Gaten Matarazzo
He transformed from a Broadway child actor into the heart of a global phenomenon, bringing geeky charm and a gap-toothed grin to the fight against the Upside Down.
Born 2002 (age 24)·American actor·Birthday: September 8·Generation Z
Biography
Gaten Matarazzo's journey started not in Hawkins, Indiana, but under the bright lights of Broadway. As a kid, he landed roles in major productions, honing his stage presence before most of his peers had left elementary school. His big break arrived with the Netflix series 'Stranger Things,' where his portrayal of Dustin Henderson—a character whose scientific curiosity and loyalty were as defining as his lisp and missing teeth—catapulted him to international fame. The role showcased a specific, relatable brand of heroism, making him a fan favorite. Beyond the supernatural chaos of the show, Matarazzo has navigated his young adulthood in the public eye, hosting a prank series, taking on film roles, and openly discussing his genetic condition, cleidocranial dysplasia, using his platform to advocate for greater understanding. His career trajectory illustrates a modern path to stardom, built on raw talent, a distinctive look, and an authentic connection with a generation of viewers.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Gaten was born in 2002, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Gaten Was Born
The biggest hits of 2002
#1 Movie
Spider-Man
Best Picture
Chicago
#1 TV Show
Friends
Gaten's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
2002Born
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2007Started school
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2015Became a teenager
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2018Could drive
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2020Could vote
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2023Turned 21
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 24 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played Dustin Henderson across all seasons of the global hit series 'Stranger Things,' a defining role for the show.
- Performed on Broadway as Gavroche in 'Les Misérables' at the age of twelve.
- Executive produced and hosted the Netflix hidden-camera series 'Prank Encounters.'
- Co-starred in the 2022 Paramount+ coming-of-age film 'Honor Society.'
Did You Know?
He has a genetic condition called cleidocranial dysplasia, which influenced his character Dustin's lack of teeth in 'Stranger Things.'
His first Broadway role was as Benjamin in 'Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.'
He is a distant cousin of actress Madelyn Cline.
He is in a band called Work In Progress with his 'Stranger Things' co-star Finn Wolfhard.
“I think the best part about Dustin is that he never tries to be anyone he's not.”
