Gaten Matarazzo is an American actor who rose from Broadway stages to global fame as Dustin Henderson in Netflix’s Stranger Things
Known for his quick wit, warm smile, and open conversation about a rare genetic condition called cleidocranial dysplasia, Gaten has become a role model for many young fans.
His early Broadway work gave him a foundation in singing, acting, and live performance. In 2016 he landed the role of Dustin Henderson on Stranger Things.
The show turned Gaten into a household name. Over the years he expanded his career to voice acting, hosting, and charity work.
He also used his platform to raise awareness about cleidocranial dysplasia, a condition he was born with. This mix of talent and honest public conversation has shaped Gaten’s public image.
This biography covers his early life, rise to fame, major projects, public work, personal life, and legacy.
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Table of Contents
Gaten Matarazzo’s Biography
Quick snapshot
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Full name: Gaetano John Matarazzo III.
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Born: September 8, 2002, New London, Connecticut.
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Best known for: Playing Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things.
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Early work: Broadway roles in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Les Misérables.
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Notable traits: Advocate for cleidocranial dysplasia awareness.1
I’m proud to be joining @ebresearch for the 2nd annual #VentureIntoCures Virtual Event – and you can too. RSVP now at https://t.co/pd4WxYPppz to watch performances, comedic acts, and more LIVE on November 18th at 8PM EST. See you there!
— Gaten Matarazzo (@GatenM123) November 16, 2021
Early life and beginnings
Gaten was born into an Italian-American family. His parents are Heather and Gaetano John Matarazzo Jr.
He grew up with siblings who also appeared in local performances.
From a very young age he showed a love for music and theater. He trained at a performing arts center in New Jersey where he learned voice and stagecraft.
By age nine he was already performing in large productions and competing in talent contests. This early training prepared him for professional work on Broadway.2
His first major stage credit was as a replacement in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert in 2011. Later he toured with the 25th anniversary production of Les Misérables and then joined the 2014 Broadway revival as Gavroche.
These roles gave him steady experience with live audiences. They also taught him how to balance singing, acting, and movement. That foundation helped when he shifted from stage to screen.
Breakthrough: Stranger Things
In 2016 Gaten auditioned for Stranger Things and won the role of Dustin Henderson. The show mixes science fiction, horror, and 1980s nostalgia.
Dustin became a fan favorite for his humor, loyalty, and curiosity. The creators of the show incorporated Gaten’s real life condition, cleidocranial dysplasia or CCD, into the character.
That choice brought visibility to a rare condition and made Gaten an important public figure for families affected by CCD.
Stranger Things ran for multiple seasons and grew into a cultural phenomenon. The final season released in late 2025 played to huge audiences and closed the series that had shaped an entire generation of viewers.
The show’s continuing popularity helped Gaten grow a broad fan base and opened doors for voice work, film parts, and hosting gigs.
Recent coverage highlights his role in the final season and the emotional depth his character shows as the series concludes.3
Career beyond Stranger Things
Gaten kept his career varied. He hosted the Netflix reality series Prank Encounters from 2019 to 2021. He also moved into voice acting and film.
Notable entries include voice roles in animated films and parts in coming-of-age movies. In 2022 he appeared in the teen comedy Honor Society and voiced a character in My Father’s Dragon.
He also lent his voice to the animated LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy project. These roles let him show range beyond his live-action persona.
On stage, Gaten returned to Broadway and live events from time to time. He also took part in charity readings and celebrity fundraisers.
On social media he kept fans engaged with behind-the-scenes content, short sketches, and updates about his projects. This mix of screen, stage, and digital activity keeps his public profile active even between major releases.
Public Advocacy and Philanthropy
One of the most important parts of Gaten’s public work is his advocacy for cleidocranial dysplasia awareness.
Because the condition affects his teeth and bone development, he has been open about his surgeries and dental care.
He co-founded or supports fundraising efforts that help families cover the cost of dental procedures connected to CCD. Those efforts reduce financial burden for families who need specialized care. Many supporters credit him with changing public awareness and reducing stigma for kids with similar conditions.
Gaten has also participated in charity streams and benefit performances. He joined other actors and creators for virtual events supporting autism charities, food banks, and voter engagement campaigns. These appearances show a willingness to use his platform for public good.
Personal life
Gaten tends to keep his personal life private while sharing moments with fans. Since 2018 he has been linked to actress Elizabeth Yu.
He often mentions family and his hometown ties in interviews. He lives a life focused on work and causes. He also keeps close ties to the theater world. Fans follow his social media accounts for casual posts and project news.
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Style and Public Image
Gaten’s public personality strikes a balance between playful energy and earnest openness. His humor and timing are central to his screen presence.
Off screen he speaks plainly about medical challenges and mental health. This combination makes him relatable to fans and credible to parents. Many critics and cultural commentators point to his authentic voice as a factor in his long lasting appeal.
Major Works and Filmography
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Broadway: Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Les Misérables.
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Television: Stranger Things (2016–2025).
