Gaten Matarazzo | It's Netflix Nerd

Gaten Matarazzo (born September 8, 2002) is an American actor and singer best known for his role as Dustin Henderson in the Netflix science fiction series Stranger Things. Beyond his acting success, Matarazzo has become a prominent advocate for individuals with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a rare genetic condition he was born with, using his platform to raise awareness and support for those affected by craniofacial disorders.

Quick Facts

Category	Details
Full Name	Gaetano John Matarazzo III
Date of Birth	September 8, 2002
Place of Birth	Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation	Actor, Singer, Advocate
Years Active	2011–present
Known For	Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things
Height	5’5″ (165 cm)

Early Life and Background

Gaetano John Matarazzo III was born in Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, to Gaten Matarazzo Sr. and Heather Matarazzo (not to be confused with actress Heather Matarazzo of Welcome to the Dollhouse fame). He is of Italian descent and grew up in a close-knit family that includes his older siblings, Sabrina and Carmen, and younger brother, Andrew.

Matarazzo was born with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a rare congenital condition affecting approximately one in one million people. The condition affects the development of bones and teeth, and in Matarazzo’s case, it has impacted his teeth and collarbones. He has undergone multiple surgeries throughout his childhood and continues to receive treatment. Rather than hiding this aspect of his life, Matarazzo and his family have been remarkably open about his condition, which would later become an important part of his advocacy work.

Impact of CCD:

Multiple surgeries to address dental and bone development issues
Delayed development of adult teeth
Partial or absent collarbones (a defining characteristic of CCD)
Potential for hearing issues and other complications
Required ongoing medical care and orthodontic treatment

Growing up in New Jersey, Matarazzo showed early interest in performing arts, particularly musical theater. His parents recognized his talents and supported his pursuit of professional opportunities in nearby New York City.

Early Career and Broadway

Matarazzo’s professional career began in musical theater, where he performed on Broadway in several productions before achieving television fame.

Broadway Credits:

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (2011-2012) – Benjamin
Les Misérables (2014-2015) – Gavroche (replacement cast)

Early Theater and Performance:

Participated in regional theater productions in New Jersey
Trained in singing, dancing, and acting from young age
Performed at various musical theater workshops and showcases
Developed strong foundation in live performance

His Broadway experience provided crucial training in stagecraft, vocal performance, and the discipline required for professional entertainment. The role of Gavroche in Les Misérables, a demanding part for a young performer, showcased his singing ability and stage presence.

Breakthrough with Stranger Things

In 2015, Matarazzo auditioned for the role of Dustin Henderson in the Duffer Brothers’ Netflix series Stranger Things. The creators were immediately impressed by his natural charisma, comedic timing, and authentic personality. Importantly, the character of Dustin was written to have cleidocranial dysplasia, incorporating Matarazzo’s real-life condition into the show.

Character Development:

Dustin Henderson: The lovable, scientifically-minded member of the core group
Character traits: Intelligent, loyal, humorous, curious, resilient
Signature elements: Iconic hat collection, distinctive lisp, catchphrases (“She’s our friend and she’s crazy!”)
Evolution: From insecure middle schooler to confident young scientist and hero

Key Character Relationships:

Best friendship with Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) – “The bromance”
Core friend group with Mike, Will, and Lucas
Romantic relationship with Suzie in later seasons
Mentorship relationship with various adults

Matarazzo’s portrayal of Dustin has been universally praised for its warmth, humor, and authenticity. The character became an immediate fan favorite, and the friendship between Dustin and Steve Harrington evolved into one of the show’s most beloved relationships.

Film and Television Work

While Stranger Things remains his primary acting focus, Matarazzo has taken on additional projects that showcase his versatility.

Film and TV Projects

Year	Project	Role	Type
2016–2025	Stranger Things	Dustin Henderson	TV Series (Main Role)
2019	The Angry Birds Movie 2	Various (voice)	Animated Film
2020	Zach’s Lie	Announced	Film
2020	Hump	TBA	Film
2022	Honor Society	Travis	Film

Notable Projects:

Honor Society (2022): Matarazzo played Travis in this Paramount+ teen comedy about an ambitious student scheming to get into Harvard. The role allowed him to showcase his comedic abilities in a different context from Stranger Things.

Hosting and Television Appearances

Beyond scripted acting, Matarazzo has demonstrated natural hosting abilities and charismatic on-camera presence.

Hosting Work:

Prank Encounters (2019-2021) – Host for Netflix hidden camera prank show
Various award show appearances and presentations
Talk show appearances on major networks
Podcast guest appearances

Other Television:

Ridiculousness – Guest appearances
Various entertainment news programs
Award show host and presenter duties
Celebrity gaming streams and online content

His work on Prank Encounters showcased his ability to guide participants through elaborate pranks while maintaining an entertaining and engaging presence.

