Gaten Matarazzo Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Gaten Matarazzo

Gaetano John “Gaten” Matarazzo III is a celebrated American actor and singer who captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with his breakout role as the endearing and clever Dustin Henderson in the critically acclaimed Netflix science-fiction horror series, Stranger Things. Before his international fame, Matarazzo was already a seasoned performer, having begun his career on the Broadway stage. His notable theater credits include roles as Benjamin in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and as Gavroche in Les Misérables. Beyond his acting prowess, Matarazzo is a prominent advocate for cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a rare genetic condition he was born with that affects the development of bones and teeth. He has bravely used his public platform to raise awareness and funds for CCD-related causes, inspiring many with his openness and dedication.

Gaten Matarazzo Overview

Early Life and Education of Gaten Matarazzo

Gaten Matarazzo was born on September 8, 2002, in New London, Connecticut, to parents Gaetano John Matarazzo Jr. and Heather Matarazzo. He was raised in Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, alongside his older sister, Sabrina, and younger brother, Carmen. His family is of Italian descent. From a young age, Matarazzo showed a keen interest in the performing arts. He pursued vocal training at the Starlight Performing Arts Center in New Jersey. His talent was evident early on when, in 2011, he won third place for his vocal solo at the Starpower Talent Competition Nationals. Matarazzo attended Pinelands Regional High School in Tuckerton, New Jersey. He managed to balance his burgeoning acting career with his education, often completing schoolwork with a tutor while traveling for roles. Matarazzo was born with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a rare genetic disorder that affects the growth of bones and teeth. He has been a vocal advocate for awareness of the condition, using his platform to educate the public and support others with CCD.

Gaten Matarazzo’s Career

Gaten Matarazzo’s career began on the prestigious stages of Broadway. In 2011, at the age of nine, he made his debut as Benjamin in the musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. He continued to build his stage presence, notably playing the role of Gavroche in the 25th Anniversary Tour of Les Misérables in 2013 and later reprising the role in the 2014 Broadway revival. His transition to the screen began in 2015 with a guest appearance on the NBC series The Blacklist. However, it was his role as Dustin Henderson in the Netflix series Stranger Things, which premiered in 2016, that catapulted him to global stardom. The show’s creators, The Duffer Brothers, were so impressed with Matarazzo that they incorporated his real-life condition, cleidocranial dysplasia, into his character’s storyline. The show became a cultural phenomenon, earning critical acclaim and a massive fanbase. The cast, including Matarazzo, won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2017. Capitalizing on his success, Matarazzo hosted the Netflix hidden-camera series Prank Encounters from 2019 to 2021, on which he also served as an executive producer. He has also lent his voice to animated films, including The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019) and My Father’s Dragon (2022). Despite his success in television and film, Matarazzo has maintained his connection to the theater. He has appeared in productions such as Sweeney Todd, Dear Evan Hansen, and Parade on Broadway, showcasing his versatility as a performer.

Gaten Matarazzo Personal Life & Family

Gaten Matarazzo was born to parents Gaetano Sr. and Heather Matarazzo and grew up in New Jersey with his two siblings, an older sister named Sabrina and a younger brother named Carmen. His family has been a significant source of support throughout his career. Since 2018, Matarazzo has been in a long-term relationship with Elizabeth “Lizzy” Yu. Yu is also an actress, known for her role as Azula in the live-action Netflix series Avatar: The Last Airbender. The couple often appears together at public events and shares glimpses of their life on social media. They reportedly live together in New Jersey with their three cats. Matarazzo is an outspoken advocate for individuals with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a condition he has had since birth. He uses his public profile to raise awareness and funds for CCD Smiles, an organization that helps cover the costs of oral surgeries for those with the condition. His work in this area has had a significant impact, with research showing that public interest in CCD surged after his character in Stranger Things was revealed to have the same condition.

