Gaten Matarazzo discusses life after ‘Stranger Things’
Gaten Matarazzo, best known for his role as Dustin in the acclaimed series Stranger Things, expressed the challenges he faces as he transitions from child star to adult actor. While speaking in a London hotel bar, Matarazzo described how crowded public spaces can become overwhelming for him, especially when fans recognize him. “If I’m walking down the street and school’s letting out, I have to not be here very, very quickly,” he noted, “because that can be a little intense.” Even during a recent evening at a bar in Milan, word spread quickly, prompting waves of fans to converge, which he found “a little stressful,” but ultimately kind, reports BritPanorama.
As Matarazzo reflects on his fame, he acknowledges that he is firmly associated with his character from Stranger Things. The series, which has captivated viewers worldwide, has solidified his identity as the geeky, lovable Dustin. Matarazzo admitted that the challenge now is to evolve past that character as many of his co-stars have already done. From Millie Bobby Brown’s new family life to Sadie Sink’s movie career, the cast has all branched out since the finale was viewed by over 100 million people.
“There’s like a parasocial phenomenon that people have of knowing you from something specific and then being like, ‘Please don’t do anything else,’” he remarked. Initially, he found it hurtful to be confined to that image but has resolved not to let it impact his decisions moving forward.
Matarazzo is set to star as Mark in the West End revival of Rent, a production about struggling artists during the HIV/AIDS crisis. He has roots in musical theatre, having played Gavroche in Les Miserables as a child. “There are lots of gay men in musical theatre,” he explained regarding the conversations he had growing up regarding the crisis, “and I was in spaces where these conversations about the AIDS crisis were coming up.”
In discussing his role, Matarazzo highlighted the importance of understanding those who have faced such adversity. He mentioned his uncle, a closeted gay man in the 1980s, and expressed admiration for the resilience shown in that community during difficult times. “He really does love to talk about the joy of it, and I find that beautiful,” Matarazzo reflected.
Despite being perceived primarily through the lens of his fame, he acknowledges some backlash from critics who view his casting as primarily linked to his status rather than his talent. “For sure,” he admitted, noting that his well-known name likely influenced his casting decisions. However, he stressed that fans attending Rent out of admiration for Dustin should still respect the ensemble cast, suggesting that costumes may not be appropriate for the show.
Over the years, Matarazzo’s relationship with social media has shifted significantly. Having deleted older posts, he now relies on others to manage his accounts, which eases some of the anxiety that was associated with sharing personal details online. “I just developed an anxiety around it, and don’t really desire pushing private details about my life that I don’t feel comfortable sharing,” he explained. He also addressed misconceptions about his relationship status based on his limited online presence, affirming that he is “very much happy and healthy” with his long-term girlfriend.
Matarazzo has spoken positively about his experiences in the entertainment industry, grateful for the support he received. He affirmed that there were no exploitative conditions during his rise to fame, particularly regarding how his medical condition, cleidocranial dysplasia, was acknowledged in Stranger Things. “They met me at my level,” he stated about the show’s creators, who included aspects of his real-life struggles within the character’s narrative.
He takes pride in bringing awareness to his condition, fostering a community where others can share experiences. Matarazzo remains aware of the realities of being a young talent in Hollywood and emphasizes the need for ongoing discussions about child safety in the industry. “There are still leaps and bounds to be had in ensuring the security of kids in this industry,” he noted, recognizing the delicate balance between family dynamics and career pressures for young performers.
As Matarazzo steps into his role in Rent, he embodies the complexities of evolving beyond childhood fame while remaining true to his artistic roots. The production opens tomorrow at the Tom Stoppard Theatre in London and runs until 27 March.
