When did ‘Stranger Things’ first air, and what was Gaten Matarazzo’s age at that time?
The first season of ‘Stranger Things’ debuted on Netflix on July 15, 2016. At that time, Gaten Matarazzo was 13 years old. Born on September 8, 2002, Gaten had recently turned 14 when the show premiered.
Was Gaten Matarazzo one of the youngest cast members during the first season?
While Gaten Matarazzo was not the youngest cast member during the first season of ‘Stranger Things,’ he was among the youngest. His co-stars Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler) and Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven) were a year younger than him, being born in 2002 and 2004, respectively. However, Gaten’s portrayal of Dustin, the lovable and funny member of the friend group, quickly made him a fan favorite.
Did Gaten Matarazzo have any prior acting experience before landing his role in ‘Stranger Things’?
Yes, Gaten Matarazzo had some prior acting experience before joining the cast of ‘Stranger Things.’ He made his Broadway debut in 2011, at the tender age of 9, in the musical ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.’ Gaten later went on to perform in other Broadway productions such as ‘Les Misérables’ and ‘The Who’s Tommy,’ showcasing his impressive talent and passion for performing.
How did Gaten Matarazzo’s age align with his character’s age on ‘Stranger Things’?
During the first season of ‘Stranger Things,’ Gaten Matarazzo’s character, Dustin Henderson, was portrayed as a 12-year-old boy. This meant that Gaten was actually a year older than the character he played. However, his youthful appearance and exceptional acting skills allowed him to convincingly portray Dustin as an endearing and relatable character.
How has Gaten Matarazzo’s age progressed throughout the seasons of ‘Stranger Things’?
As the show progressed, so did Gaten Matarazzo’s age. During the second season, which premiered on October 27, 2017, Gaten was 15 years old. By the third season, which aired on July 4, 2019, he had turned 16. When the fourth season eventually releases, we can expect Gaten to be the same age as in real life, as the characters’ ages align with the actors’ own.
Have Gaten Matarazzo’s age and blossoming acting career brought him any notable achievements?
Absolutely! Despite his young age, Gaten Matarazzo’s talent has earned him both critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. He has been nominated for numerous awards, including a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series alongside his ‘Stranger Things’ cast mates. Additionally, Gaten has used his platform to raise awareness about the rare genetic disorder he was born with called cleidocranial dysplasia, becoming an advocate for others with the condition.
In conclusion, Gaten Matarazzo was 13 years old when the first season of ‘Stranger Things’ aired, portraying the character of Dustin Henderson who was a year younger. Despite their slight age difference, Gaten’s exceptional acting skills brought Dustin to life and endeared him to audiences around the world. As we eagerly await the next season of ‘Stranger Things,’ there is no doubt that Gaten’s talent will continue to shine.