Gaten Matarazzo (born September 8, 2002) is an actor, singer, and theater performer of American nationality with a worldwide audience who considers him in this role as the character Dustin Henderson of Netflix’s cult sci-fi series Stranger Things. Gaten, whose smile, hair, and talents are hard to miss, is one of the most cherished young stars in Hollywood.
Early Life and Education
Gaten John Matarazzo III was born and raised in Connecticut, United States, and New Jersey. He hails from a family that is always there for him and a very close-knit one — parents Gaetano and Heather Matarazzo have always backed his passion for the arts.
He went to Pinelands Regional High School, located in Tuckerton, New Jersey, where he managed to juggle studies, theatre, and music all at once. Although suffering from a rare genetic disorder known as cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), which hampers the growth and development of bones and teeth, Gaten never allowed it to control his life. To the contrary, he has been using his platform to create awareness and provide able support for others suffering from the same condition.
His birth date places him under the zodiac sign Virgo, which very well corresponds to his determined and creative character.
Acting Career and Major Works
Gaten started as an actor in theatre, and his Broadway appearances included the following productions: Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (2011) in the role of Benjamin and Les Misérables (2014) as Gavroche. His solid background in acting gave him not only the talent but also the confidence that later became the hallmark of his performances on screen.
Gaten’s breakthrough came in 2016 when he was cast to play the role of Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things. The series was a fantastic hit globally, and Gaten’s portrayal of the clever, faithful, and bright kid not only brought him massive fame but also led to a few nominations for awards and acknowledgment.
After Stranger Things, he had roles in the series The Blacklist (2015), Lip Sync Battle (2017), Ridiculousness (2017), and was the presenter of Prank Encounters (2019). He also kept on going with his stage career, taking on the roles in Cinderella (2018) and Into the Woods (2019).
Awards and Recognition
Through the years, Gaten has been the recipient of several awards, the most notable being the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, which he received four times between 2017 and 2020. Additionally, he won the Shorty Award for Best Actor and the Teen Choice Award for the Choice Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Actor.
His performance continues to be celebrated for its humor, warmth, and emotional depth — making Dustin Henderson one of the most loved characters on television.
Personal Life and Interests
Gaten is in a relationship with Lizzy Yu, who is also a performer. The couple often shares glimpses of their relationship on social media. Outside of the spotlight, Gaten’s activities include singing, playing video games, and having family time. Moreover, he supports persons with disabilities as an advocate and uses his popularity to spread the message of inclusivity and kindness.
Gaten, who is 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m) tall and weighs about 60 kg, has a lovable character and a very cheery approach to life.
Financial Status and Online Presence
Gaten Matarazzo’s net worth in 2025 is projected to be approximately $4 million, based on his celebrity status. The major sources of his income are the Netflix series, theater performances, and sponsorships.
He is constantly interacting with his millions of followers across the globe through social media networks such as Instagram (@gatenm123), Twitter (@GatenM123), and Facebook.