Advocacy Work

Matarazzo’s most significant contribution beyond entertainment has been his advocacy for individuals with cleidocranial dysplasia and other craniofacial conditions.

CCD Awareness and Advocacy:

Founded CCD Smiles, a fundraising campaign for CCD research and treatment
Partnership with CCD Smiles Foundation
Raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for medical research
Speaks openly about his surgeries and medical journey
Educates public about rare genetic conditions
Advocates for inclusion and representation of people with disabilities

Public Speaking and Education:

Featured in medical conferences about CCD
School visits to discuss differences and acceptance
Media interviews highlighting his condition and advocacy
Documentary appearances about rare diseases
Social media platform used for awareness campaigns

Impact of Advocacy:

Increased public awareness of CCD significantly
Provided representation for children with craniofacial conditions
Normalized discussion of medical differences
Inspired confidence in young people facing similar challenges
Connected families dealing with CCD to resources and support

Matarazzo has stated that being able to use his platform to help others facing similar medical challenges is one of the most rewarding aspects of his fame. His openness about his multiple surgeries and ongoing treatment has been praised by medical professionals and advocacy organizations.

Music and Performance

Drawing on his musical theater background, Matarazzo has continued to pursue music alongside his acting career.

Musical Performances:

Various live performances at charity events
Singing performances on talk shows
Musical theater showcases and benefits
Social media musical content
Collaboration with other Stranger Things cast members on musical numbers

Musical Theater Roots:

Maintains connection to Broadway community
Expressed interest in returning to stage when schedule permits
Vocal training and performance skills consistently maintained
Influences include classic Broadway performers and contemporary musical artists

Awards and Recognition

Major Awards:

Screen Actors Guild Awards (2) – Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (2017, 2018)
Webby Award – Best Individual Performance (2017)
Teen Choice Awards – Multiple wins for Choice Summer TV Actor
MTV Movie & TV Awards – Multiple nominations

Industry Recognition:

Praised for natural comedic timing and emotional authenticity
Recognized for advocacy work by medical and charitable organizations
Featured in “young influencers” and “inspiring youth” lists
Acknowledged for positive representation of people with disabilities

Net Worth

Year	Estimated Net Worth	Primary Income Sources
2017	$1 million	Stranger Things (early seasons)
2020	$3 million	Increased TV salary, hosting work
2023	$5 million	Later seasons, film roles, endorsements
2025	$6-8 million (est.)	Multiple revenue streams, final season

Income Breakdown:

Acting Salary: Reported $250,000+ per episode of Stranger Things (later seasons)
Hosting Work: Compensation for Prank Encounters and other hosting duties
Voice Acting: Animation and video game work
Endorsements: Brand partnerships and sponsored content
Personal Appearances: Convention appearances, speaking engagements
Residuals: Ongoing royalties from Stranger Things streaming

Disclaimer: Net worth figures are estimates based on publicly available information, industry reports, and media sources. Actual net worth may vary significantly. These figures do not represent confirmed financial disclosures and should be considered approximate valuations. Net worth calculations include estimated assets, earnings, and investments but may not account for private expenses, taxes, investments, or undisclosed financial information.

Public Image and Social Media

Matarazzo has cultivated a warm, accessible public image characterized by humor, authenticity, and genuine engagement with fans.

Social Media Presence:

Instagram: 14+ million followers
Twitter/X: Active engagement with fans
TikTok: Entertainment and personal content
Uses platforms for advocacy, professional promotion, and fan interaction
Known for humorous and relatable content

Public Persona:

Reputation for kindness and accessibility
Positive relationships with cast members and colleagues
Humor and self-deprecating comedy
Openness about personal challenges and growth
Strong connection with fan community

Personal Life

Family and Background:

Parents: Gaten Matarazzo Sr. and Heather Matarazzo
Siblings: Sabrina, Carmen, and Andrew
Close-knit Italian-American family
Strong family support throughout career and medical journey
Based in New Jersey with family connections

Relationships:

In a relationship with girlfriend Lizzy Yu (since approximately 2018)
Relatively private about romantic life while occasionally sharing couple moments
Close friendships with Stranger Things cast members

Interests and Hobbies:

Musical theater and live performance
Video games and gaming culture
Sports fandom (particularly football)
Spending time with family and friends
Advocacy and charitable work

Medical Journey and Ongoing Treatment

Matarazzo has been remarkably transparent about his ongoing medical treatment for cleidocranial dysplasia, helping to educate the public and destigmatize medical differences.

Surgical History:

Multiple surgeries throughout childhood and adolescence
Procedures to address dental development
Orthodontic interventions and tooth implants
Ongoing monitoring and treatment
Has documented some procedures publicly to raise awareness

Public Discussion:

Open about pain and recovery processes
Discusses emotional and physical challenges
Emphasizes importance of medical care and support
Thanks medical teams publicly
Encourages others with CCD to seek proper treatment

His willingness to share his medical journey has been praised by doctors, patient advocates, and families dealing with similar conditions.

