Gaten Matarazzo
Gaten Matarazzo is an American actor known for playing Dustin Henderson in Netflix's Stranger Things. He began performing on Broadway as Benjamin in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and later played Gavroche in Les Misérables.
Personal life and cleidocranial dysplasia
He was raised in New Jersey by his parents, Heather Matarazzo and Gaetano Matarazzo Jr. His siblings are Sabrina Matarazzo and Carmen Matarazzo. Matarazzo has been in a relationship with actress Elizabeth Yu since 2018, and he has ADHD.
Broadway beginnings and musical theatre
His later theatre credits include Jack in the Hollywood Bowl production of Into the Woods, Jared Kleinman in Dear Evan Hansen, Frankie Epps in Parade, and Tobias Ragg in the Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. He received vocal training at the Starlight Performing Arts Center in New Jersey and placed third at the 2011 Starpower Talent Competition Nationals with his solo performance of "Ben."
Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things
The role brought Matarazzo international recognition and earned him ensemble recognition with the cast at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. He frequently shared the screen with Millie Bobby Brown in the series. His other television work includes hosting and executive producing the Netflix hidden-camera series Prank Encounters from 2019 to 2021, as well as voice roles in Waffles + Mochi, Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy, and Haunted Hotel.
Film, voice acting, and advocacy
He uses his public platform to raise awareness of CCD and support CCD Smiles, an organization that helps fund oral surgeries for people with the condition. He has also created a T-shirt line whose proceeds support the organization. His charity appearances have included the Star Wars musical parody fundraiser SW: A New(sical) Hope, a virtual Elf table reading, a charity Among Us stream with Jimmy Fallon and Noah Schnapp, and the Lost Odyssey: Promised Gold livestream benefiting Extra Life and the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
Quick facts
- After Matarazzo was cast as Dustin Henderson, cleidocranial dysplasia was written into the character's background in Stranger Things.
- Matarazzo can bring his shoulders together in front of his chest because he was born without collarbones.
- He documented a surgery in which 14 supernumerary teeth were removed.
- Matarazzo initially auditioned for Mike Wheeler before receiving the role of Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things.
- He placed third at the 2011 Starpower Talent Competition Nationals with a vocal solo titled "Ben."
- Matarazzo served as both host and executive producer of the Netflix series Prank Encounters.
- He has supported CCD Smiles through awareness campaigns, fundraising events, and a T-shirt line.
- He participated in a charity Among Us livestream with Jimmy Fallon and his Stranger Things co-star Noah Schnapp to benefit Feeding America.
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