Gaten Matarazzo Bio: Age, Career, Wife, Family, Net Worth | Actor

Gaten Matarazzo Biography: Stranger Things Star & Broadway Actor

Gaetano John “Gaten” Matarazzo III is an American actor who gained widespread recognition for his role as Dustin Henderson in the critically acclaimed Netflix science-fiction horror series Stranger Things (2016-2025).

 With an enduring on-screen charisma and love for theater, he’s also known for advocating for rare genetic conditions.

His interests include performing—especially in musical theatre—and raising awareness for cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a condition he shares with his character.

Early Life and Career Beginnings:

Born in New London, Connecticut, Gaten moved with his family to Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, where he was raised. Of Italian descent, his roots trace back to Avellino, Italy.

He attended Pinelands Regional High School in Tuckerton and also trained in vocals at the Starlight Performing Arts Center.

Matarazzo discovered his passion for performing at a young age and began his career on the Broadway stage.

His early theatrical credits include playing Benjamin in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (2011–2012) and Gavroche in Les Misérables (2014–2015). He also participated in a special youth performance of Godspell in 2012.

Breakthrough with Stranger Things:

Matarazzo made his screen acting debut in a 2015 episode of The Blacklist. However, it was his casting as Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things that brought him widespread recognition.

The show, which premiered in 2016, became a global phenomenon, and Matarazzo’s portrayal of the intelligent, funny, and loyal Dustin quickly made him a fan favorite.

Interestingly, Matarazzo was born with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a rare genetic disorder affecting bone and tooth development, and the show’s creators incorporated this condition into his character’s backstory, using his platform to raise awareness.

Beyond Stranger Things:

Since his success on Stranger Things, Matarazzo has continued to expand his acting portfolio.

He hosted the Netflix hidden camera series Prank Encounters (2019-2021) and has appeared in various films, including the coming-of-age comedy Honor Society (2022) and providing voice work for animated films like The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019) and My Father’s Dragon (2022).

He has also returned to the stage, performing in Broadway productions such as Dear Evan Hansen (2022) and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2023).

Further Career and Philanthropy:

Beyond Stranger Things, Matarazzo has continued to expand his acting portfolio.

He hosted the Netflix hidden camera series Prank Encounters (2019–2021) and has lent his voice to animated films such as The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019) and My Father’s Dragon (2022).

In 2022, he co-starred in the coming-of-age comedy film Honor Society. He has also returned to Broadway, appearing in the final cast of Dear Evan Hansen (2022) and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2023).

Matarazzo is a prominent advocate for individuals with cleidocranial dysplasia.

He uses his platform to raise awareness and support organizations like CCD Smiles, which helps families with the dental costs associated with the condition.

He has also spoken in favor of legislation aimed at providing insurance coverage for congenital abnormalities.

Awards and Recognition:

Matarazzo’s performance in Stranger Things has earned him several accolades, including a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2017 and a Shorty Award for Best Actor in the same year.

Parents and Siblings

Gaten Matarazzo’s upbringing and family life are as heartwarming as his on-screen charm. Here’s a deeper look into the roots that shaped him:

Upbringing & Early Life

• Born: Born in New London, Connecticut

• Raised in: Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey

• Cultural Roots: Italian-American, with family ancestry tracing back to Avellino, Italy

• Childhood: Grew up in a tight-knit, artistic household that nurtured creativity

• Health Journey: Diagnosed with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) at birth, which influenced his speech and appearance. His family relocated to be closer to grandparents for support during his early medical treatments.

Parents

• Father: Gaetano John Matarazzo Jr.

• • Born and raised in New Jersey

• • Educated at Pinelands Regional High School

• • Worked at Golden Nugget Casino

• • Shares a strong bond with Gaten and has Italian heritage passed down through generations

• Mother: Heather Rae Hendrickson Matarazzo

• • Born in Waterford, Connecticut

• • Graduated from Waterford High School in 1991

• • Known for her humor and supportiveness—Gaten credits her for his comedic instincts

• • Co-founded CCD Smiles with Gaten to support others with the same condition

• • Not related to the actress Heather Matarazzo, despite sharing the name

Siblings

• Older Sister: Sabrina Matarazzo

• • Born October 14, 1998

• • Actress and singer; appeared in commercials and short films

• • Co-founded the family band Work in Progress with Carmen

• • Lives in New Jersey and works in hospitality

• Younger Brother: Carmen Matarazzo

• • Born November 10, 2003

• • Talented drummer and performer

• • Also part of Work in Progress

• • Shares a close bond with Gaten and often collaborates musically

Gaten Matarazzo’s Acting Career

Gaten Matarazzo’s acting career spans theater, television, and film, showcasing his versatility as a performer.

