Quick Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Answer |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gaetano John Matarazzo III |
| Age (2025) | 23 years old (born September 8, 2002) |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) |
| Girlfriend | Elizabeth “Lizzy” Yu (since 2018) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $5 million |
| Known For | Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things |
| Condition | Cleidocranial Dysplasia (CCD) |
| Siblings | Sabrina (older), Carmen (younger) |
Early Life & Family: The Jersey Roots Behind the Star
Born in New London, Connecticut, Gaten Matarazzo moved with his family to Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, where he grew up in a tight-knit, arts-loving household.
His parents, Heather and Gaetano Matarazzo Jr., encouraged creativity from day one. Gaten’s Italian heritage — reflected in his full name — remains a source of pride. The family often celebrates traditions from Avellino, Italy.
The Matarazzo Siblings
- Sabrina Matarazzo (b. 1998) – Older sister, theater enthusiast, launched a viral 2017 Facebook fundraiser for CCD awareness.
- Carmen Matarazzo (b. 2003) – Younger brother, drummer in the band Work in Progress, stands at 5’10” — towering over Gaten.
“My family keeps me grounded. We’re still just a normal Jersey family having dinner together.” – Gaten, US Weekly interview, 2023
Age & Height: The Truth in 2025
- Age: 23 years old (as of October 2025)
- Birthday: September 8, 2002 (Virgo)
- Height: 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
- Weight: ~130 lbs (59 kg)
Gaten’s height is influenced by cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a rare genetic condition that affects bone and tooth development. He embraces it with humor:
“I’m not short — I’m fun-sized!” – The Tonight Show, 2024
Career Journey: From Broadway to Billion-View Netflix
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Broadway debut: Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (age 9) |
| 2014 | Gavroche in Les Misérables |
| 2015 | TV debut: The Blacklist |
| 2016 | Cast as Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things |
| 2022 | Honor Society (Paramount+), Dear Evan Hansen (Broadway) |
| 2023 | Toby Ragg in Sweeney Todd revival |
| 2025 | Voice role in Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy |
Gaten Matarazzo’s Broadway roots continue to shine; he recently shared, “I miss Broadway! I’m still a theatre kid, don’t worry!”
Stranger Things: The Role That Changed Everything
Gaten Matarazzo’s portrayal of Dustin Henderson — the loyal, witty, science-obsessed best friend — made him a global icon.
Iconic Dustin Moments
- “Mornings are for coffee and contemplation.”
- “She’s our friend and she’s crazy!”
- The Running Up That Hill rescue (Season 4)
Season 5 Update (October 2025):
- Filming wrapped in August 2025
- Gaten confirmed: Dustin survives and has “the biggest emotional arc yet”
- Possible Eddie Munson cameo teased at Slippery Rock University Q&A (Oct 20)
Recently, Sadie Sink, Caleb McLaughlin, and Gaten reacted to the Running Up That Hill scene from Season 4, stirring up nostalgia ahead of the finale.
Girlfriend: Elizabeth Yu – 7 Years Strong
Gaten has been happily dating Elizabeth “Lizzy” Yu since March 2018.
Relationship Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Mar 2018 | First met (pre-fame) |
| Jun 2018 | First public appearance (MTV Awards red carpet) |
| 2024 | Spotted house-hunting in NYC with Finn Wolfhard |
| Every Mar 20 | Matching anniversary posts on Instagram |
Lizzy, 24, is an actress known for May December (2023) and playing Azula in Netflix’s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender.
“She’s family. My mom loves her.” – Gaten, Access Hollywood, 2024
Net Worth 2025: $5 Million Breakdown
| Income Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Stranger Things (Seasons 1–5) | $4.6 million total |
| Season 5 (8 episodes @ $250K) | $2 million |
| Broadway Revivals | $800,000+ |
| Verizon FiOS Endorsements | $1 million/year |
| Voice Acting & Hosting | $500,000 |
| TOTAL NET WORTH | $5 MILLION |
Projections: Could reach $7–10M by 2027 with spin-offs and brand deals.
Advocacy: Turning CCD into a Movement
Gaten was born with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) — no collarbones, delayed dental growth. Instead of hiding it, he made it part of Dustin’s story.
CCD Smiles: The Family Mission
- Co-founded with mom Heather Matarazzo
- Raised over $200,000 for dental surgeries
- 2017 Facebook campaign went viral thanks to sister Sabrina
“Having teeth isn’t cosmetic — it’s about confidence, health, and dignity.” – Gaten, Health Insight, 2019
In July 2025, Gaten Matarazzo joined the CCD Smiles Utah conference to raise awareness and connect with affected families.
Stranger Things Season 5: What We Know (October 2025)
- Release: November 26, 2025 (first four episodes), December 25 (next three), and December 31 (finale) on Netflix
- Episodes: 8
- Dustin’s Arc: “Emotional closure, leadership, and heartbreak” – Gaten
- Cast Reactions: Gaten, Natalia Dyer, and Maya Hawke reacted to Eddie Munson’s death scene
- Fan Theory: Eddie returns as a vision or flashback
Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten recently shared a nostalgic throwback to Season 4, building hype for the finale.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How old is Gaten Matarazzo in 2025?
23 years old. Born September 8, 2002.
What is Gaten Matarazzo’s real height?
5 feet 4 inches (163 cm).
Who is Gaten Matarazzo’s girlfriend?
Elizabeth “Lizzy” Yu — together since March 2018.
What is Gaten Matarazzo’s net worth in 2025?
$5 million, built from Stranger Things, Broadway, and endorsements.
Does Gaten Matarazzo have siblings?
Yes — Sabrina (older sister) and Carmen (younger brother).
What condition does Gaten have?
Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) — he advocates through CCD Smiles.
Will Gaten be in Stranger Things Season 5?
Yes — Dustin is central to the finale.
Conclusions
From Broadway’s bright lights to Netflix fame, Gaten Matarazzo’s evolution isn’t just a coming-of-age tale—it’s a study in grounded brilliance. At 23, with a $5 million net worth and Stranger Things behind him, he’s stepping into 2025 not as a child star but as a storyteller with depth. College talks, new ventures, unexpected creative turns—Gaten’s next act feels less like a continuation and more like a reinvention.
Yet, somewhere between his calm confidence and the chaos of celebrity, another figure redefines drive on a completely different stage—Andrei Deiu: The Aesthetic Bodybuilding Sensation Taking the IFBB by Storm. Deiu doesn’t perform for applause; he builds for legacy. His discipline is artistry, his precision poetry in motion. Where Matarazzo crafts emotion, Deiu sculpts excellence. Both, in their own ways, remind us that mastery—whether of the mind or the muscle—isn’t about fame. It’s about the fire that never dims.
