Gaten Matarazzo’s parents: They supported his dreams

Gaten Matarazzo III had one on-screen appearance before starring as Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things: a minor role in an episode of The Blacklist. However, Dustin had tons of stage acting experience, with appearances in Broadway productions of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and Les Miserables. 

Dustin Henderson made Gaten Matarazzo a global star as Stranger Things became Netflix’s most popular show. Despite the stunning on-screen success, Matarazzo hasn’t abandoned his Broadway roots: he is poised to play Jared Kleinmann in Dear Evan Hansen. 

This piece will look at Gaten Matarazzo’s parents and their contribution to his career. 

Gaten Matarazzo was born on 8th September 2002 to Gaten Matarazzo Sr. and Heather Matarazzo in Connecticut. He grew up in Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, alongside two siblings – Carmen and Sabrina – and is of Italian descent. 

Matarazzo’s mother, Heather, has no relation to the famous actress Heather Matarazzo. The actress Heather Matarazzo famously played Dawn Weiner in Welcome to the Dollhouse and Lily Moskovitz in The Princess Diaries film series. 

Gaten’s parents unreservedly supported their children’s passions. Heather’s Twitter bio reads: “I’m a broadway stage mom, a soccer/basketball mom, and the mom of a just-about to drive teenager! They are my joy.”

The Twitter page features photos of Gaten’s early broadway days. Gaten said that he was inspired to get into musical theater by his sister, Sabrina, who is a singer and an actor. 

When Broadway Direct asked Gaten what inspired him to become an actor, he said: “My sister. She started a while ago and I just wanted to be like my big sister.”