Introduction
Gaten Matarazzo: Gaetano John “Gaten” Matarazzo III, widely recognized as Gaten Matarazzo, is one of the most beloved young actors in Hollywood today. Born on September 8, 2002, in New London, Connecticut, and raised in Tuckerton, New Jersey, Gaten rose to fame with his unforgettable role as Dustin Henderson in the Netflix global hit Stranger Things. What makes his journey more remarkable is that he has used his platform not only to showcase his extraordinary acting skills but also to raise awareness about his rare medical condition, cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD). His real name is Gaten John Matarazzo III.
As of 2025, Gaten has grown into a household name in both television and film. His career spans Broadway, Netflix, Hollywood movies, and even music hosting projects.
Who is Gaten Matarazzo?
Gaten Matarazzo is an American actor and singer of Italian-American descent, born on September 8, 2002, best known for his performance in Stranger Things. From a young age, he showed a flair for the arts, particularly theater. He trained at the Starlight Performing Arts Center in New Jersey before entering the world of Broadway.
He started his professional career in musical theater, performing in productions such as Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Les Misérables. His transition from Broadway to television stardom was swift, and by 2016, he became a global star with his role in Stranger Things.
Beyond acting, Gaten is also an advocate for health awareness and philanthropy. He launched campaigns to support those with CCD and raised thousands of dollars through CCD Smiles, an organization dedicated to funding dental surgeries for individuals with the condition.
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Gaten Matarazzo Movies and TV Shows
Gaten Matarazzo’s career boasts an impressive lineup of performances in both movies and TV shows. Below is a structured list of his most notable works:
Movies:
- Honor Society (2022) – Role: Michael Dipnicky
- The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019) – Voice role: Bubba
- My Father’s Dragon (2022) – Voice role: Boris
TV Shows:
- Stranger Things (2016–2025) – Role: Dustin Henderson
- The Blacklist (2015) – Guest role
- Drop the Mic (2017) – Himself
- Prank Encounters (2019–2021) – Host
Broadway Theater Productions:
- Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – Role: Benjamin
- Les Misérables – Role: Gavroche
Through these performances, Matarazzo has proven his versatility across different mediums, from stage to screen, voice acting, and even hosting.
Gaten Matarazzo Teeth
One of the most talked-about aspects of Gaten’s appearance is his teeth. His dental development has been significantly affected by cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a rare genetic disorder that impacts the growth of bones and teeth.
- Gaten was born without a full set of teeth and has used dentures since childhood.
- His Stranger Things character, Dustin, also shares this condition, making representation on screen more authentic.
- Over the years, Gaten has undergone multiple oral surgeries.
- He uses his fame to raise awareness and funds for people living with CCD.
His openness about his condition has inspired millions worldwide, encouraging acceptance and confidence in embracing uniqueness.
Gaten Matarazzo Girlfriend
Gaten has been in a long-term relationship with Elizabeth Yu, a fellow actress known for her role in Somewhere in Queens. They began dating in 2018 and have often shared glimpses of their relationship on social media.
- Elizabeth Yu is also set to appear in the live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024).
- The couple is admired for their supportive and grounded relationship.
- Gaten often credits Elizabeth for being his biggest source of encouragement throughout his career and health challenges.
Their relationship is widely regarded as one of the most stable and positive among young Hollywood stars.
Gaten Matarazzo Net Worth
As of 2025, Gaten Matarazzo’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million. His earnings come from multiple sources:
- Television Salary – His per-episode salary for Stranger Things rose significantly over the years, reportedly reaching $250,000 per episode in later seasons.
- Film Projects – Roles in movies like Honor Society and My Father’s Dragon contributed to his wealth.
- Hosting & Producing – Earnings from Prank Encounters on Netflix.
- Stage Performances – Earlier Broadway work.
- Brand Collaborations – Endorsements and partnerships.
Despite his success, Gaten is known to live a modest life compared to many celebrities his age.
How Old is Gaten Matarazzo
As of 2025, Gaten Matarazzo is 22 years old. Born on September 8, 2002, he will be turning 23 years old in September 2025.
