Early Life and Roots
Gaetano John “Gaten” Matarazzo III was born on September 8, 2002 in New London, Connecticut, to Heather and Gaetano John Matarazzo Jr. He grew up in Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, where his family – including an older sister, Sabrina, and a younger brother, Carmen – shared a life rooted in creativity and support for the performing arts. Right from childhood, his parents encouraged his passion for music, singing, and performance – a foundation that would become the bedrock of his future success in film, television, and stage.
Matarazzo’s life was shaped not only by his artistic pursuits but also by his personal experiences with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a rare genetic disorder that affects bone and dental development. CCD is marked by delayed tooth eruption, extra or misaligned teeth, and underdeveloped collarbones—features that Matarazzo openly embraces and uses to fuel greater awareness of the condition.
Far from hiding his differences, Matarazzo works to bring visibility to CCD. His candid conversations about CCD – both on and off screen – have resonated with many who live with physical differences, underlining his role as an advocate as well as an entertainer. In fact, the success of his character on Stranger Things helped normalize and humanize the experience of CCD for audiences worldwide.
The Genesis of a Star: Broadway Beginnings
Before Netflix fame, Matarazzo’s first exposure to professional performance was on Broadway. At the age of nine, he made his Broadway debut as Benjamin in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. From there, he continued to build an impressive early résumé with roles in productions like Les Misérables – where he played Gavroche – Godspell, and other stage shows.
This early immersion in musical theatre wasn’t just training; it was a crucible that taught him discipline, presence, and versatility. He developed vocal skills, stage confidence, and the ability to embody fully realized characters – all of which would prove indispensable years later when he transitioned from stage to screen. His Broadway work also grounded him in community, performance teamwork, and an early understanding of entertainment’s collaborative nature.
Breakthrough: Stranger Things and Dustin Henderson
Casting and Transformation
In 2015, Matarazzo landed what would become his signature role: Dustin Henderson in the Netflix original series Stranger Things. The show, created by Matt and Ross Duffer, debuted in 2016 and quickly became a global phenomenon. Matarazzo, then just 13, brought to life a character beloved for his intelligence, wit, loyalty, and warmth—a blend of pluck and heart that made Dustin one of the most cherished figures in the show’s ensemble cast.
A notable aspect of this casting was the Duffer brothers’ decision to incorporate Matarazzo’s real‑life cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) into Dustin’s character arc. By reflecting the actor’s lived experience on screen, the show helped normalize a physical difference rarely seen in mainstream television, creating an authentic portrayal of someone with CCD who is defined by personality and heroism rather than by his disability alone.
Defining the Role
Over the course of Stranger Things’ five seasons—whose final episodes released in late 2025 in three volumes culminating on December 31, 2025—Matarazzo’s Dustin evolved from a funny, excitable kid with a killer lisp and unforgettable quips to a seasoned teen leader who could anchor emotional stakes and dramatic arcs.
His chemistry with the rest of the cast—particularly with Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler) and Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair), with whom he remains close even after filming wrapped—was always key to the show’s heart. Whether trading jokes, scheming with gadgets and codes, or standing bravely against supernatural forces, Matarazzo’s performance anchored Stranger Things’ blend of adventure, humor, and pathos.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Stranger Things not only made Matarazzo a household name but also helped define an entire pop‑cultural era steeped in 1980s nostalgia. Streams of memes, fan art, and cultural references built around Dustin’s tactics, catchphrases, and bravery attest to the impact he and his castmates made on audiences worldwide.
More than the show’s commercial success, the character of Dustin became a symbol of resilience and acceptance—a hero whose value lay in heart and loyalty rather than physical perfection. For many fans with disabilities or differences, seeing a character like Dustin on screen was profoundly meaningful.
Beyond Hawkins: Media, Film, and Other Ventures
Even as Stranger Things dominated global streaming, Matarazzo remained busy across other creative fronts.
Television and Voice Work
From 2019 to 2021, he hosted Netflix’s Prank Encounters, showcasing his personality and ability to entertain beyond scripted roles.
His voice acting also expanded his range into animated projects. In 2025, he voiced Lucky in Animal Farm, and in previous years he took on roles such as Boris the Dragon in My Father’s Dragon. These voice roles demonstrated his versatility and widened his audience beyond live‑action drama.
Film Projects
Outside of television and stage, Matarazzo appeared in films like Honor Society (2022) and had cameos in other projects. According to his filmed credits, he also completed a project titled Pizza Movie in 2026, indicating a steady evolution into feature work.
Personal Life: Relationships and Identity
Away from the camera, Matarazzo’s personal life reflects grounded commitment and longevity rarely seen in Hollywood. He has been in a long‑term relationship with actress Elizabeth “Lizzy” Yu since 2018 – a connection that began in high school and continues strongly as of late 2025. Their relationship is marked by mutual support, shared creative ambitions, and everyday life milestones that mirror the relatability of his best‑loved character.
Despite being thrust into fame at an early age, Matarazzo has maintained a relatively private, level‑headed approach to celebrity. Colleagues and collaborators often describe him as humble, generous, and fiercely dedicated to his craft – traits that help him navigate the pressures of a high-profile career with poise.
Advocacy and Awareness: Redefining Representation
Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Matarazzo’s public life is how he leverages his platform to promote awareness and support for individuals with CCD. Rather than minimizing his condition, he co‑founded CCD Smiles, a nonprofit aimed at helping families connect with resources, specialists, and support for medical needs associated with CCD.
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