Melvin Lima, a talented Cuban-American actor, writer, and producer, calls New York City his home, having relocated from Miami, Florida, where he grew up and developed his passion for painting and acting from a young age. Born and raised in Miami, Melvin's artistic inclinations were evident early on, as he frequently participated in plays at his elementary school, landing his first role as Joseph in a Christmas play.
Melvin's formal education led him to receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting from Florida International University in 2005. However, it was a chance encounter in 2007 that set him on the path to a career in acting. Working as a gallery assistant, Melvin was asked to be an extra in a music video for a friend, and although he was initially drawn by the promise of free food, he ended up meeting director Fro Rojas, who offered him his first acting role in the short film "Inventing Kin."
Despite having limited acting experience, Melvin seized the opportunity and quickly discovered a new medium that allowed him to tap into his creativity. He became a regular face at independent film auditions in Miami, often landing lead roles. As his confidence grew, Melvin was picked up by a commercial agency, appearing in regional South Florida commercials and eventually booking two national spots.
Realizing the importance of training in honing his craft, Melvin moved to New York in 2011 and enrolled in the William Esper studio, where he was fortunate enough to study under the guidance of Terry Knickerbocker, who had trained renowned actor Sam Rockwell. The two-year commitment proved to be a transformative experience, allowing Melvin to explore his artistic voice, develop his discipline, and discover new aspects of himself.
Melvin's big-screen debut came in 2013 with the feature film "Tio Papi," directed by his long-time friend and collaborator Fro Rojas. He also had the opportunity to work on a short film, "Wynwood," sponsored by Bacardi and the Reel Miami Project, which is set to be released later this year.
