Netflix's grand sci-fi blockbuster Stranger Things did not just create entertainment history but also helped launch the careers of its iconic core cast. Gaten Matarazzo, who is now a household name for immortalizing Dustin Henderson, finds himself in the spotlight as Hawkins prepares to bid adieu.

With great fame comes great interest in the actor's family and upbringing. Millions of fans are curious about what built their beloved character, and what lies behind the curls and the quick-wittedness. 

As the actor's popularity continues to grow, so does the wildfire of curiosity in his family life. Who are Gaten Matarazzo’s parents? 

On September 8, 2002, Heather Matarazzo and Gaetano John Matarazzo Jr. welcomed their son Gaten Matarazzo to the world in New London, Connecticut. Gaten's father, Gaetano Jr., is of Italian descent from Avellino, and the family name has been passed on to the actor, being the third in the line.

Matarazzo’s parents have played a key role in his career, guiding him from his early Broadway days to his Hollywood breakthroughs. His mother, Heather Matarazzo, coincidentally the namesake of The Princess Diaries actress, has been a pillar of encouragement and influence in Gaten’s resilient and kind personality.

Gaten’s parents nurtured a balanced home, moving to New Jersey to ensure the actor got better acting opportunities since his childhood. His family stood by him when Gaten was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition known as Cleidocranial Dysplasia (CCD) that affects bone and tooth development. 

Not as a limitation but as part of his personality, CCD was also written into Matarazzo’s character, Dustin Henderson, in Stranger Things, in a bold move that brought CCD visibility. 

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Since then, Matarazzo has been vocal about raising CCD awareness, using his public platform to the fullest for the greater good.

Gaten Matarazzo is not just a prominent star of young Hollywood but also a major advocate for those living with CCD. He is known for raising awareness and funds for oral surgeries for people diagnosed with CCD through charity work. 

Together with his father, Gaetano John Matarazzo Jr., and Dr. Kelly Wosnik, the actor co-founded the non-profit organization CCD Smiles to help pay for CCD medical procedures.

Gaten Matarazzo is one of three siblings who were raised in a supportive household in Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. He has an older sister, Sabrina Matarazzo, who is also an actress and social media star with over 38,000 followers on Instagram.

Matarazzo also has a younger brother, Carmen Matarazzo, with whom he often performs music. For those looking to dabble in the Stranger Things star's musical persona, their shared YouTube channel is called The M&M bros Gaten & Carmen Matarazzo. With Matarazzo's career rising rapidly, he remains guided and supported by his nurturing parents and siblings every step of the way.

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