Gaten Matarazzo – Age, Height, Disease, and Net Worth (2025)

Gaten Matarazzo is an American actor and singer who rose to international fame playing Dustin Henderson on the Netflix series Stranger Things. Before his television breakthrough, he had already built a solid foundation on Broadway, debuting as a child performer in major stage productions. His openness about living with a rare genetic condition has also made him a prominent advocate and a relatable figure for millions of fans worldwide.

Born on September 8, 2002, in New London, Connecticut, Matarazzo began his acting career at a very young age. He quickly moved from local theater to the highest stages in New York, demonstrating a versatility that would later define his on-screen work. By the time he was a teenager, he had already secured one of the most beloved roles in modern television history.

Beyond the screen, Matarazzo has used his platform to educate the public about Cleidocranial Dysplasia (CCD), the condition he was born with. His decision to weave his personal experience into his character on Stranger Things helped normalize the conversation around genetic differences for a global audience.

What Disease Does Gaten Matarazzo Have?

• Gaten Matarazzo is widely recognized for his role as Dustin Henderson on Netflix’s Stranger Things, a character that brought his real-life condition, Cleidocranial Dysplasia, into the public spotlight.
• Born on September 8, 2002, in New London, Connecticut, he has been acting since childhood, making his Broadway debut at age 9 in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
• He has used his platform to raise awareness about Cleidocranial Dysplasia, becoming a spokesperson for the condition and inspiring fans with his openness.
• As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around $4 million, largely driven by his lead role in one of Netflix’s most successful series.
• He has a significant social media following, with over 19 million followers on Instagram and 1.9 million on TikTok, where he shares behind-the-scenes content and personal updates.

Gaten Matarazzo was born with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a genetic condition that primarily affects the development of bones and teeth. According to his Wikipedia biography, he has spoken publicly about the condition, and the producers of Stranger Things later wrote it into Dustin’s character background. This means Dustin’s signature lisp and lack of baby teeth in the first season were authentic representations of Matarazzo’s own experience.

CCD affects roughly one in a million people worldwide. It can cause delayed closure of the fontanelles (soft spots in the skull), a missing or underdeveloped collarbone, and dental abnormalities. For Matarazzo, this has meant multiple surgeries and dental procedures throughout his childhood. He has collaborated with organizations such as CCD Smiles to raise awareness and funds for research.

How Old and How Tall Is Gaten Matarazzo?

Gaten Matarazzo was born on September 8, 2002, which makes him 22 years old as of 2025. His full name is Gaetano John Matarazzo III, and he was raised primarily in New Jersey after being born in New London, Connecticut. Information regarding his height can vary slightly across different sources; the most commonly cited measurement is 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters), though some outlets list it as 5 feet 6 inches. These minor discrepancies are not uncommon for public figures, and no official statement from the actor has been made to settle the exact figure.

What Is Gaten Matarazzo’s Ethnicity?

According to biographical profiles, Matarazzo is of Italian and German descent. His Italian heritage is reflected in his full name, Gaetano John Matarazzo III.

Who Are Gaten Matarazzo’s Parents and What Is His Ethnicity?

Matarazzo’s parents are Heather Matarazzo and Gaten Matarazzo Sr. He has two siblings: a younger sister named Sabrina and a younger brother named Carmen. The family has remained largely private, with Heather and Gaten Sr. occasionally appearing at red-carpet events early in his career. In terms of his romantic life, Wikipedia notes that he has been in a relationship with Elizabeth Yu since 2018, though neither party has publicly confirmed this in recent interviews.

What Movies and TV Shows Has Gaten Matarazzo Been In?

Stranger Things and Television

Matarazzo is best known for playing Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things, which ran from 2016 to 2025. The role earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2017. Beyond Hawkins, he also hosted the hidden-camera prank show Prank Encounters (2019–2021) on Netflix. More recent credits include a voice role as Sig Greebling in Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy (2024–2025) and a guest voice part on Haunted Hotel (2025).

Film Career

Matarazzo has steadily built a filmography that blends voice acting with live-action roles. His film credits include voicing Bubba in The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019), starring in Honor Society (2022), and voicing Boris the Dragon in My Father’s Dragon (2022). Upcoming, he is set to voice Lucky in the animated adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm (2025).

