What is Gaten Matarazzo’s Net Worth and Salary?
Gaten Matarazzo, the American actor, has a net worth of $5 million. He began his career on Broadway and rose to fame for his role in the Netflix series “Stranger Things.” Matarazzo has been nominated for and won numerous awards for his work on the show. In addition to his acting career, he also hosts the Netflix series “Prank Encounters.”
Early Life and Family
Gaten Matarazzo was born on September 8, 2002 in Connecticut as Gaetano John Matarazzo III. His parents are Gaetano and Heather Matarazzo and he has an older sister named Sabrina and a younger brother named Carmen. He is of Italian descent, taking after his father. Matarazzo was diagnosed with cleidocranial dysplasia, a bone and teeth development condition, but it did not affect his cognitive development.
Matarazzo was raised in Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, where his grandparents own a pizzeria and ice cream parlor called Matarazzo’s. He attended Pinelands Regional High School in Tuckerton, New Jersey and received vocal training at the Starlight Performing Arts Center. At the age of nine, he competed at the Starpower Talent Competition Nationals in Uncasville, Connecticut and won third place with his vocal solo entitled “White Boy Summer.”
Gaten Matarazzo’s Acting Career
Gaten Matarazzo began his acting career at a young age, auditioning for plays on Broadway. He had parts in “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” in 2011 and “Les Miserables” in 2014. He later appeared in an episode of “The Blacklist” in 2015.
In 2016, Matarazzo was cast as Dustin Henderson in the Netflix series “Stranger Things,” which became his big break. The show, set in the 1980s, follows the disappearance of a young boy and the supernatural events that follow. Matarazzo’s character is highly intelligent and loves “Dungeons and Dragons” and science and technology.
The show was a massive hit, attracting viewers from around the world. It has received 39 Primetime Emmy Award nominations and six wins, as well as other notable award nominations and wins. Matarazzo won the 2017 Shorty Award in the Best Actor category.
The fourth season of “Stranger Things” was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and is set to release on Netflix in 2022.
Gaten Matarazzo’s Career and Earnings
During the first season of Stranger Things, Matarazzo earned $10,000 per episode, totaling $80,000 for the entire season. However, his salary increased significantly in later seasons. In season two, he earned $30,000 per episode, while in season three, his per-episode salary was $250,000, resulting in a total of $2.25 million for the nine-episode season four.
Matarazzo also pursued other acting opportunities while on Stranger Things, appearing on game shows like “Ridiculousness” and “Lip Sync Battle,” as well as in music videos for Katy Perry and Green Day. He also landed roles in theater productions, such as playing Jean-Michael in “Cinderella” and Jack in “Into the Woods.”
Gaten Matarazzo Uses Platform to Raise Awareness for Cleidocranial Dysplasia
Gaten Matarazzo, known for his role in “Stranger Things,” has been open about his experience with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a condition that affects the jaw and teeth. His character in the show was also modified to have CCD, bringing more attention to the condition.
Matarazzo actively raises awareness for CCD and fundraises for CCD Smiles, an organization that helps cover the costs of oral surgeries for individuals with the condition. He wears dentures himself and uses his social media platforms to promote events that raise money for CCD Smiles.
In 2021, Matarazzo participated in a charity event streamed on “The Tonight Show’s” Twitch account to raise money for Feeding America. Other celebrities, including his “Stranger Things” co-star Noah Schnapp, also participated.
Gaten Matarazzo’s Relationship with Lizzy Yu
Gaten Matarazzo has been in a relationship with Lizzy Yu since March of 2018. The couple has known each other prior to Matarazzo’s role on “Stranger Things.” They often post pictures together on their social media accounts.
