Gabriella Pizzolo Bio, Career, Family, Stranger Things and More

Gabriella Pizzolo is an American actor and singer who moved from regional theater to Broadway and then to global streaming fame

She first attracted attention as a child on Broadway. Later she became a fan favorite on Netflix’s Stranger Things.

Along the way she has used her public voice to represent queer and non-binary youth.

This article includes a facts table, a longer narrative of career and life, a statistics table you can scan quickly, frequently asked questions with short answers, and sources.

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Gabriella Pizzolo’s Biography

Early life and first steps on stage

Gabriella was born on March 10, 2003 in Schenectady, New York. She grew up in upstate New York with her family.

Her mother is a teacher and helped with schooling at home while Gabriella performed in demanding stage schedules. That home support was important when professional work required travel and long rehearsal days.

From early childhood she loved performing. She appeared in regional theatre productions before auditioning for larger roles in New York.¹

As a young performer Gabriella learned both singing and acting. Musical theatre demands strong vocal skill and stage presence. Those early lessons and the discipline of theatre prepared her for the next step: Broadway.

The skills that work on stage also translate to screen work. Stage training taught her to hold a role for multiple performances and to develop a character with consistency. That foundation explains how she moved smoothly from child roles on stage to recurring characters on television.

Talent ❤ https://t.co/62HqXVD1ZT

— Gabriella pizzolo (@Gabriellapizzo6) June 25, 2020

Quick Facts

Broadway Breakthrough: Matilda the Musical

Gabriella’s first major spotlight came with Matilda the Musical on Broadway. She auditioned for the role and won a place in the production. She made her Broadway debut in the title role.

Playing Matilda is a heavy lift for a child actor. The role requires singing, precise comic timing and emotional depth.

Gabriella performed the role for many months and made public appearances connected to the show. That early exposure on Broadway introduced her to a national audience and to industry professionals who would later cast her in other projects.²

The experience also taught her practical lessons. Working on Broadway means learning to manage a professional schedule while growing up. Gabriella’s family and support team balanced school and rehearsals.

Those years gave her both craft training and real world experience of touring, press and the discipline of live performance. The credibility she earned from Broadway helped open doors for future roles.

Fun Home and other theatre work

After Matilda Gabriella joined the cast of Fun Home. At first she served as an understudy for several parts. Later she took over the role of Small Alison.

Fun Home is a modern musical with emotional weight. Gabriella’s time in that show let her show range beyond child roles. She sang the important number “Ring of Keys” at public events and in concerts. Performing that song on major stages increased her visibility among theatre fans and critics.

She also took part in concert performances such as Sunday in the Park with George at New York City Center and played Opal in a staged production of Because of Winn Dixie at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. These jobs show her breadth.

She did straight theatre, musical theatre and concert performances. That variety kept her skills sharp and showcased her as a young actor who could handle different styles.

Transition to Screen: Early TV and Voice Work

Gabriella’s first screen credits include guest parts and voice roles. She appeared in episodic TV and in a television film. She also found work in animation.

From 2018 she voiced Cricket in the children’s series Butterbean’s Café. Voice work uses a different skill set from stage acting. It requires nuanced vocal control and the ability to create character with the voice alone.

That work helped expand her resume and showed casting directors she could move between mediums.³

These smaller screen parts were important. They served as a bridge from theatre to mainstream television. Gabriella adjusted to the different pace of shooting on camera. That learning prepared her for larger recurring roles.

The Stranger Things effect

In 2019 Gabriella joined the cast of Netflix’s Stranger Things as Suzie Bingham. Suzie is introduced as the girlfriend of a popular character, and she ends up playing a memorable part in the story.

The show already had a massive global audience. That meant Gabriella’s performance reached viewers around the world. The role became a signature credit on her résumé and brought her widespread recognition.

Stranger Things boosted Gabriella’s visibility in two ways. First, the show’s large fanbase created immediate recognition. Second, the series’ press coverage placed her in bigger interviews and panel events.

For a young actor, appearing in a hit streaming series can speed career growth. Gabriella grew her fanbase, increased her social media followers, and connected with more casting teams because of her work on the show.

Other Notable Screen Roles

Beyond Stranger Things, Gabriella has continued to build on-screen credits. She appeared in projects that include TV films and a recurring role in newer series. She also appears in short films and indie projects.

Along with voice work, these choices show a willingness to explore different kinds of storytelling.

For casting professionals, having range on both stage and screen is a big advantage. Gabriella’s resume now includes Broadway, network television, voice acting and streaming series.

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Public Identity and Advocacy

Gabriella has been public about her gender identity and sexual orientation. She uses she/they pronouns and identifies as pansexual. She has been included in GLAAD’s 20 Under 20 list.

That recognition highlights young LGBTQ voices who are active in arts and activism. By being open about identity, Gabriella places herself among a visible group of young actors who are expanding representation.

