Gaten Matarazzo – Age, Height, Movies, Disease and Net Worth 2025

Gaten Matarazzo rose to international fame as Dustin Henderson in the Netflix series Stranger Things, but his career began years earlier on Broadway stages. Born with a rare genetic condition, he has used his platform to advocate for others while building a diverse portfolio of film, television, and theater work.

As Stranger Things prepares to conclude with its fifth season in 2025, audiences are taking a closer look at the actor behind one of the show’s most beloved characters. His journey from child performer to young star offers insight into both his professional achievements and personal challenges.

How Old Is Gaten Matarazzo and What Are His Basic Personal Details?

• Gaten Matarazzo’s portrayal of Dustin Henderson made him one of the most recognizable young actors from Stranger Things.
• He was born with cleidocranial dysplasia, a rare genetic condition affecting bone and tooth development, and discusses it openly to raise awareness.
• Despite his young age, he has accumulated significant wealth through acting and endorsements, with estimated net worth in the millions.
• He maintains a strong social media presence across Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, engaging with millions of fans.
• His career extends beyond Stranger Things with roles in films, voice work, and Broadway theater productions.
• Since 2017, he has served as a spokesman for Verizon FiOS, adding brand partnerships to his professional portfolio.

Gaten Matarazzo’s Age and Birth Date

Gaten Matarazzo was born on September 8, 2002, in New London, Connecticut, and was raised in Tuckerton, New Jersey. As of 2025, he is 22 years old. His full name is Gaetano John “Gaten” Matarazzo III, and he comes from an Italian-American family.

Gaten Matarazzo’s Height in Feet and Centimeters

Based on multiple credible sources, Gaten Matarazzo stands approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall, which is about 163 centimeters. His condition, cleidocranial dysplasia, affects bone development, though he describes his own case as mild.

Gaten Matarazzo’s Ethnicity and Family Background

Matarazzo is of Italian descent. His parents are Heather and Gaten Matarazzo Sr., and he has two sisters, Sabrina and Carmen, who have both appeared in television commercials. He has been in a relationship with actress Elizabeth Yu since 2018.

Who Are Gaten Matarazzo’s Parents?

His mother is Heather and his father is Gaten Matarazzo Sr. The family supported his early interest in performing, which led him to begin vocal training at age eight at the Starlight Performing Arts Center in New Jersey. He has a dog and has shared glimpses of his personal life on social media.

What Movies and TV Shows Has Gaten Matarazzo Appeared In?

Gaten Matarazzo’s Breakthrough Role in Stranger Things

Matarazzo was cast as Dustin Henderson in Netflix’s Stranger Things in 2015, and the show premiered in 2016. The role brought him worldwide recognition and became the defining project of his career. The character’s background was modified after casting to include cleidocranial dysplasia, making the condition a core part of the storyline. In the pilot episode, Dustin explains his condition to a bully who mocks his teeth.

Full List of Gaten Matarazzo Movies

His film credits include voice work as Bubba in The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019), co-starring in Honor Society (2022), voicing Boris the Dragon in My Father’s Dragon (2022), and voicing Lucky in the animated film Animal Farm (2025). He was also cast in the animated film Hump in 2018.

Gaten Matarazzo TV Shows Beyond Stranger Things

His screen acting debut came in 2015 with an episode of The Blacklist. From 2019 to 2021, he hosted and executive produced the Netflix hidden-camera series Prank Encounters. His television work remains anchored by his main role as Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things across all five seasons (2016–2025).

Gaten Matarazzo’s Career Milestones (2017–2025)

In 2017, Matarazzo won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series with the cast of Stranger Things. In 2022, he returned to Broadway in the final cast of Dear Evan Hansen as Jared Kleinman. In 2023, he appeared in a one-night-only performance of Gutenberg! The Musical! as The Producer. His Broadway roles also include Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Les Misérables, and appearances in Into the Woods (Hollywood Bowl), Sweeney Todd, and Parade.

What Disease Does Gaten Matarazzo Have?

What Is Cleidocranial Dysplasia?

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a rare genetic condition that affects the development of bones and teeth. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, CCD can cause absent or underdeveloped collarbones, delayed closure of the skull bones, and dental abnormalities. Matarazzo was born with this condition and has spoken about it publicly in interviews and on social media.

How Does Cleidocranial Dysplasia Affect Gaten Matarazzo?

Because he was born without collarbones, Matarazzo is able to bring his shoulders together in front of his chest—a physical trait he has demonstrated publicly and referenced as “the shoulder thing.” The condition also affects the development of his facial bones, skull, and teeth. He uses dentures and has been open about his dental surgeries and treatments.

