Gaten Matarazzo
2002–present
He is best known for playing Dustin Henderson on the TV show Stranger Things.
Early Life
Gaten Matarazzo was born on September 8, 2002, in New Jersey, United States. From a very young age, he loved performing and being on stage. He enjoyed singing, acting, and making people smile.
Gaten was born with a condition called cleidocranial dysplasia, which affects the growth of bones and teeth. Instead of hiding it, Gaten chose to talk openly about it and teach others that being different is okay. His confidence helped inspire many kids around the world.
Love for Acting and Theater
Before becoming famous on TV, Gaten performed in theater shows. He appeared on Broadway in musicals like *Les Misérables* and *Priscilla, Queen of the Desert*. Broadway helped him learn how to sing, act, and work hard as part of a team.
Gaten’s big smile and great sense of humor made him stand out. Directors noticed how natural he was on stage, and this helped open doors for bigger opportunities.
Becoming a Star on Stranger Things
In 2016, Gaten was cast as Dustin Henderson on the Netflix show *Stranger Things*. Dustin quickly became a fan favorite because he was funny, loyal, and kind. Gaten’s performance made people laugh and showed how important friendship is.
The show became very popular all over the world. Because of this, Gaten got to travel, meet fans, and work with other talented actors his age. He worked hard while still going to school and staying close to his family.
Helping Others and Making a Difference
Gaten uses his fame to help others, especially kids with cleidocranial dysplasia. He works closely with and supports an organization called CCD Smiles, which helps families with medical care and raises awareness about the condition. He shows that challenges do not have to stop anyone from chasing dreams.
He has also hosted TV shows, such as the prank show *Prank Encounters*, appeared in music videos, and continued acting and singing. Gaten enjoys trying new things and learning new skills.
Legacy and Inspiration
Gaten Matarazzo is admired not just for his talent, but for his kindness and honesty. He teaches kids that it’s okay to be yourself and proud of who you are. His story reminds everyone that confidence and hard work can lead to amazing things.
🎉 Fun Facts
Gaten was on Broadway before he became famous on TV.
He often talks about being proud of what makes him unique.
His character Dustin is known for being a great friend.
Gaten enjoys making people laugh both on and off screen.