Gaten Matarazzo, widely recognized for his role as Dustin Henderson in the hit Netflix series “Stranger Things,” recently opened up about an unsettling fan interaction that left him feeling uncomfortable. During an episode of the “Inside of You” podcast, hosted by Michael Rosenbaum, Matarazzo recounted an incident involving a 40-year-old woman who admitted to having a crush on him since he was 13. Reflecting on the interaction, Matarazzo shared, “I did one very recently – and this is not very funny, but the reactions around it were quite funny – where this woman in her 40s said straight up, ‘I’ve had a crush on you since you were 13.’ And I was like, ‘That’s upsetting.’ I’m sure she just meant, ‘Aw, this kid’s cute.’” The situation became even more awkward when the woman’s daughter, who was present, exclaimed, “Mom, what the f**k?” When Rosenbaum asked if Matarazzo had laughed at the scenario, the actor admitted that he couldn’t, describing the experience as “rough.”
Matarazzo, now 21, has grown up in the spotlight, with “Stranger Things” catapulting him and his co-stars to international fame. He reflected on the profound impact the show has had on his life, describing it as likely the biggest project he will ever be a part of. “Of course I understand all the wonderful things it has done for me and my family,” he said, acknowledging the significant changes the show brought to their financial security. Growing up, financial stability was a struggle for his family, but the success of “Stranger Things” transformed their situation. “When you are that young, you can’t really reflect or understand how incredible that is for your family and you,” he added. However, he also highlighted the challenges of becoming the primary breadwinner at such a young age, calling it “not something that is normal.”
The success of “Stranger Things” has not only provided financial stability for Matarazzo and his family but has also placed him and his co-stars under intense public scrutiny. The parents of the young cast members played a crucial role in negotiating their salaries, ensuring they were compensated fairly for their work. Matarazzo expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of the parents, who worked together to secure the best possible outcomes for their children. “We are pretty grateful. What is also interesting is that all of our parents were talking about what would be best for all of us collectively going forward,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of these negotiations until the actors turned 18.
Beyond his role in “Stranger Things,” Matarazzo has continued to build a diverse acting career, appearing in films such as “The Angry Birds Movie 2” and “My Father’s Dragon.” Despite the challenges and unexpected encounters that come with fame, he remains focused on his craft and grateful for the opportunities that have come his way. As he navigates the complexities of growing up in the public eye, Matarazzo’s experiences reflect both the rewards and challenges of early stardom. His candid reflections provide insight into the unique pressures faced by young actors and the importance of a supportive network in navigating the world of entertainment.