Awards and Achievements of Gaten Matarazzo

• Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (Stranger Things) – 2017
• Young Entertainer Award for Best Young Ensemble Cast – Television Series (Stranger Things) – 2017
• Shorty Award for Best Actor – 2017
• Nominated – Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (Stranger Things) – 2018, 2020
• Nominated – MTV Movie & TV Award for Best On-Screen Team (Stranger Things) – 2018
• Nominated – Teen Choice Award for Choice Summer TV Star: Male – 2019
• Nominated – Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor in a Streaming Series (Stranger Things) – 2022

Gaten Matarazzo Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Gaten Matarazzo’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. His primary source of income is his successful acting career, particularly his role in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things. For the first season of the show, it is reported that the child actors earned $10,000 per episode. Due to the show’s immense popularity, their salaries saw a significant increase in subsequent seasons. By the third season, Matarazzo was reportedly earning $250,000 per episode. In addition to his Stranger Things salary, his income is supplemented by his work on other projects, including hosting and executive producing the Netflix series Prank Encounters, roles in films like Honor Society, and voice acting work. He also earns from brand endorsements and partnerships. His early career on Broadway also contributed to his earnings.

Legacy and Influence

Gaten Matarazzo’s legacy extends far beyond his memorable performances on screen and stage. One of his most significant impacts has been his advocacy for cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD). By openly sharing his own experiences with the rare genetic condition, he has brought unprecedented awareness to CCD on a global scale. The decision to incorporate his condition into his Stranger Things character, Dustin Henderson, was a groundbreaking moment for representation in media, educating millions of viewers and helping to destigmatize the disorder. His work with the non-profit organization CCD Smiles has provided tangible support to families affected by the condition by helping to fund necessary and often expensive oral surgeries. Matarazzo’s influence is also seen in his commitment to his craft. Starting his career in the demanding environment of Broadway, he has demonstrated a versatility that has allowed him to transition seamlessly to television and film while continuing to return to his theatrical roots. He is viewed as a down-to-earth and authentic personality in an industry often characterized by artifice. As a young actor who grew up in the public eye, he has navigated his fame with grace and has used his platform for positive change, inspiring both his peers and his audience.

Interesting Facts about Gaten Matarazzo

• He was born without collarbones due to his cleidocranial dysplasia, which allows him to move his shoulders to the front of his chest.
• His Stranger Things character, Dustin, was not originally written to have cleidocranial dysplasia; the Duffer Brothers added it to the character after casting Gaten.
• He is a talented singer and was in a band called Work in Progress.
• His sister, Sabrina, who is also a performer, was his inspiration to get into acting.
• He landed his first Broadway role in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert at just nine years old.
• He has used his platform to advocate for the “Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act” (ELSA), a piece of legislation aimed at providing insurance coverage for congenital abnormalities.
• He and his girlfriend, Lizzy Yu, live together in New Jersey with their three cats.

Controversies

In 2019, Gaten Matarazzo faced some public criticism regarding his role as the host and executive producer of the Netflix hidden-camera show Prank Encounters. The show’s premise, which involved pranking individuals who had been hired for what they believed were new jobs, was met with backlash online before it even aired. Critics expressed concern that the pranks were exploitative of people seeking employment. Matarazzo and Netflix responded to the controversy, clarifying that all participants were aware it was a one-day show, were paid for their time, and had a positive and fun experience.

Social Media Presence

• Instagram – Approximately 17.7 million followers
• Twitter – Information not disclosed
• YouTube – Not publicly available

Final Words about Gaten Matarazzo

Gaten Matarazzo has successfully transitioned from a child star on Broadway to a globally recognized actor, largely due to his unforgettable portrayal of Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things. As the beloved series approaches its final season, Matarazzo stands at a pivotal point in his career, poised to explore new and diverse roles. He has already demonstrated a desire to continue challenging himself creatively, with a continued passion for theater and an expansion into film. Beyond his artistic achievements, Matarazzo’s enduring legacy will undoubtedly be linked to his powerful advocacy for cleidocranial dysplasia. His bravery in sharing his personal story has not only raised immense awareness but has also provided comfort and support to countless individuals and families affected by the condition. With a combination of immense talent, genuine character, and a commitment to using his influence for good, Gaten Matarazzo’s future in the entertainment industry and as a philanthropist looks incredibly bright.