Gaten Matarazzo is an American actor best known for portraying Dustin Henderson on the Netflix series Stranger Things. Born with cleidocranial dysplasia, he has used his platform to raise awareness about the condition while building a career in acting, voice work, and music. This profile summarizes his key credits, earnings, advocacy, and public milestones. It is designed as a long-term reference that remains accurate as his career evolves beyond the main run of Stranger Things.
Key Career Highlights
Matarazzo's breakthrough role on Stranger Things brought widespread recognition for his comedic timing, emotional range, and distinctive voice. Beyond the series, he has pursued voice roles, stage appearances, and music projects. This section outlines his most notable professional milestones with verified details and context to distinguish ongoing work from one-time appearances.
Notable Credits and Timeline
| Role / Project | Year(s) | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dustin Henderson (main cast) | 2016–2025 | Stranger Things seasons 1–4 | Show credits / Netflix press |
| Broadway: Be More Chill | 2019 | Understudy for Michael | Playbill / Official Broadway archives |
| Voice: Agent Elvis | 2023 | Lead role | Netflix animation listing |
| Music: single "Overwhelming" | 2022 | Released independently | Music platforms / press release |
Personal Background and Advocacy
Matarazzo uses public appearances to educate audiences about cleidocranial dysplasia, a rare genetic condition affecting bone and tooth development. He has partnered with medical organizations for awareness campaigns and discussed how the condition shaped his childhood and career choices. These efforts remain a consistent part of his public identity.
Verified Personal Facts
- Full name: Gaten Matarazzo III
- Date of birth: September 8, 2002
- Place of birth: New London, Connecticut, United States
- Condition: Cleidocranial dysplasia, a genetic bone disorder
- Family: Parents Donna and Gaten Matarazzo Jr., sister before brother
Business Ventures and Endorsements
Matarazzo has engaged in selective brand collaborations and appearances that align with his values. Unlike broad influencer deals, his partnerships focus on specific campaigns, events, and charitable initiatives. This approach helps maintain continuity while supporting long-term professional goals.
Documented Partnerships
| Brand / Initiative | Role | Year | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Mitchell Schools | Celebrity Ambassador | 2021–present | Brand press release |
| March of Dimes | Community Ambassador | 2020–2022 | Nonprofit partnership archive |
Income Sources and Net Worth Overview
Most of Matarazzo's income derives from acting residuals, voice work, and scripted streaming roles, supplemented by live appearances and selective endorsements. Industry estimates place his net worth in the mid-six figures, consistent with a successful young actor on a major series. Exact figures are private, but reported ranges align with publicly available pay information for Stranger Things cast members.
Net Worth Estimate Table
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Reported net worth | $600,000–$800,000 | Industry estimates compiled by reputable outlets |
| Annual earnings (peak) | $150,000–$250,000 | Stranger Things salary and residuals at series peak |
| Primary income sources | Acting residuals, voice roles, live events | Ongoing projects and catalog use |
Relationship with Social Media and Public Presence
Matarazzo maintains an active but curated presence on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, where he shares personal moments, advocacy content, and creative projects. He sets boundaries around his private life, focusing on message-driven posts rather than constant vlogging. This measured approach has helped sustain long-term audience engagement without overexposure.
Platform Highlights
- TikTok: Personality-driven clips, advocacy, and music snippets
- Instagram: Photos from sets, behind-the-scenes moments, and nonprofit highlights
- YouTube: Occasional vlogs and collaborative projects with castmates
Philanthropy and Cause Involvement
He frequently highlights cleidocranial dysplasia research, treatment access, and financial support for affected families. By working with patient advocacy groups and sharing personal stories, he helps translate public interest into tangible resources. These activities are well documented and continue beyond one-off appearances.
Documented Initiatives
- Partnered with hospitals and advocacy groups for awareness webinars
- Participated in fundraising campaigns for medical research
- Shared educational content on condition management and treatment options
FAQ
Reader questions
What role is Gaten Matarazzo best known for?
He is best known for playing Dustin Henderson on Stranger Things, a role that defines much of his career and public recognition.
Does Gaten Matarazzo have a diagnosed medical condition?
Yes, he has cleidocranial dysplasia, which he discusses openly to raise awareness and understanding.
How does Gaten Matarazzo earn income beyond acting?
Income comes from voice work, stage understudy credits, music releases, brand partnerships, and public appearances aligned with his values.