Gaten Matarazzo

Gaten Matarazzo – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Discover the life and journey of Gaten Matarazzo — from Broadway beginnings to Netflix stardom on Stranger Things. Explore his background, achievements, challenges (including living with a rare condition), and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Gaten Matarazzo is an American actor and singer who has captured hearts around the world through his performance as Dustin Henderson in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things. Born on September 8, 2002, he has built a career that spans stage, screen, voice work, and advocacy. What makes his story especially resonant is how he has navigated his challenges — including a rare medical condition — while embracing roles that integrate authenticity and heart. In this article, you’ll get a full portrait of Gaten’s life, career, values, and some of his most memorable sayings.

Early Life and Family

Gaten’s full name is Gaetano John Matarazzo III. New London, Connecticut, and raised mainly in Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Heather Matarazzo and Gaetano John Matarazzo Jr. Sabrina, and a younger brother, Carmen.

From an early age, Gaten showed interest in performing arts. He trained vocally at Starlight Performing Arts Center (in New Jersey) and also attended Pinelands Regional High School.

One significant aspect of his life is that he was born with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a rare skeletal disorder that affects bone growth (notably the collarbones) and tooth development. Stranger Things incorporated it into his character, Dustin.

Youth and Training

Gaten’s earliest professional credits came on stage. In 2011–2012, he appeared as Benjamin in the Broadway musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (as a replacement cast member). Godspell (called Godspell Cast of 2032) at Circle in the Square Theatre.

His breakthrough stage work included playing Gavroche in Les Misérables — first in U.S. tours and later on Broadway during its revival. These roles allowed him to combine singing, acting, and presence at a young age, setting the foundation for his screen career.

Career and Achievements

Breakthrough on Screen: Stranger Things

Gaten’s first television appearance was in an episode of The Blacklist (2015), playing a character named Finn. Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things, a Netflix science-fiction / horror series. Over time, Dustin became one of the most beloved characters in the ensemble, known for intelligence, humor, loyalty, and a resilient heart.

When Gaten disclosed his CCD, the show’s creators adapted the character’s storyline to reflect it — for example, scenes where Dustin “does the shoulder thing” (bringing shoulders together) reference his lack of collarbones.

As Stranger Things grew in popularity, Gaten’s visibility and influence rose with it. The series, spanning multiple seasons, allowed him to mature on camera and become part of a cultural phenomenon.

Other Screen & Voice Work

Outside Stranger Things, Gaten branched into hosting and voice roles:

• He hosted Prank Encounters (2019–2021) on Netflix and served as an executive producer.

• He voiced Bubba in The Angry Birds Movie 2.

• In 2022, he starred in Honor Society, a coming-of-age comedy film.

• He voiced Boris the Dragon in My Father’s Dragon.

• He is also involved in recent and upcoming animation or voice projects such as LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy (voice role).

Return to Broadway & Theater

Gaten has consistently returned to his theatrical roots. Some of his notable stage credits:

• In 2022, he joined Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway as Jared Kleinman.

• More recently, he performed in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street as Tobias Ragg on Broadway.

These engagements show that he continues to balance stage and screen work, not limiting himself to one medium.

Historical & Cultural Context

• Stranger Things itself has become a cultural touchstone — a nostalgic homage to 1980s genre films and a showcase for its cast’s rising stars.

• Gaten’s openness about CCD has brought attention to a rare disorder, encouraging representation in media.

• His voice work and crossover into animation and family-friendly franchises (e.g. Angry Birds, LEGO Star Wars) expand his reach across audience demographics.

Legacy and Influence

Though still young, Gaten Matarazzo has already made a mark:

• Representation & inclusion: By incorporating his medical condition into a major character, he helps normalize visible differences and lowers stigma around physical anomalies.

• Role model status: For young fans, especially those with health or physical challenges, Gaten stands as an example of perseverance, self-advocacy, and authenticity.

• Versatility: From Broadway to TV, voice acting to producing, he's shown flexibility in his craft.

• Cultural relevance: As Stranger Things continues to be a defining series, those associated with it—like Gaten—will forever be tied to its place in popular culture.

Personality and Talents

From interviews and observations, some recurring traits and talents of Gaten Matarazzo include:

• Warmth & humor: His charm often comes through in his performances and public appearances — he uses humor to connect.

• Courage & honesty: Being public about CCD shows emotional bravery. He doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations.

• Dedication to craft: Even as his career accelerated, he continued doing live theater and voice work, showing commitment to growth.

• Empathy & advocacy: He has become an advocate for others with CCD (and for broader acceptance of differences).

• Balance of humility and confidence: Despite success, he often speaks with groundedness and relatability, not overinflated ego.

Famous Quotes of Gaten Matarazzo

Here are some quotes and notable statements by him that reflect his outlook and voice:

1. “I literally don’t have any collarbones.”
   He speaks candidly about his CCD, making it a point of truth rather than shame.

2. “I think what the Duffer brothers really wanted to do was … each character in the show was unique and they had something that was realistic and personal.”
   On how Stranger Things handled his condition.

3. “It’s been pretty great job security.”
   Reflecting on his emotional attachment and fear about Stranger Things eventually ending.

4. “I’ve been doing this show for so long — almost as long as I haven’t.”
   On how the series has spanned nearly his entire life.

While Gaten does not have a long list of traditional “wisdom quotes” (due to his youth), the ones he offers tend to carry sincerity and a grounded perspective.

Lessons from Gaten Matarazzo

What can we learn from his path so far?

• Authenticity is powerful: Being open about one’s challenges can turn what might be viewed as a weakness into a point of connection.

• Don’t let limitations define you: CCD is part of his life, but it doesn’t limit his aspirations.

• Diversify your craft: Don’t confine yourself to one medium—stage, screen, voice, producing—all can reinforce one another.

• Use your influence responsibly: Gaten uses his platform to raise awareness and advocate — that’s strength.

• Stay grounded despite success: Particularly for young talents, remaining humble and kind helps sustain both personal balance and public goodwill.

Conclusion

Gaten Matarazzo’s journey is still unfolding, but already it’s one filled with challenges overcome, roles embraced, and a voice that matters. From early days on Broadway to his defining role in Stranger Things, he has navigated success with dignity, openness, and a desire to help others.

His work reminds us that representation matters, that one can build a career across disciplines, and that personal truth — even when it’s hard — can become part of a larger story.