Gaten Matarazzo has captured hearts worldwide with his role as Dustin Henderson in the hit series "Stranger Things." But who is the young actor behind the curly hair and infectious smile? Born on September 8, 2002, Gaten has not only made a name for himself in acting but also as an advocate for cleidocranial dysplasia, a condition he shares with his character on the show. Beyond the screen, Gaten's talents extend to singing, having performed on Broadway in shows like "Les Misérables" and "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert." Curious about his journey, hobbies, and more? Here are 33 facts that will give you a deeper look into the life of this multi-talented star.
Early Life and Background
Gaten Matarazzo, known for his role as Dustin Henderson in "Stranger Things," has a fascinating background. Here are some intriguing facts about his early life.
- 01Born on September 8, 2002, in Connecticut, Gaten grew up in Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey.
- 02Gaten's full name is Gaetano John Matarazzo III, reflecting his Italian heritage.
- 03He has two siblings, Sabrina and Carmen, who are also involved in the entertainment industry.
- 04Gaten was diagnosed with cleidocranial dysplasia, a rare genetic disorder affecting the development of bones and teeth.
Career Beginnings
Before "Stranger Things," Gaten had already started making a name for himself in the entertainment world.
- 05Gaten began his acting career on Broadway, starring in "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" in 2011.
- 06He also played Gavroche in the Broadway revival of "Les Misérables" in 2014.
- 07His Broadway experience helped him develop strong singing and dancing skills.
- 08Gaten's first TV appearance was in an episode of "The Blacklist" in 2015.
Breakthrough with "Stranger Things"
Gaten's role in "Stranger Things" catapulted him to fame. Here are some facts about his journey on the show.
- 09Gaten auditioned for the role of Mike Wheeler but was cast as Dustin Henderson instead.
- 10The creators of "Stranger Things," the Duffer Brothers, wrote Dustin's character with Gaten's condition in mind.
- 11Gaten's portrayal of Dustin earned him critical acclaim and a massive fan following.
- 12He has appeared in all seasons of "Stranger Things" since its debut in 2016.
Personal Interests and Hobbies
Outside of acting, Gaten has a variety of interests and hobbies that keep him busy.
- 13Gaten is an avid gamer and enjoys playing video games in his free time.
- 14He loves singing and often shares videos of himself performing on social media.
- 15Gaten is a big fan of the band Paramore and has attended several of their concerts.
- 16He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, often posting pictures of their adventures online.
Advocacy and Philanthropy
Gaten uses his platform to raise awareness and support for various causes.
- 17He is an advocate for cleidocranial dysplasia awareness and works with the CCD Smiles organization.
- 18Gaten has participated in charity events and fundraisers to support research and treatment for CCD.
- 19He has also been involved in campaigns to promote anti-bullying and mental health awareness.
- 20Gaten's philanthropic efforts have inspired many of his fans to get involved in charitable activities.
Fun Facts and Trivia
Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Gaten Matarazzo that you might find interesting.
- 21Gaten's favorite food is sushi, and he often shares pictures of his sushi outings.
- 22He has a pet dog named Nona, who frequently appears on his social media.
- 23Gaten is a huge fan of "Star Wars" and has a collection of memorabilia from the franchise.
- 24He enjoys playing the ukulele and often performs covers of popular songs.
- 25Gaten has a unique sense of humor and loves making people laugh with his jokes and pranks.
Awards and Recognition
Gaten's talent and hard work have earned him several awards and nominations.
- 26He won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for "Stranger Things" in 2017.
- 27Gaten has been nominated for the Young Artist Award and the MTV Movie & TV Award.
- 28He received the Shorty Award for Best Actor in 2018.
- 29Gaten's performances have been praised by critics and audiences alike, solidifying his place in the entertainment industry.
Future Projects and Aspirations
Gaten has a bright future ahead, with many exciting projects and goals.
- 30He has expressed interest in pursuing more roles in film and television.
- 31Gaten hopes to continue his work on Broadway and explore new opportunities in theater.
- 32He plans to use his platform to advocate for important causes and inspire others.
- 33Gaten dreams of one day directing and producing his own projects, showcasing his creativity and passion for storytelling.
Gaten Matarazzo: A Rising Star
Gaten Matarazzo's journey from a Broadway performer to a beloved actor on "Stranger Things" is nothing short of inspiring. His talent, charisma, and dedication have made him a standout in the entertainment industry. Beyond acting, Gaten uses his platform to raise awareness about cleidocranial dysplasia, a condition he personally faces. This advocacy work shows his commitment to making a difference.
His love for music, evident from his band Work In Progress, adds another layer to his multifaceted career. Gaten's story reminds us that passion and perseverance can lead to incredible achievements. Whether he's on stage, screen, or advocating for important causes, Gaten Matarazzo continues to captivate audiences and inspire many. Keep an eye on this young star; his future in entertainment looks incredibly bright.
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