This visibility can help fans who look for role models and for actors who reflect their own identities.⁴

Her public presence on social platforms also gives her a place to comment on representation in media. Many young actors today balance careers and advocacy.

Gabriella’s choices and the roles she accepts show her commitment to visibility for queer and non-binary people in the arts. That commitment aligns with organizations and campaigns that celebrate young LGBTQ leaders.

Education and The Next Chapter

While working professionally, Gabriella also pursued education. She attended the State University of New York at Purchase, a college known for strong arts programs. Balancing academic study and acting work takes planning.

A college education can give actors tools for life beyond performance. It also helps build skills in areas like psychology, writing and production if they choose to diversify. Gabriella’s continued study suggests she values both craft and broader learning.

As of the latest public records, Gabriella completed studies connected with Purchase College. Education may shape her career choices in coming years. Many actors who combine higher education with a performing career later move into writing, directing, producing or teaching. Her theatre training plus college study gives her a wide set of options.

What makes Gabriella’s acting distinct?

Three features stand out in Gabriella’s work.

1. Range across media. She began in musical theatre, moved into concert and straight plays, and then into TV and voice work. That range shows adaptability.

2. Emotional clarity. Roles like Small Alison in Fun Home demand a clear emotional line. Gabriella has been praised for bringing emotional honesty to those parts.

3. Public authenticity. She is open about identity. That authenticity affects the roles she chooses and the audiences she attracts. It also connects her to advocacy groups and representation initiatives.

This combination of technical skill and personal clarity creates work that feels grounded. Critics and fans often respond to performers who can do both at the same time. Gabriella’s trajectory shows she can manage both craft and public presence.

Filmography

Below are selected entries that show the shape of Gabriella’s career. This is not exhaustive, but it covers major and representative work.

Theatre

• Matilda the Musical — Matilda Wormwood (Broadway).

• Fun Home — Small Alison (Circle in the Square Theatre).

• Sunday in the Park with George — concert performance (New York City Center).

• Because of Winn Dixie — Opal (Alabama Shakespeare Festival).

Television & Film

• Stranger Things — Suzie Bingham (Season 3 and Season 4).

• Butterbean’s Café — voice of Cricket.

• BrainDead — young role in episodic TV.

• Beaches (TV film) — young CC Bloom.

These credits show a mix of stage and screen. She has animated voice credits, episodic TV and a high profile streaming series. That variety is valuable for a young performer building a long career.

Milestones and Recognition

Gabriella’s milestones include early Broadway lead roles and later recognition from media and advocacy groups.

• Broadway lead at a young age. Leading Matilda on Broadway is a significant early career milestone. The show is demanding and visible.

• Fun Home and notable songs. Her performances in Fun Home and public performances of “Ring of Keys” placed her on a list of younger theatre performers to watch.

• Stranger Things breakout. Joining the hit series expanded her audience internationally.

• GLAAD’s 20 Under 20. Inclusion on that list recognizes her role as an LGBTQ youth change-maker and public figure.

These milestones show both craft recognition and social visibility. That mix is rare. Actors who gain both types of recognition often have careers that last.

A short note on media coverage and interviews

Gabriella has given interviews about her work and about her experience on Stranger Things. She has appeared in fan panels and short video interviews that explain her process and what it meant to be part of a major franchise.

These interviews help fans connect to her as a person and to her craft. Video interviews and press clips are available on public channels.

 

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Stats Table

FAQ’s

Q: When and where was Gabriella Pizzolo born?

A: She was born on March 10, 2003 in Schenectady, New York.

Q: What pronouns does Gabriella use?

A: Gabriella uses she/they pronouns and has publicly identified as non-binary and pansexual.

Q: What is Gabriella’s best known role?

A: She is widely known for playing Suzie Bingham on Netflix’s Stranger Things.

Q: Did Gabriella perform on Broadway?

A: Yes. She played the title role in Matilda the Musical on Broadway and later Small Alison in Fun Home.

Q: Has she done voice acting?

A: Yes. She voiced Cricket on the children’s series Butterbean’s Café.

Q: Has she received awards or honors?

A: She was named to GLAAD’s 20 Under 20 class of 2022, which highlights young LGBTQ changemakers.

Q: Where can I see interviews with her?

A: She has appeared in short video interviews and panels on platforms such as YouTube and on press circuits related to Stranger Things. Search official interviews on YouTube for authorized clips.

What might come next for Gabriella

Based on her trajectory, expect a mix of stage and screen work. Her early training makes her well suited to musicals and dramatic roles.

Her visibility in a major television franchise positions her for more recurring TV work and perhaps feature films.

Her public identity and advocacy work might also lead to roles or projects that highlight queer stories. If she pursues more education or production roles, she may also move into writing, producing or directing.

These are common paths for actors who begin young and stay engaged with craft and education.

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1. en.wikipedia.org
2. en.wikipedia.org
3. imdb
4. glaad