Mendes (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 13, 2017. Retrieved March 20, 2017.
  10. ^ Demaria, Meghan (February 24, 2017). "Camila Mendes Is Not Here To Fit Your Latina Stereotype". Refinery29. Archived from the original on June 13, 2018. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  11. ^ "Camila Mendes Shines in the New TV Series "Riverdale" Based on Archie Comics". Da Man. February 8, 2017. Archived from the original on July 1, 2017. Retrieved March 20, 2017.
  12. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (February 26, 2016). "'Riverdale' CW Pilot Finds Veronica". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 27, 2016. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  13. ^ a b Hatchett, Keisha (July 12, 2017). "Teen Choice Awards Reveals Full List of Nominees". TV Guide. Archived from the original on July 12, 2017. Retrieved July 12, 2017.
  14. ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (February 27, 2018). "'The New Romantic' Clip: A Struggling College Graduate Becomes A Sugar Baby In SXSW Comedy". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 12, 2021. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  15. ^ Galuppo, Mia (March 27, 2018). "'Riverdale' Actress Camila Mendes, Matt Walsh to Star in 'The Stand-In'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on September 28, 2020. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  16. ^ Torres, Alejandra (March 26, 2019). "Camila Mendes stars in Netflix's 'The Perfect Date'". HOLA USA. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
  17. ^ Potts, Mark (January 27, 2020). "Andy Samberg, Camila Mendes and Cristin Milioti talk new movie 'Palm Springs'". The Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on July 12, 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2020.
  18. ^ Schaffstall, Katherine (May 1, 2020). "'Riverdale' Star Camila Mendes on More Mature Role in "Dangerous Lies': "It Felt Nice to Graduate"". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved March 27, 2023.
  19. ^ "Do Revenger (2022)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  20. ^ "'Do Revenge' Review: This Vengeful Mean Girl Teen Movie Is a Delicious Delight". Variety. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  21. ^ ((cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/sep/15/do-revenge-review-biting-netflix-comedy-updates-strangers-on-a-train%7Ctitle= Do Revenge review – biting Netflix comedy updates Strangers on a Train|website= [[The Guardan|accessdate= April 1, 2024))
  22. ^ Horton, Adrian (February 9, 2024). "Upgraded review – Camila Mendes rises above uneven romcom". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
  23. ^ Howard, Courtney (February 7, 2024). "'Upgraded' Review: Camila Mendes Takes Flight in a First-Class Cinderella-esque Rom-Com". Variety. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
  24. ^ "Upgraded (2024)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  25. ^ "'Upgraded' Review: Camila Mendes Takes Flight in a First-Class Cinderella-esque Rom-Com". Variety. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  26. ^ "SXSW 2024 Second Wave Includes Pics With Sydney Sweeney, Nicolas Cage, Camila Mendes & 'Monkey Man'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  27. ^ "'Música' Review: A Delightful, Subversive Musical Comedy That Makes Synesthesia Cinematic". IndieWire. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  28. ^ "'Riverdale's' Camila Mendes Gets Real About Being Latina in Hollywood". People. Archived from the original on July 29, 2019. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  29. ^ Weiss, Suzannah (September 2, 2017). "Camila Mendes Gets Told She Doesn't Look "Latina Enough"". Teen Vogue. Archived from the original on July 29, 2019. Retrieved July 29, 2019.
  30. ^ "Riverdale's Camila Mendes Gets Real About Being Latina in Hollywood". People. September 1, 2017. Archived from the original on July 29, 2019. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  31. ^ Schaffstall, Katherine (September 10, 2019). "Riverdale Star Camila Mendes Reveals She Was Roofied and Sexually Assaulted in College". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 23, 2021. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  32. ^ Cohen, Jess (August 24, 2018). "Riverdale's Camila Mendes and Victor Houston Break Up". Archived from the original on October 24, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  33. ^ Sullivan, Corinne (September 16, 2020). "Camila Mendes' Dating History Is Full Of Surprises". Archived from the original on October 24, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  34. ^ "Camila Mendes as Veronica on 'Riverdale': 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know". February 2, 2017. Archived from the original on July 27, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  35. ^ Gay, Danielle (October 8, 2018). "Riverdale has produced another couple as Camila Mendes and Charles Melton confirm dating rumours". Vogue Australia. Archived from the original on November 22, 2021. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
  36. ^ Cohen, Jess (December 5, 2019). "Riverdale's Camila Mendes and Charles Melton Are "Taking a Break"". E! Online. Archived from the original on December 5, 2019. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  37. ^ "Camila Mendes Reveals How She and Boyfriend Rudy Mancuso Make Their Long-Distance Romance Work". E! News. February 14, 2023. Archived from the original on June 25, 2023. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  38. ^ Moore, Andria (April 23, 2020). "Camila Mendes And Bill Nye Starring In New YouTube Series: Everything You Need To Know". International Business Times. Archived from the original on May 27, 2020. Retrieved April 24, 2020.
  39. ^ Reilly, Kaitlin (November 8, 2018). "Camila Mendes Is Low-Key Best Friends With This SNL Showstopper". Refinery29. Archived from the original on October 23, 2020. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
  40. ^ "Camila Mendes Stars In the New Chainsmokers Music Video..." Teen Vogue. August 21, 2018. Archived from the original on January 9, 2021. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
  41. ^ Nordyke, Kimberly (May 3, 2018). "MTV Movie & TV Awards: 'Black Panther,' 'Stranger Things' Top Nominations". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on May 3, 2018. Retrieved May 3, 2018.
  42. ^ Piester, Lauren (November 11, 2018). "Katherine McNamara Wins Female TV Star At the People's Choice Awards After Insane Fan Dedication on People's Choice Awards". E!. Archived from the original on October 26, 2019. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
  43. ^ "Teen Choice Awards: Winners List". The Hollywood Reporter. August 12, 2018. Archived from the original on August 13, 2018. Retrieved August 12, 2018.
  44. ^ Douglas, Esme. "Teen Choice Awards 2018: See the full list of winners". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on August 13, 2018. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  45. ^ Moreau, Jordan (June 19, 2019). "Avengers: Endgame, Riverdale, Aladdin Top 2019 Teen Choice Award Nominations". Variety. Archived from the original on February 22, 2020. Retrieved July 19, 2019.

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