Gaten Matarazzo Bio
Gaetano John “Gaten” Matarazzo III (born September 8, 2002) is an American actor. He began his career on the Broadway stage and gained recognition for his role as Dustin Henderson in the Netflix series Stranger Things. Matarazzo has also hosted Netflix’s Prank Encounters and appeared in various films and theater productions.
Early Life and Background
Gaetano John Matarazzo III was born on September 8, 2002, in New London, Connecticut, to Heather and Gaetano John Matarazzo Jr. He was raised in Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Matarazzo’s family is of Italian descent from Avellino. He has an older sister, Sabrina, and a younger brother, Carmen. Matarazzo was born with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a condition that affects the development of bones and teeth.
Path to Hollywood
Matarazzo pursued vocal training at Starlight Performing Arts Center in New Jersey. In 2011, he competed and won third place with his vocal solo titled “Ben” at the Starpower Talent Competition Nationals in Uncasville, Connecticut. His first professional credit was in the Broadway musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, where he was cast as a replacement in 2011. Following this production, he participated in a special “Cast of 2032” performance of Godspell at Circle in the Square Theatre in 2012. In 2013, he joined the Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Tour in the United States as Gavroche, and the following year, he played the same role in the Tony-nominated 2014 Broadway revival of the musical.
Gaten Matarazzo Career
Early Career (2011–2015)
Matarazzo made his screen acting debut in a 2015 episode of The Blacklist. He gained widespread recognition after being cast as Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things, a role that was modified to reflect his real-life condition of CCD. The show’s first season premiered in July 2016 to critical acclaim, establishing Matarazzo as a prominent young actor in Hollywood.
Breakthrough (2016–2025)
Matarazzo’s portrayal of Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things has been a defining moment in his career, earning him a significant fan base and critical praise. He began hosting the Netflix hidden camera series Prank Encounters in 2019, where he also served as an executive producer. In May 2022, it was announced that he would return to Broadway, joining the final cast of the musical Dear Evan Hansen as Jared Kleinman. He starred in the Paramount+ film Honor Society, which was released on July 29, 2022, and voiced Boris the dragon in the animated film My Father’s Dragon. In December 2022, it was announced that Matarazzo would return to Broadway as Toby Ragg in the revival of Sweeney Todd.
Notable Works and Milestones
Gaten Matarazzo is best known for his role in Stranger Things, which has become a cultural phenomenon. His work has garnered him recognition and praise, contributing to his growing legacy in the entertainment industry.
Gaten Matarazzo Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Gaten Matarazzo has received several nominations for his performances, particularly for his role in Stranger Things, which has solidified his status as a talented young actor.
Gaten Matarazzo Awards Won
Gaten Matarazzo has won various awards for his performances, showcasing his talent and dedication to his craft.
Gaten Matarazzo Family
Gaten Matarazzo is in a relationship with actress Elizabeth Yu, with whom he has been since 2018. He has a close-knit family, including his parents and siblings, who have supported his career from an early age.
Personal Life
Matarazzo uses his platform to raise awareness of cleidocranial dysplasia and has participated in various charitable events. He has been involved in fundraising efforts for organizations that support individuals with CCD and has contributed to numerous causes, including autism awareness and food security initiatives.