Known for his infectious energy and natural charisma, he has built a robust portfolio since his debut in 2011, with his role as Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things cementing his status as a household name.

Theater Beginnings

Matarazzo’s acting journey began on Broadway at age nine. His debut role was as Gavroche in the 2011 revival of Les Misérables at the Imperial Theatre.

His performance as the spirited young revolutionary earned praise for its emotional depth and vocal strength. He continued on Broadway with roles in:

• Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (2011) as Benjamin, where he showcased his comedic timing and singing ability in the musical adaptation of the Australian film.

• Cinderella (2014) as Jean-Michel, a supporting role that highlighted his ability to handle both dramatic and lighthearted moments.

These early stage roles established Matarazzo as a talented young performer, adept at musical theater and capable of holding his own alongside seasoned actors.

His Broadway experience honed his skills in live performance, which later translated to his on-screen charisma.

Early Stage Career

• Broadway Debut (2011): Cast as Benjamin in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert at the Palace Theatre

• Les Misérables (2013–2015): Played Gavroche in the 25th Anniversary Tour and later in the Broadway revival

• Other Theater Credits:

• • Godspell (2012) – Youth performance at Circle in the Square Theatre

• • Into the Woods (2019) – Played Jack at the Hollywood Bowl

• • Dear Evan Hansen (2022) – Final Broadway cast as Jared Kleinman

• • Sweeney Todd (2023) – Starred as Tobias Ragg alongside Josh Groban

Breakout Role in Stranger Things

Matarazzo’s career skyrocketed with his role as Dustin Henderson in Netflix’s Stranger Things (2016–present).

Cast at age 13, he portrayed a lovable, quick-witted member of the show’s core friend group, navigating supernatural mysteries in 1980s Hawkins, Indiana.

Dustin’s humor, loyalty, and iconic moments—like his rendition of “Never Ending Story” in Season 3—made Matarazzo a fan favorite.

His performance earned critical acclaim, contributing to the Stranger Things ensemble’s multiple Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.

Matarazzo has appeared in all four seasons of the show, with a fifth and final season slated for release in 2026, as per recent updates on X and web sources.

His portrayal of Dustin also brought attention to his real-life condition, cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), as the character was written to share the same condition, allowing Matarazzo to authentically represent the disability on a global stage.

This role not only showcased his acting range but also his ability to connect with audiences through vulnerability and humor.

Television and Hosting

Beyond Stranger Things, Matarazzo expanded his television presence:

• In 2015, he appeared in a guest role on The Blacklist as Finn, demonstrating his ability to tackle dramatic roles outside the sci-fi genre.

• He hosted and starred in Netflix’s prank reality show Prank Encounters (2019–2021), where he played the mastermind behind elaborate pranks. The show allowed him to showcase his comedic timing and engaging personality, though it received mixed reviews due to its controversial premise.

• Matarazzo lent his voice to the animated series Waffles + Mochi (2021), a Michelle Obama-produced children’s show, playing a character in a food-focused educational adventure.

Television & Streaming

• TV Debut: The Blacklist (2015) – Guest role as Finn

• Breakout Role: Stranger Things (2016–2025) – Played Dustin Henderson, a fan-favorite character whose real-life CCD condition was written into the show

• Other Appearances:

• • Ridiculousness, Lip Sync Battle, Drop the Mic

• • Nickelodeon’s Unfiltered and Waffles + Mochi

• • Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy (2024) – Voice role as Sig Greebling

Film Roles

Gaten Matarazzo’s movie, while less extensive than his TV and theater credits, includes notable projects:

• In 2022, he starred in the teen comedy Honor Society as Michael Dipnicky, a high school student navigating ambition and rivalry. His performance was praised for its charm and relatability, marking a successful transition to feature films.

• He is reportedly attached to upcoming film projects, though specific details remain limited as of July 15, 2025, based on available web sources.

Film Roles

• Voice Acting:

• • The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019) – Voiced Bubba

• • My Father’s Dragon (2022) – Voiced Boris the Dragon

• • Animal Farm (2025) – Voiced Lucky

• Live Action:

• • Honor Society (2022) – Played Michael Dipnicky

• • Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain (2023) – Appeared as himself

Upcoming Projects

Matarazzo is set to return to Broadway in 2025, starring in the revival of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

His role in this dark musical, known for its complex score and dramatic storytelling, underscores his continued passion for theater and his ability to tackle challenging material.

