Gaten Matarazzo: Biography, Career, Net Worth & Personal Life

Gaten Matarazzo is a talented American actor who has taken the entertainment industry by storm with his captivating performances on stage and screen. Born on September 8, 2002, in New London, Connecticut, Matarazzo has already made a name for himself in the competitive world of acting, with notable projects such as the Netflix series Stranger Things, The Angry Birds Movie 2, and the upcoming Pizza Movie. With a career spanning over a decade, Matarazzo has proven himself to be a versatile and dedicated actor, with a wide range of roles under his belt. His breakout role as Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things has earned him a massive following and critical acclaim, cementing his position as one of the most promising young actors in Hollywood.

Early Life & Background

Gaten Matarazzo was born on September 8, 2002, in New London, Connecticut, to Gaetano John Matarazzo Jr. and Heather Matarazzo. He began his journey in the entertainment industry at a young age, with his family's support and encouragement. Matarazzo's early life was marked by a passion for acting, singing, and dancing, which led him to pursue a career in the performing arts. He attended the Star Kidz theater program in Connecticut, where he honed his skills and developed a strong foundation in acting, singing, and dancing. Matarazzo's family relocated to New Jersey, where he continued to pursue his dreams, eventually landing his first role on Broadway in the musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert in 2011.

Career Beginnings & Breakthrough

Gaten Matarazzo's career in the entertainment industry began on the Broadway stage, where he made his debut as Benjamin in the musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert in 2011. He then went on to play the role of Gavroche in the iconic musical Les Misérables from 2014 to 2015. Matarazzo's breakout role came in 2016 when he was cast as Dustin Henderson in the Netflix science-fiction-horror drama series Stranger Things. The show's massive success catapulted Matarazzo to stardom, earning him widespread recognition and critical acclaim. He continued to work on various projects, including The Angry Birds Movie 2, released in 2019, and the Netflix show Prank Encounters, which he hosted from 2019 to 2021.

Major Works & Achievements

Gaten Matarazzo's most significant projects include his role as Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things, which has been praised for its unique blend of science fiction, horror, and coming-of-age themes. The show has received widespread critical acclaim, with an average rating of 8.1 on IMDB and over 64 million viewers in its third season. Matarazzo has also appeared in films such as The Angry Birds Movie 2, which grossed over $107 million at the box office, and the upcoming Pizza Movie, set to release in 2026. Additionally, he has worked on projects such as Octet, One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5, Animal Farm, and Honor Society, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Matarazzo's performances have earned him numerous award nominations, including a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.

Personal Information

• Full Name: Gaetano John "Gaten" Matarazzo III
• Date of Birth: September 8, 2002
• Age: 23 (as of 2026)
• Birthplace: New London, Connecticut, USA
• Nationality: American

Personal Life & Relationships

Gaten Matarazzo's personal life is relatively private, with limited information available about his relationships and family. However, it is known that he has been open about his experiences with cleidocranial dysplasia, a rare genetic disorder that affects the development of bones and teeth. Matarazzo has used his platform to raise awareness about the condition and support others who are affected by it.

Net Worth & Earnings

Gaten Matarazzo's net worth is estimated at $4 million according to CelebrityNetWorth as of 2026.

• Primary Income: Acting and hosting
• Notable Assets: None publicly known

Future Projects & Trajectory

Gaten Matarazzo is set to appear in several upcoming projects, including the Pizza Movie, One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5, and Animal Farm, all scheduled for release in 2026. With his versatility and dedication to his craft, Matarazzo is expected to continue to make a significant impact in the entertainment industry. His ability to take on a wide range of roles and his passion for storytelling are likely to lead to many exciting opportunities in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gaten Matarazzo best known for?

Gaten Matarazzo is best known for his role as Dustin Henderson in the Netflix series Stranger Things, which has become a cultural phenomenon and earned him widespread recognition and critical acclaim.

How did Gaten Matarazzo get started in entertainment?

Gaten Matarazzo began his career in the entertainment industry on the Broadway stage, where he made his debut as Benjamin in the musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert in 2011. He then went on to play the role of Gavroche in the iconic musical Les Misérables from 2014 to 2015, before landing his breakout role as Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things in 2016.

What is Gaten Matarazzo's net worth?

Gaten Matarazzo's net worth is estimated at $4 million according to CelebrityNetWorth as of 2026, primarily earned through his acting and hosting career.

Is Gaten Matarazzo in a relationship?

There is no publicly available information about Gaten Matarazzo's current relationship status.

What projects is Gaten Matarazzo working on?

Gaten Matarazzo is set to appear in several upcoming projects, including the Pizza Movie, One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5, and Animal Farm, all scheduled for release in 2026. He has also worked on projects such as Octet, Honor Society, and The Angry Birds Movie 2, showcasing his versatility as an actor.