Gaten Matarazzo is an American actor born September 8, 2002, who achieved international fame portraying Dustin Henderson in Netflix’s “Stranger Things” since 2016. Before his television breakthrough, Matarazzo established himself on Broadway with notable roles in “Les Misérables” and “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.” Born with cleidocranial dysplasia, he actively advocates for CCD awareness through charity work and social media outreach. His entertainment career encompasses hosting Netflix’s “Prank Encounters” and voice acting, while his advocacy efforts reveal additional dimensions of his public persona.
Gaetano John “Gaten” Matarazzo III, born September 8, 2002, in New London, Connecticut, emerged as a prominent young actor through his breakthrough role as Dustin Henderson in Netflix’s science fiction series “Stranger Things,” which premiered in 2016.
Young Connecticut-born actor Gaten Matarazzo achieved stardom portraying Dustin Henderson in Netflix’s hit science fiction series Stranger Things.
Raised in Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, by parents Gaetano John Matarazzo Jr. and Heather Matarazzo, he grew up in a supportive artistic environment alongside older sister Sabrina and younger brother Carmen, with the family tracing their heritage to Italian descent from Avellino.
Before achieving television recognition, Matarazzo established himself as an accomplished musical theater performer on Broadway, securing notable roles including Benjamin in “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” from 2011 to 2012 and Gavroche in “Les Misérables” from 2014 to 2015.
His theatrical background provided essential training in singing, dancing, and performance skills that would later enhance his screen presence and vocal abilities. He honed these skills early through vocal training at Starlight Performing Arts Center in New Jersey, where he developed his musical foundation.
The actor’s portrayal of Dustin Henderson in “Stranger Things” catapulted him to international fame, with the series running through 2025 and establishing him as a recognizable figure in contemporary entertainment. His character serves as comic relief among the main cast in the series.
His musical talents gained particular attention when he performed “The NeverEnding Story” with co-star Gabriella Pizzolo in the Season 3 finale, resulting in an 800% increase in YouTube views for the original song following the episode’s release.
Beyond “Stranger Things,” Matarazzo expanded his television career by hosting Netflix’s “Prank Encounters” from 2019 to 2021, while also pursuing film projects including “Honor Society” in 2022 and providing voice work as Boris the Dragon in “My Father’s Dragon.”
His early television experience included a guest appearance on “The Blacklist” in 2015, and he has served as a spokesman for Verizon FiOS since 2017.
Matarazzo’s public profile extends considerably beyond entertainment through his advocacy work for cleidocranial dysplasia awareness.
Born with this rare genetic disorder affecting bone and teeth development, he actively promotes education and fundraising for CCD Smiles, a charity providing dental care to patients with the condition.
He developed a line of T-shirts supporting the organization and frequently utilizes social media platforms to share personal experiences with CCD, increasing visibility and understanding of the condition.
Currently standing 5’4½” tall, Matarazzo has been in a relationship with actress Elizabeth Yu since 2018.
His family actively participates in charity fundraising efforts, with his sister Sabrina initiating Facebook campaigns to support CCD Smiles initiatives, demonstrating the family’s commitment to advocacy work alongside his entertainment career.