Has Gaten Matarazzo Spoken About His Condition?

Yes. He has spoken about CCD in interviews with Teen Vogue and other outlets, explaining that he wants to spread awareness about the condition. He serves as a spokesman for CCD Smiles, an organization that provides oral surgeries for CCD patients. His advocacy work has brought visibility to a rare condition that affects approximately one in one million people.

What Is Gaten Matarazzo’s Net Worth and Social Media Presence?

Estimated Net Worth of Gaten Matarazzo

No official figure has been disclosed by Matarazzo or his representatives. Estimates from various online sources suggest his net worth may be in the range of $4–6 million as of 2025, based on his acting income, brand partnerships, and endorsement deals. Since 2017, he has served as a spokesman for Verizon FiOS, which adds to his earnings.

Gaten Matarazzo’s Instagram and TikTok Followers

Matarazzo is active on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. His official Instagram account is verified and he frequently shares content with co-stars such as Millie Bobby Brown. His social media presence allows him to engage directly with millions of fans, though exact follower counts fluctuate and are best verified through the platforms themselves.

How Gaten Matarazzo Earns Income (Acting and Endorsements)

His primary income sources include his role in Stranger Things, voice acting in animated films, hosting and executive producing Prank Encounters, Broadway performances, and brand partnerships. His work with Verizon FiOS since 2017 represents a notable long-term endorsement commitment.

How Did Gaten Matarazzo’s Career Progress Over Time?

1. 2002 – Born on September 8 in New London, Connecticut.
2. 2011–2012 – First professional Broadway credit as Benjamin in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (replacement).
3. 2013–2014 – Performed as Gavroche in the Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Tour and the 2014 Broadway revival.
4. 2015 – Made screen acting debut in an episode of The Blacklist and was cast as Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things.
5. 2016 – Stranger Things season 1 premieres; Matarazzo gains worldwide recognition.
6. 2017 – Won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series with the Stranger Things cast.
7. 2019 – Voiced Bubba in The Angry Birds Movie 2 and began hosting/executive producing Prank Encounters.
8. 2022 – Co-starred in Honor Society, voiced Boris the Dragon in My Father’s Dragon, and returned to Broadway in Dear Evan Hansen as Jared Kleinman.
9. 2025 – Voiced Lucky in Animal Farm and continues in the fifth and final season of Stranger Things.

What Do We Know and What Remains Uncertain About Gaten Matarazzo?

What Is the Broader Context of Gaten Matarazzo’s Career?

Matarazzo’s role in Stranger Things catapulted him into stardom at age 14, placing him within a generation-defining ensemble cast. His openness about cleidocranial dysplasia has brought visibility to a rare condition, inspiring other families affected by CCD. As the show concludes with its fifth season in 2025, his career transition will be closely watched. He has already demonstrated range through theater, voice work, and hosting, which may point toward continued versatility in his future projects.

His social media following indicates a strong personal brand value beyond acting, and his advocacy work with CCD Smiles suggests he may continue public engagement around health awareness. Whether he pursues further education, music, or additional acting roles remains to be seen, but his foundation in both Broadway and screen work provides multiple paths forward.

What Are the Key Sources and Quotes on Gaten Matarazzo’s Life?

“I was born with cleidocranial dysplasia. It’s something that I’ve had since birth, and I want to spread awareness.”

— Gaten Matarazzo in interview with Teen Vogue (2017)

“The whole experience of ‘Stranger Things’ has been a crazy ride. I’m so grateful for the fans.”

— Gaten Matarazzo on The Tonight Show (2022)

Key sources of verified information about Matarazzo include his Wikipedia entry, his IMDb filmography, the National Organization for Rare Disorders for information on cleidocranial dysplasia, and his official Instagram account. Additional biographical details are available through Broadway.com and BroadwayWorld.

What Is the Final Overview of Gaten Matarazzo’s Life and Career?

Gaten Matarazzo is a 22-year-old Italian-American actor who rose to fame as Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things, with a career that began on Broadway and expanded into film, television hosting, and voice acting. He was born with cleidocranial dysplasia and has used his platform to advocate for others with the condition through his work with the CCD Smiles Foundation. His estimated net worth, while unconfirmed by official sources, is widely reported in the range of $4–6 million. As Stranger Things concludes in 2025, his next professional steps remain open, but his combination of screen experience, theater training, and brand partnerships positions him for continued work in the entertainment industry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaten Matarazzo