Gaetano John"Gaten"Matarazzo III[2](/ˈɡeɪtənˌmætəˈræzoʊ/GAY-tənMAT-ə-RAZ-oh,Italian:[ɡaeˈtaːnomataˈrattso];born September 8, 2002)[3]is an American actor. He began his career on theBroadwaystage as Benjamin inPriscilla, Queen of the Desert(2011–12) and asGavrocheinLes Misérables(2014–15).[4]Matarazzo gained recognition for playingDustin Hendersonin theNetflixscience-fiction-horror drama seriesStranger Things(2016–present). He also hosted the Netflix showPrank Encounters(2019–2021). In 2022, he co-starred in thecoming-of-agecomedy filmHonor Societyand voiced Boris the Dragon on the animated fantasy comedy filmMy Father's Dragon.
Gaten Matarazzo | |
|---|---|
 Matarazzo at the 2022Tony Awards | |
| Born | Gaetano John Matarazzo III September 8, 2002 |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Partner | Elizabeth Yu(2018–present) |
Early and personal life
editGaetano John Matarazzo III was born on September 8, 2002, inNew London,Connecticut,to Heather (no relation tothe actress of the same name) and Gaetano John Matarazzo Jr.,[5]and was raised inLittle Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey.[6]His family is of Italian descent fromAvellino.[7]Matarazzo was born withcleidocranial dysplasia(CCD).[6]He has an older sister, Sabrina, and a younger brother, Carmen.[8]
Since 2018, Matarazzo has been in a relationship with actressElizabeth Yu.[9]
Career
editHe pursued vocal training at Starlight Performing Arts Center inNew Jersey.In 2011, he competed and won third place with his vocal solo titled “Ben” at the Starpower Talent Competition Nationals inUncasville, Connecticut.[10]His first professional credit was in theBroadwaymusicalPriscilla, Queen of the Desert,for which he was cast as a replacement in 2011. Following the production, he took part in a special "Cast of 2032" professional youth performance ofGodspellatCircle in the Square Theatrein 2012.[11]In 2013, he joined theLes Misérables25th Anniversary Tour in the United States in the role ofGavroche;the following year, he played the same role in theTony-nominated 2014 Broadway revival of the musical.
Matarazzo made his screen acting debut in a 2015 episode ofThe Blacklist.After he was cast asDustin HendersoninStranger Things,the character's background was modified to have CCD as well.[12]The show'sfirst seasonpremiered in July 2016 to critical acclaim. Over the next several years, Matarazzo also appeared in music videos and various reality and competition shows. On May 11, 2018, it was announced that he was cast in the animated film,Hump.[13]
He began hosting the Netflixhidden cameraseriesPrank Encountersin 2019; he also served as an executive producer. That year, he also appeared in theHollywood Bowlproduction ofInto the Woods.He provided the voice of Bubba inThe Angry Birds Movie 2.[14]
In May 2022, it was announced that Matarazzo would return to Broadway, joining the final cast of the musicalDear Evan Hansenas Jared Kleinman.[15]He starred in theParamount+filmHonor SocietywithAngourie Rice,which was released on July 29, 2022.[16]He voiced Boris the dragon inCartoon Saloon'sfilm adaptationofRuth Stiles Gannett's My Father's Dragonnovel series.[17]It was announced in December 2022 that Matarazzo would be returning to Broadway asToby RagginThomas Kail'srevival ofSondheimandWheeler'sSweeney Todd,alongsideJosh Groban,Annaleigh AshfordandJordan Fisher.[18]
Philanthropy
editHe 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.[19]
In February 2020, he was as part ofAndrew Barth Feldmanand Adrian Dickson'sStar Warsmusical parody fundraiserSW: A New(sical) Hopeto help raise funding for NEXT for AUTISM.[20]Matarazzo joined the cast ofElffor a virtual table reading on December 13, 2020, in support of theDemocratic Party of Georgia's campaign in the 2021 Georgia runoff elections.[21]
On April 6, 2021, Matarazzo participated in an hour-long charityAmong Usstream onThe Tonight Show'sTwitchaccount withJimmy Fallon,Questlove,Tariq Trotter,Captain Kirk Douglas,Sykkuno,Valkyrae,Corpse Husband,and hisStranger Thingsco-starNoah Schnapp,with proceeds going towardsFeeding America.[22]In December 2021, he playedDungeons and DragonswithJack Blackand other stars in theLost Odyssey: Promised Goldlivestream event that benefitedExtra Lifeand theChildren’s Miracle Network Hospitals.[23]
During the first week of November 2022, he performed in the musicalParadeto ensure that the performing arts can be enjoyed at an affordable rate for fans at theNew York City Center.[24]
Filmography
editFilm
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | The Angry Birds Movie 2 | Bubba | Voice role |
