Gaten Matarazzo is an American actor, singer, and television personality with an estimated net worth of $5 million. He is best known for playing Dustin Henderson on Netflix’s global hit series “Stranger Things,” a role that turned him into one of the most recognizable young actors of his generation.
Before breaking into television, Matarazzo built a strong foundation on Broadway, where his musical talent and stage presence set the stage for his later success on screen.
| Gaten Matarazzo Net Worth | $5 Million |
| Date of Birth | September 8, 2002 |
| Place of Birth | Connecticut |
Early Life
Gaten Matarazzo was born Gaetano John Matarazzo III on September 8, 2002, in Connecticut, and raised in Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. He is of Italian descent through his father, Gaetano Matarazzo, and his mother is Heather Matarazzo. He has two siblings, Sabrina and Carmen, who are also actors.
At birth, Gaten was diagnosed with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a rare genetic condition that affects bone and tooth development. Despite the physical challenges associated with CCD, the condition does not affect cognitive ability. Matarazzo later trained vocally at the Starlight Performing Arts Center and attended Pinelands Regional High School.
Broadway
Matarazzo showed interest in performing arts at a young age and began auditioning for Broadway productions as a child. His Broadway debut came in 2011 when he appeared as Benjamin in “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.”
In 2014, he starred as Gavroche in “Les Misérables” at the Imperial Theatre on Broadway, further establishing his credentials as a talented young performer. His early television work included a guest appearance on NBC’s “The Blacklist” in 2015.
Breakthrough With Stranger Things
Gaten Matarazzo’s career skyrocketed in 2016 when he was cast as Dustin Henderson in “Stranger Things.” Selected from nearly a thousand auditions, he quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his humor, intelligence, and emotional depth.
The show became one of Netflix’s most successful series, earning dozens of Primetime Emmy nominations and multiple wins. Matarazzo and his co-stars also received a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.
Notably, Matarazzo’s real-life condition, cleidocranial dysplasia, was written into his character’s storyline, significantly raising public awareness and earning praise for authentic representation.
Gaten Matarazzo Stranger Things Salary
Gaten Matarazzo’s earnings increased substantially as the series gained popularity:
- Season 1: $10,000 per episode (approximately $80,000 total)
- Season 2: $30,000 per episode
- Season 3: $250,000 per episode (around $2 million total)
- Season 4: Approximately $2.25 million for the nine-episode season
These salaries played a major role in building his current net worth.
Television, Music, and Hosting Work
Outside of Stranger Things, Matarazzo expanded his career into hosting and music. He served as the host of Netflix’s prank series “Prank Encounters,” showcasing his comedic timing and charisma.
He has appeared as himself on popular shows such as “Lip Sync Battle,” “Drop the Mic,” “Ridiculousness,” and “Nickelodeon’s Unfiltered.” Matarazzo has also appeared in music videos for artists including Katy Perry, Green Day, and Computer Games.
A passionate musician, Gaten is also the lead vocalist for the band Work In Progress, further diversifying his creative portfolio.
Theater Work
Matarazzo has continued to balance screen work with theater. In 2018, he played Jean-Michel in “Cinderella” with the Pinelands Regional Thespians, and in 2019, he starred as Jack in “Into the Woods” at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Gaten Matarazzo is a prominent advocate for awareness of cleidocranial dysplasia. He actively supports CCD Smiles, a nonprofit organization that helps individuals with CCD afford necessary dental and jaw surgeries.
Through social media campaigns and fundraising events, Matarazzo has helped bring global attention to the condition. In 2021, he participated in a charity livestream on The Tonight Show’s Twitch channel that raised funds for Feeding America.
Personal Life
Gaten Matarazzo has been in a relationship with Lizzy Yu since 2018. The couple frequently shares moments from their personal lives on social media and are known for keeping a relatively low-profile lifestyle despite his fame.
Gaten Matarazzo Net Worth
Gaten Matarazzo net worth is estimated to be $5 million.
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