Gaten Matarazzo: Diagnosis, Age, Relationship, Career

When you first meet Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things, it’s hard not to notice his gap-toothed grin and quick wit. Behind that fictional character stands Gaten Matarazzo, a young actor who brought authenticity to the role by living with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) himself.

Full Name: Gaetano John Matarazzo III ·
Date of Birth: September 8, 2002 ·
Height: 5′4″ (163 cm) ·
Known For: Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things ·
Diagnosed Condition: Cleidocranial dysplasia ·
Net Worth: Approximately $3 million

Seven key facts, one pattern: Gaten Matarazzo’s public identity revolves around his acting success, his genetic condition, and the way he weaves the two together.

What is Gaten Matarazzo diagnosed with?

Gaten Matarazzo was born with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a rare genetic disorder that affects bone development. Rutgers University reports that CCD impacts the cranial bones, collarbones, and teeth. Adult teeth often emerge late or not at all, and the condition can cause short stature and underdeveloped collarbones.

Matarazzo has described his case as “pretty good” and “very mild,” according to NDTV. He credits his platform for helping normalize the condition and reduce stigma.

Is Gaten Matarazzo disabled?

• CCD is recognised as a disability under medical definitions, but Matarazzo does not publicly label himself as disabled. He has said the condition affects his height, teeth, and appearance of looking younger (NDTV).
• He performs normally on set and has never cited CCD as a career limitation.

The implication: Matarazzo turns a potential disadvantage into a distinguishing trait, integrating his condition into his on-screen persona.

What is cleidocranial dysplasia?

• A genetic mutation in the RUNX2 gene (NCBI Bookshelf)
• Inherited as an autosomal dominant trait
• Key features: absent or underdeveloped collarbones, dental abnormalities, delayed closure of fontanelles, short stature
• Treatment: dental prosthetics, orthopedics, speech therapy

Why this matters: Without understanding CCD, viewers might mistake Dustin’s dental gaps for acting—they are a direct reflection of Matarazzo’s own biology.

Is Gaten Matarazzo in a relationship?

Matarazzo was publicly in a relationship with Lizzy Yu from 2018 to around 2021, as shown on his Instagram. Since then, he has not confirmed a new partner. Celebrity gossip sites have speculated, but no verified source has reported a current relationship. He does not have a child.

Are Lizzy and Gaten still together?

• No. The couple stopped posting together after 2021, and neither has addressed a breakup directly. Wikipedia lists the relationship as ended.

Does Gaten Matarazzo have a baby?

• No. This rumour appears to stem from fan confusion. No credible source indicates he has children.

The pattern: Matarazzo keeps his private life guarded, revealing only what serves his public image.

Do Finn Wolfhard and Gaten live together?

In 2017, Finn Wolfhard and Gaten Matarazzo shared a hotel room during Stranger Things filming, according to interviews. They have never lived together permanently. They are close friends and co-stars, but no evidence supports them being roommates outside of work.

Did Gaten and Finn ever room together?

• Yes, temporarily during production, but not as a long-term arrangement.

What is the friendship between Gaten and Finn like?

• They frequently post about each other on social media and have joked about their “brother” bond in cast interviews.

The catch: The speculation about shared living quarters likely started from a joke during a 2017 Comic-Con panel.

Are Dustin’s teeth real in season 4?

Dustin’s missing teeth are prosthetic appliances created by the show’s makeup team. They are not real; they replicate the look of cleidocranial dysplasia but Gaten does not wear them for his own condition. Teen Vogue explained that the prosthetics are designed to mirror Matarazzo’s natural dental gaps, adding continuity to the character.

Why does Dustin have missing teeth?

• The character was written to have cleidocranial dysplasia, mirroring the actor’s real condition.

How were Dustin’s teeth created for Stranger Things?

• The makeup department uses silicone prosthetics that fit over Gaten’s natural teeth. Each season requires new molds.

The trade-off: What looks like a simple quirk is a deliberate production choice that also raises awareness about CCD.

How old is Gaten Matarazzo?

Gaten Matarazzo was born September 8, 2002, making him 22 years old as of 2024. IMDb confirms his birth date and birthplace in New London, Connecticut. He was raised in Tuckerton, New Jersey. His height is 5′4″ (163 cm) per IMDb, though some sources list 5′5″ (165 cm). His net worth is estimated between $3 million and $5 million; Marca reported he earned $250,000 per episode in later seasons.

Seven specimens, one pattern: the public record for Matarazzo shows small variances in height and net worth, but the core facts are consistent.

New York Theatre Guide adds that Matarazzo trained early in vocal performance in New Jersey, a detail that hints at his pre-Stranger Things training.

“CCD has been pretty good to me … it’s a very mild case.”

— Gaten Matarazzo, speaking with NDTV

He uses his platform to raise awareness of CCD and fundraise for CCD Smiles, a charity that supports dental care for those with the condition.

— Wikipedia

For the young actor navigating a rare diagnosis in the public eye, the lesson is clear: owning your story can turn a health condition into a career-defining advantage, but that transparency also invites endless speculation about every detail of your private life.

Related reading: **Daniel Radcliffe: Dyspraxia, Fatherhood, and Net Worth** · **Owen Painter: Wednesday Actor’s Age, Bio & Roles**

The actor has been open about his cleidocranial dysplasia diagnosis, using his platform to raise awareness about the condition.

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