Stranger Things' Gaten Matarazzo Reflects on Life as a Child Star
At just 14 years old, Gaten Matarazzo rose to international fame portraying Dustin Henderson in the Netflix phenomenon Stranger Things. Now 23, the actor has opened up about growing up in the public eye and how early fame shaped his life.
The hit sci-fi horror series turned Gaten, along with co-stars Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, and Sadie Sink, into global household names before they even reached high school.
Speaking nearly a decade later, as the show's fifth and final season debuts this month, Gaten reflected on how early success impacted his personal development and sense of normalcy.
“Being a child star had its ups and downs,” he shared in an interview with Fault Magazine, adding that while he was deeply grateful for the opportunities, fame at a young age inevitably affected his growth into adulthood.
Growing Up in the Spotlight
Matarazzo admitted that while the experience was rewarding, it also meant missing out on everyday moments that shape most people’s teenage years. Despite the challenges, he remains thankful for having been part of a project that defined a generation of young actors and fans alike.
Author’s Summary: Gaten Matarazzo reflects on the blessings and struggles of early fame, expressing gratitude for his journey while acknowledging its lasting personal effects.