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Hosting: Prank Encounters (Netflix).
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Film and Voice: The Angry Birds Movie 2 (voice), Honor Society, My Father’s Dragon (voice), Animal Farm (voice).
This list is not exhaustive. Gaten’s roles include guest spots, voice projects, and philanthropic performances. His career spans stage, screen, and streaming.
Stats table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Gaetano John “Gaten” Matarazzo III. |
| Date of birth | September 8, 2002. |
| Birthplace | New London, Connecticut, USA. |
| Height | Publicly listed around 5 ft 7 in (approx.). (Various entertainment listings). |
| Years active | 2011–present. |
| Breakthrough role | Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things. |
| Notable awards | Ensemble nominations and younger actor nominations. (SAG, Saturn nominations). |
| Known condition | Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD). |
| Philanthropy | CCD awareness and surgical cost support efforts. |
| Net worth (est.) | Estimates vary. Entertainment outlets place him in a multi-million dollar range due to streaming and voice work. See sources for estimates. |
Achievements and Recognition
Gaten has received ensemble and youth acting recognition. He was part of award nominations for Stranger Things both as an ensemble and for younger actor categories.
The show’s huge cultural footprint led to group awards and nominations across industry bodies.
Beyond formal awards, his representation of CCD is widely recognized as a form of social achievement. This kind of impact often outlives trophies.4
Notable interviews and public moments
Over the years Gaten has given interviews that cover his medical history, his experience on set, and his transition from stage to screen.
He often speaks plainly about dental surgeries and how his family supported him through care. He also appears at premieres, charity events, and talk shows.
These appearances help shape a public image that is warm and trustworthy. Recent pieces reflect on how the final season of Stranger Things has been a large emotional arc for him and for fans.
The CCD story and why it matters
Cleidocranial dysplasia is a rare genetic condition that affects bone development. For Gaten it meant dental differences that required multiple surgeries.
When Stranger Things decided to include CCD in the Dustin character, it became one of the first high profile screen depictions of the condition. The effect was immediate. Families with CCD reported feeling seen.
Medical professionals and advocacy groups noted a spike in public awareness and interest. Gaten used this momentum to support initiatives that help families access care and surgery. This advocacy has become a lasting part of his legacy.
Net Worth and Business Side
Net worth estimates for actors vary by source. Entertainment outlets that track celebrity earnings put Gaten in the multi-million dollar range.
His income streams include acting in a major Netflix series, voice work, hosting fees, stage work, and endorsements. The final seasons of a show as big as Stranger Things usually come with larger paychecks for core cast members. Exact numbers can vary and are often private.
For the most current estimates consult business and entertainment outlets that maintain celebrity finance lists. 5
What fans admire
Fans often mention three things when they talk about Gaten. First, his comedic timing and charm. Second, his frank discussion about CCD and related surgeries.
Third, his dedication to live performance and craft. Combined, these traits make him both relatable and talented.
He also maintains a strong presence on social media. That direct connection helps fans follow new projects and personal milestones.
Legacy and Future Outlook
With the final season of Stranger Things released in late 2025, Gaten stands at a career crossroads. Many child and young adult actors use a major series as a springboard to broader film and stage work.
With his voice acting credits and hosting experience, Gaten has options in animation, film, theater, and production.
His continued advocacy suggests he will remain a public figure who blends entertainment with social purpose. How he chooses roles in coming years will shape his long term legacy. Early signs show he will balance commercial projects with meaningful public work.
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FAQs
Q: Is Gaten Matarazzo a Bollywood actor?
A: No. Gaten Matarazzo is an American actor. He became known on Broadway and then rose to global fame through Netflix’s Stranger Things. He is not part of Bollywood. The confusion may come from the global reach of streaming shows.
Q: When was Gaten born?
A: He was born on September 8, 2002, in New London, Connecticut.
Q: What is cleidocranial dysplasia?
A: It is a rare genetic condition that affects bone and dental development. Gaten was born with CCD and has spoken openly about the surgeries and dental care he needed. The condition became part of his character Dustin in Stranger Things, increasing public awareness.
Q: What are Gaten’s major works?
A: Major works include Stranger Things, stage roles in Les Misérables, hosting Prank Encounters, and voice roles in animated films such as My Father’s Dragon.
Q: Is he active on social media?
A: Yes. He posts on platforms like Instagram and engages with fans. These platforms are a place for project updates and casual posts.
Q: What is his net worth?
A: Estimates vary. Many entertainment sources place his net worth in the multi-million dollar range due to long running streaming work and voice projects. Exact figures are private and change over time. For current estimates consult reputable entertainment finance outlets.
Conclusion
Gaten Matarazzo is more than a popular TV character. He is a working actor with a strong foundation in theater. He has used his platform to raise awareness of a rare medical condition and to support families who need care.
As Stranger Things concluded in 2025, Gaten stands ready to shape the next chapter of his career.
Whether he chooses more voice roles, film projects, or returns to the stage, his mix of talent and sincerity suggests he will remain a presence in entertainment for years to come.
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