| 2022 | Honor Society | Michael Dipnicky | |
| My Father's Dragon | Boris the Dragon | Voice role | |
| 2023 | Please Don't Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain | Himself |
Television
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | The Blacklist | Finn | Episode: "The Kenyon Family (No. 71)" |
| 2016–present | Stranger Things | Dustin Henderson | Main role |
| 2017 | Ridiculousness | Himself | Episode: "Scarediculousness" |
| Lip Sync Battle | Episode: "The Cast ofStranger Things" | ||
| 2018 | Drop the Mic | Episode: "Darren Crissvs. Gaten Matarazzo /Chandler Riggsvs.Chad Coleman" | |
| 2019–2021 | Prank Encounters | Host andexecutive producer | |
| 2021 | Nickelodeon's Unfiltered | Episode: "Be My Valentine" | |
| Waffles and Mochi | Casey the Electrician | Episode: "Mushroom" | |
| 2024 | Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy | Sig Greebling | Main voice role[25][26] |
Music videos
edit| Year | Title | Artist | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | "Swish Swish" | Katy Perry(feat.Nicki Minaj) | [27] |
| "Lost Boys Life" | Computer Games | [28] | |
| 2020 | "Meet Me on the Roof" | Green Day | [29] |
Theater
edit| Year | Title | Role | Venue | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–2012 | Priscilla, Queen of the Desert | Benjamin | Palace Theatre | Broadway replacement | |
| 2012 | Godspell | Jesus | Circle in the Square Theatre | Special performance | |
| Radio City Christmas Spectacular | Ben | US tour | Rockettes' 85th Anniversary Celebration | [30] | |
| 2013 | Les Misérables | Gavroche | North American tour | 25th Anniversary | [31] |
| 2014–2015 | Gavroche / Petit Gervais | Imperial Theatre | Broadway | ||
| 2019 | Into the Woods | Jack | Hollywood Bowl | Special performance | [32] |
| 2022 | Dear Evan Hansen | Jared Kleinman | Music Box Theatre | Broadway replacement | |
| Parade | Frankie Epps | New York City Center | Encores! | ||
| 2023 | Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street | Tobias Ragg | Lunt-Fontanne Theatre | Broadway | |
| Gutenberg! The Musical! | The Producer | James Earl Jones Theatre | Broadway (One night only) |
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Young Artist Awards | Best Performance in a Digital TV Series or Film – Teen Actor | Stranger Things | Nominated | [33] |
| 2017 | Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series | Won | [34] | |
| 2017 | Shorty Awards | Best Actor | Won | [35] | |
| 2018 | Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series | Nominated | [36] | |
| 2018 | MTV Movie & TV Awards | Best On-Screen Team(withFinn Wolfhard,Caleb McLaughlin,Noah SchnappandSadie Sink) | Nominated | [37] | |
| 2019 | Teen Choice Awards | Choice Summer TV Actor | Nominated | [38] | |
| 2020 | Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series | Nominated | [39] | |
| 2022 | Saturn Awards | Best Performance by a Younger Actor (Streaming) | Nominated | [40] | |
| 2023 | Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards | Favorite Male TV Star (Family) | Nominated | [41] |
References
edit- ^"9 Things You Didn't Know About Gaten Matarazzo III (Stranger Things)".October 24, 2017.
- ^Matarzzo atStranger Things' Gaten Matarazzo III Goes Undercover on Reddit, YouTube and Twitter.GQ( youtube ). July 1, 2019. Event occurs at 00:46.Archivedfrom the original on November 18, 2021.RetrievedJuly 1,2019.
It's actually Gaetano John Matarazzo the third.
- ^"UPI Almanac for Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019".United Press International.September 8, 2019.Archivedfrom the original on September 9, 2019.RetrievedJanuary 30,2020.
…actor Gaten Matarazzo III in 2002 (age 17)
- ^"Les Misérables".Playbill.RetrievedAugust 18,2016.
- ^Forde, Kisha (July 27, 2022)."Is Gaten Matarazzo Related to The Princess Diaries' Heather Matarazzo? See Her Hilarious Response".E! Online.
- ^abRo, Crystal (August 5, 2016)."Dustin from 'Stranger Things' loves showing off his fake teeth in real life, and obviously it's adorable".HelloGiggles.Archived fromthe originalon August 9, 2017.RetrievedJuly 28,2017.
- ^"Gaten Matarazzo, l'attore di Stranger Things con origini italiane".Elle(in Italian). June 17, 2022.
- ^Santilli, Morgana (June 28, 2019)."The untold truth of Gaten Matarazzo".Looper.RetrievedMarch 4,2020.
- ^"Gaten Matarazzo and Girlfriend Lizzy Yu Are Couple Goals! See Their Cutest Photos Together".J-14.RetrievedJuly 30,2023.
- ^"2011 Uncasville Results".Archived fromthe originalon December 29, 2011.RetrievedMay 10,2020.
- ^Blank, Matthew (May 7, 2012)."PHOTO CALL: Meet" The Godspell Cast of 2032 "".Playbill.RetrievedJune 11,2022.
