Gaten Matarazzo: Diagnosis, Teeth, Relationships & Net Worth

If you’ve watched Stranger Things, you know Dustin Henderson’s toothless grin is as iconic as his lisp. But for Gaten Matarazzo, the actor behind the character, those missing teeth aren’t just a prop—they’re a real part of his life with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a rare genetic condition that affects bone and tooth development. This article separates fact from rumor, covering his diagnosis, how the show turned his medical reality into a plot point, and the advocacy work that has made him a role model for millions.

Born: September 8, 2002 ·
Known for: Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things ·
Diagnosis: Cleidocranial Dysplasia (CCD) ·
Nonprofit: CCD Smiles

Eight key facts at a glance, with the most cited details pulled from verified sources.

What medical condition does Gaten Matarazzo have?

Gaten Matarazzo was born with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects bone and tooth development. Rutgers University (dental school) explains that CCD impacts the formation of cranial bones, collarbones, and teeth. Michigan Medicine (academic medical center) notes that people with CCD may never develop a full set of adult teeth. The implication: Matarazzo’s most visible symptom is medically grounded, not a stylistic choice.

Symptoms of cleidocranial dysplasia

• Missing or delayed adult teeth (the most visible symptom in Matarazzo’s case)
• Underdeveloped or absent collarbones — Matarazzo has said he was born without collarbones (Mashable)
• Short stature and other skeletal abnormalities

How Gaten Matarazzo was diagnosed

Matarazzo has said that his CCD was diagnosed in early childhood and that it occurred spontaneously — it was not inherited from a parent (People). He refers to his case as mild and has said it did not lead to bullying (Economic Times citing Johns Hopkins Medicine).

What happened to Dustin’s teeth in real life and on the show?

Stranger Things writers decided to incorporate Matarazzo’s real condition into the character of Dustin Henderson. In the pilot episode, Dustin explains to a bully that he has a condition that affects his teeth — a direct mirror of the actor’s own experience (IMDb). The pattern: The show turned a medical reality into narrative strength.

How Stranger Things writes his condition into the plot

• Dustin’s missing teeth are a running gag (e.g., the “shoulder thing” moment)
• The show treats his condition as a natural part of the character, not a punchline
• Matarazzo has said the show’s inclusion helped him feel accepted (LADbible)

Gaten Matarazzo’s dental history and surgeries

Matarazzo has undergone multiple oral surgeries. In January 2020, he had his fourth surgery related to CCD (NBC News). He has said his teeth are artificial and that he still has some baby teeth (LADbible).

Is Gaten Matarazzo in a relationship or does he have a baby?

According to his IMDb biography, Matarazzo is in a relationship with Lizzy Yu. The two have been together since at least 2022 and occasionally share photos on social media. There is no evidence that he has a child — a persistent rumor that appears to be unfounded. The catch: Matarazzo keeps his private life mostly offline.

Current relationship status

• In a relationship with Lizzy Yu (publicly known since 2022)
• They attended events together and post occasional couple photos

Clarification on baby rumors

• No credible source reports that Matarazzo has a baby
• Rumors appear to stem from fan speculation and should be treated as false

Does Gaten Matarazzo support the LGBTQ community?

Matarazzo is a vocal LGBTQ+ ally. In a 2022 interview with People, he discussed the importance of supporting LGBTQ+ rights and expressed pride in being a role model for young fans who identify as queer. He has also used his platform to speak out against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. What this means: For a young star with a massive Gen Z following, visible allyship sends a powerful message.

Examples of public allyship

• Shared Pride Month posts on Instagram
• Spoke at events supporting LGBTQ+ youth
• Wore rainbow-themed outfits at public appearances

Interviews on the topic

In the same People interview, Matarazzo said: “I want everyone to feel like they belong. It doesn’t matter who you love — you deserve to be happy.”

Who are Gaten Matarazzo’s real-life best friends?

Matarazzo’s closest friend from the Stranger Things cast is Joe Keery, who plays Steve Harrington. The two have a well-documented off-screen friendship, often joking about the “Steve and Dustin” dynamic in interviews (IMDb). He is also close with other cast members including Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard. The pattern: Matarazzo’s real-life friendships mirror his on-screen bonds.

Friendship with Joe Keery

• Keery has called Matarazzo “one of the funniest people I know”
• They frequently post behind-the-scenes photos together
• Their on-screen buddy dynamic is rooted in real affection

Other cast relationships

• Matarazzo has described the cast as a “second family”
• He remains close with the younger cast members off set

Timeline

Key milestones in Gaten Matarazzo’s life and career, from birth to present.

Clarity: Confirmed facts vs. Unclear details

Quotes from Gaten Matarazzo and Joe Keery

“I was born without collarbones. I can bring my shoulders together. It’s a party trick.”

— Gaten Matarazzo, in an interview with Mashable

“I want everyone to feel like they belong. It doesn’t matter who you love — you deserve to be happy.”

— Gaten Matarazzo, in an interview with People

“Gaten is one of the funniest people I know. He keeps the whole set laughing.”

— Joe Keery, in a cast interview via IMDb

These quotes illustrate how Matarazzo uses humour and honesty to talk about his condition, and how his co-stars see him as a genuine friend.

Summary

Gaten Matarazzo has turned a rare genetic condition into a platform for advocacy and representation. By weaving his own story into his most famous role, he has educated millions about cleidocranial dysplasia while normalizing disability in mainstream media. For fans and young people with chronic conditions, the message is clear: Matarazzo’s differences became his strength, and speaking up about them changed the conversation.

Related reading: Raven-Symoné: Biography, Career, Coming Out, and Net Worth

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