Gaten Matarazzo

Matarazzo was born in Connecticut, to Gaetano and Heather Matarazzo, but raised in Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, and he attended Pinelands Regional High School in Tuckerton, New Jersey.[5][6] He has two siblings, an older sister Sabrina and a younger brother Carmen.[7] As a child, Gaten was heavily involved in performing arts, specifically singing. He pursued vocal training at Starlight Performing Arts Center in New Jersey. In 2011, he competed and won third place with his vocal solo entitled “Ben” at Starpower Talent Competition Nationals in Uncasville, Connecticut.[8]

Matarazzo is of Italian descent.[9][10]

Matarazzo was born with cleidocranial dysostosis (CCD), which he has spoken openly about, even documenting one of his surgeries, during which 14 supernumary teeth were removed, on Instagram.[11][12] After he was cast in Stranger Things as Dustin Henderson, the character's background was modified to have the condition as well.[13] He uses dentures.[14]

He is a vegetarian.[15]

Matarazzo uses his platform to raise awareness of CCD and fundraise for CCD Smiles, an organization that helps cover costs of oral surgeries for people with CCD. Matarazzo has also started a line of T-shirts whose proceeds will go to CCD Smiles. On his social media sites, Matarazzo tells followers how to donate to CCD Smiles and promotes events he will participate in. In November 2017, his sister started a Facebook campaign to raise money for the organization.[16][17]

• Gaten Matarazzo on IMDb
• Gaten Matarazzo at the Internet Broadway Database