Gaten Matarazzo, the talented young actor known for his role as Dustin Henderson in the popular Netflix series Stranger Things, has a supportive family behind him. Born on September 8, 2002, in New London, Connecticut, he was raised in Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, by his parents Gaetano Matarazzo Jr. and Heather Matarazzo. Despite sharing the same last name, his mother is not related to the actress Heather Matarazzo.
Both of Gaten Matarazzo parents have Italian ancestry, with his father, Gaetano Matarazzo Sr., being born and raised in New Jersey. The actor’s full name is Gaetano John Matarazzo III, which he shares with his father and grandfather. Gaten was born with a rare genetic condition called cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), and his family has been immensely supportive of his journey in both his acting career and raising awareness for the condition.
Early Life
Gaten Matarazzo, born Gaetano John Matarazzo III on September 8, 2002, hails from a supportive and loving family. He was born in New London, Connecticut, but grew up in Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. His family has Italian ancestry, adding a rich cultural background to their lives.
Gaten’s parents, Heather Matarazzo and Gaetano Matarazzo Sr., played integral roles in nurturing their children’s artistic inclinations. They gave their full support to Gaten and his siblings, Carmen Matarazzo and Sabrina Matarazzo, from a young age, encouraging them to pursue their interests in the arts. All three Matarazzo children have found success in acting, including appearances in television commercials.
With their roots in New Jersey, Gaten’s parents, Heather and Gaetano Sr., worked hard to provide a stable life for their children. Heather is not related to the famous actress of the same name, while Gaetano Sr., who was born and raised in New Jersey, was educated at Pinelands Regional High School.
As Gaten grew up in Little Egg Harbor Township, his parents continuously supported him in overcoming the challenges he faced due to his medical condition, cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD). This rare genetic disorder affected the development of his facial bones, skull, and teeth, as well as causing him to be born without collar bones. Gaten’s case is considered mild, and with his parents’ unconditional support, he has shown resilience and determination, becoming a successful actor and an inspiration to many.
Let’s talk about the family of the Stranger Things star.
Family Background
Gaten Matarazzo, born Gaetano John “Gaten” Matarazzo III on September 8, 2002, has a rich family background with Italian descent. Growing up in Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, Gaten was raised alongside his two siblings, Carmen Matarazzo and Sabrina Matarazzo. Both siblings have made their mark in the entertainment industry as well, acting in television commercials.
Gaten’s parents, Heather Matarazzo and Gaten Matarazzo Sr., have played significant roles in his and his siblings’ careers. Heather, the dedicated mother, has shown immense support for her children’s artistic inclinations and has always made an effort to uplift their dreams and aspirations. Gaten Matarazzo Sr., whose real name is Gaetano, shares the same name with his father and grandfather, illustrating the presence of a strong Italian lineage.
Despite having the same name as the renowned actress Heather Matarazzo, Gaten’s mother is not related to her. Gaten’s father, on the other hand, studied at Pinelands Regional High School in New Jersey before embarking on his life journey.
Their residence in Clifton, New Jersey further ties the family together and roots them in a setting that has helped nurture Gaten’s exceptional acting career. From his humble beginnings on Broadway to his breakthrough role as Dustin Henderson in the Netflix series Stranger Things, Gaten’s family background, upbringing, and the unwavering support from his parents have undoubtedly contributed to his success in the world of acting.
Education
American actor Gaten Matarazzo’s parents played a crucial role in his education, ensuring he received the best opportunities to hone his skills and talents. Growing up in Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, Gaten attended Pinelands Regional High School. This well-established high school was instrumental in building Gaten’s knowledge and understanding of various subjects and in fostering his inherent passion for the arts.
At Pinelands Regional High School, the dedicated faculty and diverse student body provided a stimulating atmosphere that encouraged Gaten’s creativity and artistic pursuits. The school is known for its numerous extracurricular activities and clubs, allowing students like Gaten to explore their interests beyond the confines of the classroom.
During his time at Pinelands, Gaten greatly benefited from the support and guidance provided by his parents. They were consistently involved in his educational journey, attending parent-teacher conferences, and ensuring that he balanced his budding acting career with his academic responsibilities. They encouraged him to participate in various local theater productions and to be proactive in seeking opportunities for personal and artistic growth.
It is evident that Gaten Matarazzo parents were committed to providing their son with an environment conducive to learning and personal development. Thanks to their unwavering encouragement and support, Gaten was able to flourish academically and artistically, leading him to a successful career in the entertainment industry.
Medical Condition
Gaten Matarazzo, the young actor known for his role as Dustin on the popular Netflix TV series “Stranger Things,” was born with a rare genetic disorder called Cleidocranial Dysplasia (CCD), also known as Cleidocranial Dysostosis. This condition affects the development of bones and teeth, specifically leading to underdeveloped or absent collarbones and dental abnormalities.
Matarazzo has bravely used his platform as a successful actor to raise awareness about CCD and to educate the public about this little-known condition. He has undergone multiple surgeries throughout his life, especially on his teeth, in order to manage the symptoms and improve his quality of life. For example, in 2020, he underwent a surgery to remove extra teeth that had developed due to his condition.
His parents have been supportive of his journey, encouraging him to embrace his unique characteristics and turning his medical condition into a strength. They have also been actively involved in the CCD Smiles organization, which aims to provide support and raise awareness for individuals living with Cleidocranial Dysplasia.
In summary, the Stranger Things star’s experience with Cleidocranial Dysplasia has not only shaped aspects of his personal life but also allowed him to become an advocate for others living with the condition. With the support of his parents, he continues to raise awareness and provide hope for others facing similar challenges.
Career Beginnings on Broadway
Gaten Matarazzo, an emerging young actor, initially started his career on the Broadway stage. His first venture into the world of theater was with the musical production of ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.’ In this production, Gaten portrayed the character of Benjamin, showcasing his acting talents on the esteemed Broadway stage.
Following his stint on ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,’ Gaten continued his journey with Broadway and landed the memorable role of Gavroche in the iconic musical ‘Les Misérables.’ This performance further demonstrated his acting skills and marked a significant moment in shaping his flourishing career.
Throughout his Broadway beginnings, Gaten Matarazzo displayed consistent growth and an undeniable passion for the art, setting the stage for his later success in the world of film and television.
Breakthrough in Television
Gaten Matarazzo’s parents, Heather Matarazzo and Gaten Matarazzo Sr., played a significant role in supporting their son’s rise to fame. Gaten’s journey to stardom began with his portrayal of Dustin Henderson in the Netflix original TV series, Stranger Things. The show quickly garnered critical acclaim and a massive fan following, turning its young cast members, including Gaten, into overnight sensations.
Born on September 8, 2002, American actor Gaten grew up in a supportive environment, with his mother Heather describing herself as a “Broadway stage mom” who always backed her children’s creativity. Though Heather did not have any professional acting experience, she attended a drama club in high school, demonstrating a clear affinity for the arts.
Gaten’s father, Gaten Matarazzo Sr., also provided a strong foundation for his son’s career. With Italian ancestry, Mr. Matarazzo Sr. instilled a sense of cultural identity and values in his family, further nurturing Gaten’s acting pursuits.
Before entering the world of Stranger Things, Gaten had already been exposed to the entertainment industry; he appeared in an episode of the popular crime drama The Blacklist. This early experience enabled him to refine his acting skills before joining the cast of the renowned Netflix show.
In summary, Gaten Matarazzo’s parents played a pivotal role in supporting his dreams and helping him achieve success in the television industry. Their unwavering support, coupled with Gaten’s talent and hard work, led to iconic roles like Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things and appearances on other notable shows such as The Blacklist.
