Fame often favors those who appear fearless, and for millions of Stranger Things loyalists across the world, Gaten Matarazzo is exactly that. He is dauntless, which helps him remain the unstoppable heart of the beloved Netflix show. But long before he won audiences over as the lovable Dustin Henderson, Matarazzo’s real-life journey was shaped by a medical condition that affected his childhood and confidence. His rise to global stardom happened in spite of it, and that is what makes his story worth hearing.

In many ways, the actor is adored today not just for his talent but because he confronted his rare disorder with honesty and turned vulnerability into strength.

Gaten Matarazzo was born with a rare genetic condition called Cleidocranial Dysplasia (CCD), which affects the way bones and teeth develop. The condition is linked to a mutation in a gene and often leads to features such as missing or underdeveloped collarbones and adult teeth that take much longer to emerge. While there is no permanent cure for CCD, it can be managed through ongoing treatments such as dental surgeries, orthodontic care, and in some cases, corrective procedures to support bone growth, which Matarazzo also opted for. 

In a 2016 interview with Mediaplanet, Matarazzo opened up about living with Cleidocranial Dysplasia, saying his experience with it has been “pretty good, honestly. I have a very mild case of it, and it hasn't really caused me to be bullied or anything.” He moreover explained that nearly all the acting parts he had booked in his career were because of the condition. Stranger Things, however, became a standout because the show gave him a platform to discuss it on screen.

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Matarazzo revealed in his interview with Mediaplanet that the Duffer Brothers did not attempt to hide his condition but wrote it into the script, and he is grateful for that.

Speaking to the outlet, Gaten Matarazzo shared that his character in Stranger Things was not originally intended to be without teeth, which leads to him being bullied in season one. This results in the memorable moment when he insists, “I told you a million times, my teeth are coming in. It is called Cleidocranial Dysplasia.” According to Matarazzo, he opened up about his condition to the show’s creators, who decided to adopt it for his character, making his job easier and, by extension, helping him spread awareness about it.

In the end, what makes Matarazzo’s journey unforgettable is not only the acclaim he has earned on screen but also the courage he has shown in real life by refusing to allow CCD to define him. His openness has turned a private battle into a source of hope for countless others facing the same condition, proving that vulnerability can become power.

As he now prepares to shift from a personal fight to a professional one with the soon-to-arrive conclusive Stranger Things instalment, promising epic showdowns between Eleven and the gang and Vecna, it is clear that his story is far from over, and his followers are ready to witness every step of it.

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Were you aware of Gaten Matarazzo’s condition before? Let us know in the comments.