- ^"Stranger Things: What Happened to Gaten Matarazzo's Teeth?".Inverse.November 22, 2017.RetrievedMarch 9,2020.
- ^"Simon Pegg, Gaten Matarazzo of Stranger Things to Face Off in Hump".Variety.May 12, 2018.RetrievedSeptember 3,2022.
- ^@gatenm123 (July 16, 2019)."So excited to announce that I'm in #AngryBirdsMovie2!"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
- ^"'Stranger Things' Star Gaten Matarazzo Sets Broadway Return in 'Dear Evan Hansen'".May 25, 2022.
- ^Cordero, Rosy (January 18, 2022)."Awesomeness Films Greenlights 'Honor Society' Starring Angourie Rice, Gaten Matarazzo And Christopher Mintz-Plasse".Deadline.RetrievedAugust 24,2022.
- ^"Kilkenny animation company Cartoon Saloon goes global again with new Netflix adventure".RTÉ.September 28, 2022.RetrievedSeptember 28,2022.
- ^"'Stranger Things' Star Gaten Matarazzo and Jordan Fisher Join Josh Groban in Broadway Revival of 'Sweeney Todd'".TheWrap.December 14, 2022.RetrievedDecember 14,2022.
- ^"Press & Videos".CCD Smiles.RetrievedSeptember 28,2022.
- ^"Gaten Matarazzo, Will Roland and More Join Andrew Barth Feldman's SW: A NEW(SICAL) HOPE".BroadwayWorld.RetrievedSeptember 4,2022.
- ^"Elf Reunion: Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel and More Stars Unite for a Virtual Table Read for Charity".Entertainment Tonight.RetrievedSeptember 5,2022.
- ^Peters, Jay (April 6, 2021)."Jimmy Fallon played Among Us with streamers and the cast of Stranger Things in Twitch debut".The Verge.
- ^"IGN & D&D Present Lost Odyssey: Promised Gold - How to Watch and What to Expect".IGN.December 20, 2021.RetrievedSeptember 28,2022.
- ^"2022 Annual Gala Presentation: Parade".New York City Centre.RetrievedOctober 5,2022.
- ^"New 'Star Wars' Special Will Finally Take On Long-Running Fan Theories".UPROXX.May 6, 2024.RetrievedMay 7,2024.
- ^StarWars Team (August 9, 2024)."D23 2024: New Official Trailer for LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy Revealed".Star Wars.Archivedfrom the original on August 9, 2024.RetrievedAugust 9,2024.
- ^Bell, Sadie."Here Are All the Cameos From Katy Perry's 'Swish Swish' Music Video".Billboard.RetrievedAugust 24,2017.
- ^"Darren Criss Taps 'Stranger Things' Star For Computer Games' 'Lost Boys Life' Video".Fuse.
- ^"Gaten Matarazzo Stars in Green Day's Adorable New Video".Exclaim.
- ^Bretz, Mark (November 12, 2012)."Radio City Christmas Spectacular: Musical Review".Ladue News.RetrievedAugust 24,2022.
- ^"Les Misérables Tour: 25th Anniversary".Internet Broadway Database.RetrievedSeptember 4,2022.
- ^"Patina Miller, Gaten Matarazzo, Shanice Williams Will Star in Hollywood Bowl's Into the Woods".Playbill.RetrievedAugust 24,2022.
- ^"38th Annual Awards".Young Artist Association.Archived fromthe originalon February 2, 2017.RetrievedJanuary 7,2018.
- ^Nolfi, Joely (December 14, 2016)."SAG Awards nominations 2017: See the full list".Entertainment Weekly.
- ^"9th Annual Shorty Awards".Shorty Awards.April 25, 2017.
- ^Gonzalez, Sandra (January 17, 2018)."The full list of the 2018 SAG Awards nominees".CNN.RetrievedJanuary 24,2018.
- ^Nordyke, Kimberly (May 3, 2018)."MTV Movie & TV Awards: 'Black Panther,' 'Stranger Things' Top Nominations".The Hollywood Reporter.Archivedfrom the original on May 3, 2018.RetrievedMay 3,2018.
- ^Swift, Andy (July 8, 2019)."Teen Choice Awards: Stranger Things Leads Final Wave of 2019 Nominations".TVLine.Archived fromthe originalon July 8, 2019.RetrievedJuly 19,2019.
- ^"SAG Award Nominations: The Complete List".Variety.December 11, 2019.RetrievedDecember 11,2019.
- ^"Saturn Awards Nominations: 'The Batman', 'Nightmare Alley', 'Spider-Man', 'Better Call Saul' Top List".Deadline Hollywood.August 12, 2022.RetrievedAugust 12,2022.
- ^Petski, Denise (January 31, 2023)."Nate Burleson & Charli D'Amelio To Host Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards;Stranger ThingsLeads 2023 Nominations — Full List ".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedFebruary 7,2023.