At just 14 years old, Gaten Matarazzo became an international sensation after being cast as Dustin Henderson in Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things. Now 23, the actor has opened up about growing up in the public eye and how early fame shaped his personal growth.
The sci-fi phenomenon turned Gaten and his co-stars—Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, and Sadie Sink—into household names long before they finished school. Nearly ten years later, the group is preparing to say farewell as the fifth and final season arrives this month.
“Being a child star had its ups and downs,” Matarazzo shared in an interview with Fault Magazine, “and while I’m deeply grateful for the experience, it did affect my personal development into adulthood.”
He reflected on how navigating fame at a young age brought both remarkable opportunities and emotional challenges, admitting that he missed certain formative experiences that most teens go through.
Despite the difficulties, Matarazzo emphasized his appreciation for the journey, crediting the show and his time on set as instrumental in shaping who he is today.
Author’s Summary: Gaten Matarazzo spoke honestly about balancing early success and self-growth, revealing that fame at 14 brought gratitude but also personal sacrifices.