Gaten Matarazzo Age
Gaten’s age has been a point of curiosity for fans since he began his journey on Stranger Things. He was only 13 years old when the first season premiered in 2016. Over the years, viewers have seen him grow from a child star into a mature actor.
By 2025, at 22 years old, Gaten is already considered a seasoned professional in the industry, with nearly a decade of acting experience in mainstream television and film.
Gaten Matarazzo Disease
Gaten’s medical condition, cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), is a genetic disorder affecting the development of bones and teeth.
Key facts about the disease:
- Rare condition affecting 1 in a million people.
- Caused by mutations in the RUNX2 gene.
- Characterized by underdeveloped or absent collarbones, dental irregularities, and skull differences.
- People with CCD often undergo multiple surgeries and dental treatments.
Gaten has become a global spokesperson for CCD awareness, using his platform to reduce stigma and raise funds for research.
Nationality, Religion and Ethnicity
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Italian-American heritage
- Religion: While Gaten has not publicly emphasized his religious beliefs, he has a culturally Catholic background given his Italian roots.
His identity as an Italian-American has been a source of pride, and he often highlights his family’s influence in shaping his values.
Gaten Matarazzo Condition
The term “condition” often refers to Gaten’s cleidocranial dysplasia. It has defined much of his advocacy work and public discussions.
- He openly speaks about his medical struggles.
- He has undergone several surgeries to assist with dental development.
- He founded CCD Smiles fundraising initiatives.
- His inclusion of CCD in Stranger Things brought massive attention to the disorder.
Gaten Matarazzo Height
As of 2025, Gaten Matarazzo stands at 5 feet 4½ inches (164 cm) tall. His height has occasionally been a subject of fan curiosity, but it has never hindered his acting career. On screen, his energy and charisma outshine physical attributes.
Gaten Matarazzo and Finn Wolfhard
Gaten shares a close friendship with fellow Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard, who plays Mike Wheeler. Their bond extends beyond the show.
- They often attend red carpets and interviews together.
- Both share a love for music – Finn is part of the band The Aubreys, while Gaten has sung in Broadway productions.
- Their chemistry on-screen translates to real-life camaraderie, making them fan favorites.
Their friendship has been a cornerstone of the Stranger Things ensemble’s success.
Gaten Matarazzo 2025
In 2025, Gaten continues to expand his career beyond Stranger Things.
- With the final season of Stranger Things airing in 2025, he is transitioning into new projects.
- He has expressed interest in returning to Broadway and exploring more film opportunities.
- He remains an advocate for CCD awareness and continues fundraising activities.
- His relationship with Elizabeth Yu remains strong, with the two often seen at industry events.
2025 marks a pivotal year in Gaten’s career as he prepares for life beyond the show that made him famous.
Gaten Matarazzo Gay
There have been occasional rumors about Gaten’s sexuality, but Gaten Matarazzo has not identified as gay. He has been in a committed heterosexual relationship with Elizabeth Yu since 2018, which dispels the speculation. Gaten has emphasized that labels do not define his talent or advocacy.
Career
His Career Journey
Gaten’s career can be summarized as follows:
- Broadway Beginnings: Roles in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Les Misérables.
- Breakthrough Role: Cast as Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things in 2016.
- Film Work: Voice roles in The Angry Birds Movie 2 and My Father’s Dragon.
- Television Hosting: Host of Netflix’s Prank Encounters.
- Philanthropy: Advocacy for CCD awareness through CCD Smiles.
His career trajectory highlights versatility, resilience, and a deep commitment to both art and advocacy.
Conclusion
Gaten Matarazzo’s story is one of talent, perseverance, and inspiration. From Broadway to becoming a Netflix superstar, he has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Beyond acting, he has used his voice to shed light on a rare condition, empowering others to embrace their uniqueness. As of 2025, with Stranger Things concluding, Gaten stands on the threshold of even greater opportunities.
With his undeniable talent, grounded personality, and philanthropic spirit, Gaten Matarazzo is not just a star—he is a role model for resilience, representation, and authenticity.
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