Broadway and Stage

His stage career is extensive. He made his Broadway debut as Benjamin in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (2011–2012) and later played Gavroche in Les Misérables (2014–2015). His other stage credits include Jack in Into the Woods (Hollywood Bowl), Jared Kleinman in Dear Evan Hansen, Frankie Epps in Parade, Toby Ragg in Sweeney Todd, and The Producer in Gutenberg! The Musical!. He also performed as Jesus in a youth production of Godspell.

What Is Gaten Matarazzo’s Net Worth?

While exact figures are not publicly available from the actor himself, various entertainment finance trackers estimate Gaten Matarazzo’s net worth to be around $4 million as of 2025. This figure is largely attributed to his lead role in one of Netflix’s most-watched original series, along with income from Broadway runs, voice acting, and brand partnerships.

Where Can I Find Gaten Matarazzo on Social Media?

Gaten Matarazzo is active on several major social media platforms. His verified Instagram handle is @gatenmatarazzo, where he has amassed over 19 million followers. The feed includes behind-the-scenes content from his projects, personal updates, and advocacy posts related to CCD. On TikTok, he operates under the handle @gatentiktok, with a following of over 1.9 million users. He uses this platform for short-form comedic skits, fan interactions, and music-related content.

Timeline of Key Milestones

1. 2002: Born in New London, Connecticut.
2. 2011: Broadway debut in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (age 9).
3. 2014–2015: Appears in stage production of Les Misérables as Gavroche.
4. 2016: Cast as Dustin Henderson in Netflix’s Stranger Things (Season 1 premieres July 15).
5. 2017: Wins Screen Actors Guild Award for ensemble performance in Stranger Things.
6. 2019: Stars in Stranger Things Season 3; launches awareness campaign for Cleidocranial Dysplasia.
7. 2022: Stars in Honor Society and voices Boris the Dragon in My Father’s Dragon.
8. 2025: Final season of Stranger Things (Season 5) premieres; voice role in Animal Farm.

What Facts Are Confirmed and What Is Unclear?

What Broader Context Matters About His Condition and Career?

Gaten Matarazzo’s public journey with Cleidocranial Dysplasia has had a tangible impact on how the condition is perceived. Before Stranger Things, CCD was largely unknown to the general public. By incorporating his real-life dental and skeletal differences into Dustin’s character, Matarazzo helped normalize a rare genetic condition for a global audience of millions. The show’s writers consulted with him directly to ensure the portrayal was accurate and respectful.

Beyond the screen, Matarazzo has actively participated in charity events and fundraising campaigns for CCD research. Organizations focused on rare genetic disorders have reported increased awareness and donations following his public appearances. His advocacy has been particularly effective among younger viewers, who often see their own experiences reflected in his openness.

As a performer, Matarazzo’s ability to transition between stage and screen is notable. He is one of a small group of actors who have earned major awards for ensemble television work while simultaneously maintaining a career in live theater. This dual-track career is similar to that of fellow Broadway-to-TV actor Neil Patrick Harris – Age, Husband, Net Worth and Halloween Tradition, who also began on stage before finding television fame.

Sources and Key Quotes

The facts in this article have been compiled from multiple authoritative sources, including Gaten Matarazzo’s Wikipedia entry, his IMDb profile, and verified social media accounts. Information about Cleidocranial Dysplasia was cross-referenced with the NIH Genetics Home Reference to ensure medical accuracy.

“I’ve always been open about it, and I think that’s the best way to be. If you hide something, it just gives people more reason to be curious in a negative way.”

— Gaten Matarazzo, speaking about CCD in a Netflix interview (2019)

“We knew right away that Gaten was special. He has a presence that fills the room. He brought Dustin to life in a way we never could have written.”

— The Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things

What’s Next for Gaten Matarazzo?

With the conclusion of Stranger Things in 2025, the next chapter of Matarazzo’s career is highly anticipated. He has a voice role in the upcoming animated film Animal Farm and continues to be in demand for both stage and screen projects. His advocacy for Cleidocranial Dysplasia awareness is expected to remain a central part of his public life. For readers interested in another rising star with a similar career path, check out the profile on Ayo Edebiri – Full Biography, Age, Parents and Career.

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