Before Hawkins became a household name, Gaten Matarazzo was cutting his teeth on Broadway. In 2011, he debuted as an alternate in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical, showing early promise as a performer. Even at a young age, Gaten’s charisma and stage presence hinted at a future in entertainment, though the path ahead wasn’t without its personal challenges.
The actor’s breakthrough came with Stranger Things, where he embodied the lovable, clever, and endlessly charming Dustin Henderson. What makes Dustin so memorable — beyond his quick wit and encyclopedic knowledge of science fiction and Dungeons & Dragons — is the authenticity that Gaten brings to the role. Sharing the experience of living with CCD, Gaten infused his character with personal insights that resonated with audiences. Documenting his own dental surgery on Instagram, where he had 14 supernumerary teeth removed, he explained, “I thought it was cool to connect my character to something that affects my life. It’s important for people to know they are not alone.” This heartfelt revelation did more than humanise Dustin; it offered visibility for a condition that is rarely represented on-screen, allowing both children and adults with CCD to see themselves reflected in a major television series.
Gaten Matarazzo has leveraged his celebrity status to become a passionate advocate for CCD awareness. Partnering with CCD Smiles, a non-profit organisation funding oral surgeries for individuals with the condition, he has helped shine a spotlight on a rare disorder that affects dental and bone development.
In 2017, Gaten’s sister initiated a Facebook campaign to rally support for CCD Smiles, demonstrating the close-knit family bonds that fuel his commitment. Gaten himself has contributed to fundraising efforts, including launching a line of T-shirts where proceeds go directly to the charity. Beyond monetary support, he frequently shares updates and personal anecdotes on social media, fostering a community of encouragement and solidarity among those living with CCD.
By intertwining advocacy with his acting career, Gaten has turned personal challenges into a platform for empathy and understanding. Fans and followers are drawn not only to his talent but also to his authenticity and dedication to helping others navigate obstacles similar to those he has faced.
While Dustin Henderson has cemented Gaten Matarazzo as a beloved figure in contemporary television, his career extends well beyond Hawkins. In 2019, he lent his voice to The Angry Birds Movie 2, portraying Bubba, before moving on to live-action roles in Honor Society (2022) as Michael Dipnicky and voicing Boris the Dragon in My Father’s Dragon. These projects showcase his adaptability, seamlessly shifting between voice acting, on-screen comedy, and dramatic work.
Gaten has also explored television beyond the familiar world of Hawkins, appearing in the comedy sketch show Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain, which allowed him to flex his comedic timing in a new environment. Looking ahead, he will voice Lucky in the 2025 animated adaptation of Animal Farm and take on an untitled role in Hump, continuing to expand his range and deepen his craft.
What’s striking about Gaten’s trajectory is how he balances professional growth with personal advocacy. His work demonstrates that success in entertainment can be harnessed to promote awareness, inclusivity, and social good, blending artistry with purpose.
As Stranger Things 5 draws near, the anticipation surrounding Dustin Henderson is matched by admiration for the young actor who brings him to life. Gaten Matarazzo exemplifies how personal experience, talent, and empathy can converge to create performances that resonate far beyond the screen. From Broadway beginnings to animated adventures and charitable initiatives, Gaten’s story offers both inspiration and entertainment, a reminder that the best performers connect deeply with the world both on and off camera.
His continued evolution promises that, even as Hawkins’ saga concludes, audiences will continue to follow Gaten’s journey, witnessing a performer whose work champions authenticity, inclusivity, and the transformative power of storytelling.
