From Broadway Beginnings to Stardom
Gaten Matarazzo's passion for performing ignited early in New Jersey, leading to his Broadway debut at nine years old. He captivated audiences as Benjamin in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and later as Gavroche in Les Misérables, showcasing vocal and acting prowess.[1][5]
These stage roles honed his skills, transitioning him to screen work with a 2015 guest spot on The Blacklist. His theater foundation proved essential for the demands of television stardom.[1][2]
By 2022, he returned to Broadway in Dear Evan Hansen as Jared Kleinman, bridging his stage roots with Hollywood success.[5]
Stranger Things Legacy and 2025 Finale
Stranger Things premiered in 2016, propelling Matarazzo to global fame as Dustin Henderson. The ensemble cast, including him, won a 2017 Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.[1][4]
The series ran through 2025, with Matarazzo appearing in 42 episodes. Dustin's arc, inspired by Matarazzo's CCD, resonated widely, blending sci-fi horror with heartfelt moments.[1][3]
As the show concludes in 2025, Matarazzo reflects on its cultural impact, from awards like the Shorty for Best Actor to inspiring fans worldwide.[1][4]
2025 Projects and Lasting Impact
In 2025, Matarazzo voices Lucky in Animal Farm and continues as Sig Greebling in Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy. These roles follow films like Honor Society (2022) and My Father's Dragon, diversifying his portfolio.[1][3]
Earlier, he hosted and executive-produced Netflix's Prank Encounters (2019-2021) and voiced Bubba in The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019).[1][5]
With nominations from MTV Movie & TV Awards to Nickelodeon Kids' Choice, Matarazzo's resilience and talent continue to shine, advocating for CCD awareness.[1][4]