Education

Despite his demanding career schedule, Matarazzo has prioritized education:

Educational Path:

Homeschooled to accommodate filming schedule
Received high school diploma
Has discussed potential college plans
Maintains interest in learning and personal development
Balances career with educational goals

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Though still in the early stages of his career, Matarazzo has already made significant contributions both in entertainment and advocacy.

Entertainment Industry Impact:

Helped redefine representation of people with disabilities in mainstream media
Demonstrated that medical differences need not be hidden or minimized
Contributed to one of the most successful streaming series ever
Proved Broadway training translates effectively to screen acting
Created iconic character moments and catchphrases

Advocacy Impact:

Dramatically increased awareness of cleidocranial dysplasia
Raised substantial funds for CCD research and treatment
Provided hope and representation for children with craniofacial conditions
Normalized open discussion of medical differences
Connected global CCD community

Influence on Young Audiences:

Role model for authenticity and self-acceptance
Demonstrates importance of using platform for good
Shows that success is possible despite medical challenges
Encourages confidence in young people who feel different

Future Projects and Aspirations

Matarazzo has expressed interest in continuing to diversify his career:

Career Goals:

Returning to Broadway/musical theater
Exploring more film roles
Potential directing and producing opportunities
Continued hosting and entertainment work
Maintaining advocacy efforts

Personal Goals:

Continuing medical treatment and health management
Expanding CCD awareness campaign
Educational pursuits
Maintaining work-life balance

Complete Filmography and Credits

Television:

Stranger Things (2016–2025) – Dustin Henderson (Main Role, Seasons 1-5)
Prank Encounters (2019-2021) – Host (Netflix Series)

Film:

Honor Society (2022) – Travis
The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019) – Various (voice)

Theater:

Les Misérables (2014-2015) – Gavroche (Broadway)
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (2011-2012) – Benjamin (Broadway)

Other Appearances:

Various talk show appearances
Award show presentations
Documentary features about CCD
Music videos and performance specials

50 Fascinating Facts About Gaten Matarazzo

Gaten’s full name is Gaetano John Matarazzo III, named after his father and grandfather
He was born on September 8, 2002, making him a Virgo
Gaten is of Italian descent and proud of his heritage
He was born with cleidocranial dysplasia, a rare genetic condition affecting 1 in 1 million people
His collarbones are partially absent or underdeveloped due to CCD
Gaten has undergone multiple surgeries to address his condition
He has had several teeth surgically implanted over the years
The character Dustin Henderson was written to have CCD after Gaten was cast
Gaten started performing on Broadway at age 8
He played Benjamin in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert on Broadway
His role as Gavroche in Les Misérables showcased his singing talent
Gaten was homeschooled to accommodate his acting career
He auditioned for Stranger Things via self-tape submission
His natural lisp became part of Dustin’s character
Gaten improvised some of Dustin’s most famous lines
He is best friends with Joe Keery both on and off screen
The “Steve and Dustin” dynamic was not originally planned
Gaten founded CCD Smiles to raise awareness for his condition
He has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for CCD research
Gaten has been in a relationship with Lizzy Yu since approximately 2018
He is close friends with all his Stranger Things castmates
Gaten is an avid video game player
He streams video games occasionally on social media
Gaten is a huge fan of the New York Jets football team
He hosted Netflix’s Prank Encounters for two seasons
Gaten has appeared on numerous talk shows including The Tonight Show
He sang at the 2018 Emmy Awards
Gaten performed “Weird Science” at the SAG Awards
His distinctive laugh has become iconic among fans
Gaten’s baseball cap collection as Dustin became a character trademark
He has stated that Dustin’s hat helps him get into character
Gaten was the first of the kids to get a driver’s license during filming
He enjoys cooking and has shared recipes on social media
Gaten has discussed wanting to return to Broadway someday
He maintains strong connections to the theater community
Gaten has been open about his insecurities growing up
He credits his family for keeping him grounded
Gaten has two older sisters and one younger brother
His parents have been incredibly supportive of his advocacy work
Gaten has appeared in medical conferences discussing CCD
He has met numerous families affected by CCD through his advocacy
Gaten’s openness about his condition has helped reduce stigma
He has stated that helping others with CCD is more important than acting success
Gaten received his high school diploma despite his busy schedule
He has expressed interest in potentially attending college
Gaten is known for his infectious enthusiasm and positive attitude
He has discussed the emotional challenges of growing up with a visible difference
Gaten’s relationship with Lizzy Yu is frequently featured on his social media
He has said that Stranger Things changed his life completely
Gaten hopes to be remembered for his advocacy as much as his acting

Disclaimer: This biography is based on publicly available information as of January 2026. Personal details, net worth estimates, and career information have been compiled from credible sources but may not reflect the most current developments or complete private information. All facts presented represent publicly known information and should be considered general knowledge rather than comprehensive personal disclosure.

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