Portrait of Gaten Matarazzo
Biography for young readers

Gaten Matarazzo

He is best known for playing Dustin Henderson on the TV show Stranger Things.

Lived
2002–present
From
American
Reading time
About 3 min
Reading guide
Independent-reader guide

Watch Gaten Matarazzo's story unfold

Portrait of Gaten Matarazzo
01

Early Life

Gaten Matarazzo was born on September 8, 2002, in New Jersey, United States.

1 / 19
Why this story matters

A life worth remembering

He is best known for playing Dustin Henderson on the TV show Stranger Things.

Think about it

What did you notice?

  • Which moment changed the direction of this person's life?
  • Which achievement or idea do you think mattered most?
  • What is one question you would ask them?
Prefer to read? Open the complete biography transcript

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.

Did you know?

Fun facts about Gaten Matarazzo

  1. Gaten was on Broadway before he became famous on TV.

  2. He often talks about being proud of what makes him unique.

  3. His character Dustin is known for being a great friend.

  4. Gaten enjoys making people laugh both on and off screen.

Learn & remember

Make the story yours

3 min read · Independent-reader guide

Three things to remember

  1. Known for: He is best known for playing Dustin Henderson on the TV show Stranger Things.
  2. Lived: 2002–present
  3. From: American
Quick check

What do you remember?

Think of an answer, then open each card to check.

What is Gaten Matarazzo best known for?

He is best known for playing Dustin Henderson on the TV show Stranger Things.

When did Gaten Matarazzo live?

2002–present

What place or nationality is connected to this story?

American

One story at a time

Who will you discover next?

Explore inspiring lives across science, art, history, music, and more.