Recent posts on X have highlighted excitement for his return to the stage, with fans noting his vocal prowess from earlier Broadway roles.

Other Ventures

In addition to acting, Matarazzo performs as a vocalist with his rock band, Work in Progress, which has performed covers and original songs at small venues.

While not a primary focus, his musical performances tie back to his theater roots and showcase his multifaceted talents.

Hosting & Production

• Prank Encounters (2019–2021):

• • Hosted and executive produced this Netflix hidden-camera horror-comedy show

• • Mixed spooky setups with unsuspecting participants for laughs and scares

Financial Status

Gaten Matarazzo’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million to $10 million, depending on the source. Here’s how that breaks down:

Income Sources

• Stranger Things Salary:

• • Season 1: $10,000–$20,000 per episode

• • Season 2: $30,000 per episode

• • Season 3 & 4: $250,000 per episode

• • Season 5: Reportedly earned $7 million for the full season

• Other Acting Projects:

• • Broadway roles in Les Misérables, Dear Evan Hansen, Sweeney Todd

• • Films like Honor Society and voice work in My Father’s Dragon and LEGO Star Wars

• Hosting & Production:

• • Executive producer and host of Prank Encounters on Netflix

• Brand Endorsements:

• • Partnered with NERDS candy in 2021

• • Appeared in commercials for Verizon Fios

Lifestyle & Spending

• Lives in New Jersey

• Known for keeping a relatively low-key lifestyle despite fame

• Worked at a local restaurant during the pandemic, showing humility and groundedness

Net Worth Range

Gaten’s earnings reflect not just his talent, but his versatility across stage, screen, and voice acting.

Personal Life

Here’s a deeper look into Gaten Matarazzo’s personal life, Stan — polished and packed with the kind of detail you appreciate:

Gaten Matarazzo Age

• Born: September 8, 2002

• Age: 22 years old (as of 2025)

• Zodiac Sign: Virgo — analytical, loyal, and grounded

Ethnicity & Nationality

• Ethnicity:

• • Italian and Hungarian on his father’s side

• • English, Finnish, Scottish, German, and Irish on his mother’s side

• Nationality: American

Relationship Status

• Status: In a long-term relationship

• Partner: Elizabeth Yu, actress known for her role as Azula in Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender

• Together Since: March 2018

• Living Together: Yes — they reportedly share an apartment in New Jersey with three cats

• Engagement Rumors: Circulating since 2024, after Lizzy was spotted wearing a diamond ring

Gaten Matarazzo’s physical description:

• Height: 5 feet 4½ inches (163 cm)

• Weight: Approximately 59 kg (130 lbs)

• Hair Color: Light brown

• Eye Color: Blue

• Build: Average

• Face: Known for his toothless smile due to cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), which affects bone and dental development

• Other Traits: Curly hair, small eyes, expressive eyebrows, and a youthful charm that’s become iconic through

Philanthropy & Advocacy

• Gaten has been vocal about CCD awareness and is active with CCD Smiles, a nonprofit supporting surgeries for affected individuals. He also launched a charity T-shirt line benefiting CCD Smiles.

What is Gaten Matarazzo diagnosed with?

Gaten Matarazzo was born with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a rare genetic condition that affects the development of bones and teeth.

• It can cause underdeveloped or missing collarbones, delayed tooth eruption, and facial differences

• Gaten has undergone multiple surgeries and uses dentures

• His character Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things also has CCD, making the portrayal more authentic

• He actively raises awareness and funds through the nonprofit CCD Smiles

Is Gaten Matarazzo American?

Yes, Gaten Matarazzo is American.

• Born: September 8, 2002, in New London, Connecticut

• Raised in: Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey

• His heritage includes Italian, Hungarian, English, Finnish, Scottish, German, and Irish roots

Was Gaten Matarazzo in The Blacklist?

Yes, he made his TV debut in The Blacklist.

• Episode: Season 2, Episode 12 – “The Kenyon Family”

• Role: Finn, a young boy manipulated into becoming a suicide bomber

• This was his first on-screen appearance before Stranger Things launched him into stardom

Is Dustin from Stranger Things American?

Yes, the character Dustin Henderson is portrayed as American.

• He lives in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana

• His personality and background reflect a typical American suburban upbringing

• The character’s condition (CCD) mirrors Gaten’s real-life diagnosis, adding depth and realism

Gaten Matarazzo is active on social media:

• Instagram (@gatenm123) – 15M+ followers. He shares behind-the-scenes content, personal moments, and supports CCD awareness.

• Twitter/X (@GatenM123) – Posts updates on his projects, interacts with fans, and promotes charitable causes.