50 Facts About Gaten Matarazzo

Early Life and Family

Gaten Matarazzo's journey to stardom began in New London, Connecticut, where he was born on September 8, 2002. Raised in Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, his family played a significant role in shaping his career.

1. Gaten Matarazzo was born to Gaetano Jr. and Heather Matarazzo.
2. He is of Italian descent, which adds a rich cultural background to his identity.
3. Gaten's sister, Sabrina, who is also an actress, inspired him to pursue acting.
4. His brother, Carmen, is a musician, showcasing the family's artistic talents.

Overcoming Challenges

Gaten's life hasn't been without its challenges. He was born with a rare genetic condition that he has openly discussed to raise awareness and promote acceptance.

5. Gaten was born with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), affecting the development of bones and teeth.
6. He has used his platform to raise awareness about CCD, encouraging others to embrace their differences.
7. The writers of Stranger Things integrated CCD into his character, Dustin Henderson, making the portrayal more authentic.

Early Career and Broadway

Before becoming a household name, Gaten honed his skills on Broadway, where he showcased his singing and acting talents.

8. Gaten pursued vocal training at the Starlight Performing Arts Center in New Jersey.
9. He won third place with his vocal solo titled “Ben” at the Starpower Talent Competition Nationals.
10. His Broadway debut was in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, playing the role of Benjamin in 2011.
11. He joined the Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Tour in 2013 as Gavroche.
12. Gaten reprised his role as Gavroche in the Tony-nominated 2014 Broadway revival of Les Misérables.

Transition to Television

Gaten's transition from Broadway to television marked a significant shift in his career, leading to his breakout role in Stranger Things.

13. Gaten made his screen acting debut in a 2015 episode of The Blacklist, playing Finn.
14. He gained widespread recognition for playing Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things, which premiered in July 2016.
15. His portrayal of Dustin earned him critical acclaim and immense popularity.
16. Gaten's character, Dustin, became a fan favorite due to his endearing charm and remarkable acting abilities.

Expanding Horizons

Beyond Stranger Things, Gaten has explored various roles and projects, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

17. In 2019, Gaten began hosting the Netflix hidden camera series Prank Encounters, which he also executive produced.
18. He provided the voice of Buba in The Angry Birds Movie 2.
19. Gaten co-starred in the coming-of-age comedy film Honor Society in 2022.
20. He voiced Boris the Dragon in the animated fantasy comedy film My Father’s Dragon.

Return to Broadway

Gaten's love for theater brought him back to Broadway, where he continued to shine.

21. In May 2022, Gaten joined the final cast of the musical Dear Evan Hansen as Jared Kleinman.
22. His return to Broadway marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Awards and Recognition

Gaten's talent has not gone unnoticed, earning him several awards and nominations.

23. He won an ‘Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series’ award in the Screen Actors Guild Awards for Stranger Things.
24. Gaten received the award for ‘Best Actor’ in the Shorty Awards for his performance as Dustin Henderson.

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Gaten's philanthropic efforts extend beyond his acting career, making a positive impact on society.

25. He is an advocate for cleidocranial dysplasia awareness and has raised funds for CCD organizations.
26. Gaten has been involved with CCD Smiles, a charity supporting individuals with CCD.
27. His advocacy has inspired many, showing that differences can be strengths.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

Outside of acting, Gaten has various interests that reflect his vibrant personality.

28. Gaten enjoys reading the Harry Potter books and has expressed a desire to be a wizard if he could be a book.
29. He loves animals and music, which are reflected in his various projects and interests.
30. Gaten regularly engages with his fans on social media, sharing updates about his projects and personal life.

Future Projects and Aspirations

Gaten's future in the entertainment industry looks bright, with various roles and projects already in the works.

31. He is looking forward to new projects and continues to charm fans with his talent and charismatic personality.
32. Gaten’s career longevity and financial stability were once a concern for his parents, but his success in Stranger Things has alleviated those worries.
33. With the end of Stranger Things looming, Gaten now faces the challenge of moving on to newer projects while maintaining the stability he has achieved.

Final Reflections on Stranger Things

As Stranger Things approaches its conclusion, Gaten reflects on his journey and the impact of the show.

34. Gaten recently revealed that he knows exactly how Stranger Things ends, having read the final script on his birthday.
35. The finale will tie everything together in a mind-blowing, full-circle conclusion.
36. Gaten’s reflection on his journey highlights the significance of this moment, both personally and collectively for the cast.

Fan Engagement and Popularity

Gaten's charm and talent have captured the hearts of fans worldwide, making him a beloved figure in popular culture.

37. Fans have been front-row spectators to Gaten’s meteoric rise from a child star to a full-blown adult actor.
38. His portrayal of Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things has made him an iconic character.
39. Gaten’s teasers about the final episode have fueled the hype, keeping fans glued to updates.

Legacy and Impact

Gaten Matarazzo's legacy extends beyond his acting career, leaving a lasting impact on popular culture and society.

40. Gaten has inspired countless fans with his positivity, philanthropy, and dedication to raising awareness about cleidocranial dysplasia.
41. His performances in Broadway musicals like Les Misérables and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert showcased his talent as a singer and actor.
42. Gaten’s screen debut in The Blacklist marked the beginning of his journey into television acting.
43. His impact on popular culture is undeniable, making him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations

Gaten continues to reflect on his journey and looks forward to new opportunities in the entertainment industry.

44. Gaten has reflected on his journey from a child actor to an adult lead, appreciating how much his parents had mapped out the potential impact of Stranger Things on his life.
45. The show has been Gaten’s safety net for years, providing him with a sense of security and stability.
46. The realization that this safety net is about to disappear adds to the anxiety of moving on to newer projects.
47. Gaten recently appeared on In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast on Spotify, reminiscing about his journey from a 13-year-old rising star to now, at 22.
48. Fans have been excited about Sadie Sink’s appearances in New York with Gaten Matarazzo, highlighting the close bond between the cast members.
49. Gaten has been involved in various CCD awareness campaigns, using his platform to educate people about the condition.
50. His advocacy has inspired many, showing that differences can be strengths.

Gaten Matarazzo: A Rising Star

Gaten Matarazzo's journey from Broadway to Hollywood showcases his incredible talent and determination. Known for his role as Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things, Gaten has captivated audiences with his charm and acting prowess. Born with cleidocranial dysplasia, he uses his platform to raise awareness and support others with the condition. His early start in Broadway musicals like Les Misérables and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert laid a strong foundation for his career. Beyond acting, Gaten has ventured into voice acting, hosting, and philanthropy, proving his versatility. As he continues to grow in the entertainment industry, Gaten remains a beloved figure, inspiring fans with his positivity and dedication. With a bright future ahead, there's no doubt Gaten Matarazzo will keep shining on both stage and screen.