News Summary
Gaten Matarazzo, famous for his role in ‘Stranger Things’, spoke at a USF lecture about his acting journey, family sacrifices, and challenges faced during auditions. The event attracted around 800 attendees, emphasizing excitement for his character and the final season of the show. Matarazzo discussed his initial rejections, the inspiration from his sister, and overcoming insecurities linked to his dental condition. The lecture served not only to connect students with a prominent actor but also to inspire aspiring actors in the audience.
Tampa, Florida – Gaten Matarazzo, the actor known for his role as Dustin Henderson in the popular Netflix series “Stranger Things,” shared insights about his acting journey during a lecture at the University of South Florida (USF) on Tuesday evening. The event, part of the USF University Lecture Series, attracted around 800 attendees, nearly filling the Marshall Student Center Ballroom.
Matarazzo received $55,000 for his appearance, a sum detailed in his contract with the university. While the event was free for students, who were permitted to bring one guest each, the turnout highlighted the excitement surrounding Matarazzo’s presence and the upcoming final season of “Stranger Things.”
During the lecture, Matarazzo reflected on his path to success in the entertainment industry, recounting the initial rejections he faced before landing his breakthrough role. He emphasized the significant sacrifices made by his family, particularly noting his father’s commitment to working multiple jobs and his mother’s decision to temporarily put her career on hold to support his aspirations in acting. He revealed that it was his sister, Sabrina Matarazzo, who inspired him to pursue acting through her participation in school and community theater.
A pivotal moment in Matarazzo’s career occurred at a showcase event in New York City, where he had the opportunity to meet his long-time manager. However, his journey was not without challenges. He has cleidocranial dysplasia, a condition affecting the development of bones and teeth, which led to difficulties during auditions as he felt self-conscious due to his dental differences. Matarazzo explained that he did not lose his baby teeth until the age of 10, which contributed to his insecurities.
Despite these challenges, Matarazzo eventually embraced his unique dental features, which played a role in his casting as Dustin Henderson when he was just 13 years old. Initially, the character was described as a bullied and introverted bookworm, but Matarazzo infused a more extroverted personality during his auditions, which contributed to the character’s popularity.
As he looked forward to the fifth and final season of “Stranger Things,” Matarazzo offered a light-hearted comment that this season would feature more comfortable socks compared to previous ones. The last chapter of the series is set to release in three parts, with four episodes premiering on November 26, followed by three episodes on Christmas Day, and concluding with the final episode on New Year’s Eve.
Matarazzo remarked on his uncertain future projects post-“Stranger Things,” indicating he is in a transitional phase as he prepares to graduate from his role on the show. The excitement among students was palpable, with many expressing appreciation for Matarazzo’s candid discussion about his personal struggles and achievements. Audience member Madyson Gibellino noted that Matarazzo’s personality closely resembled that of his character, adding to the event’s engaging atmosphere. Another student, Kathryn Burkhart, highlighted the value of such events, noting her enthusiasm for learning more about the upcoming season of “Stranger Things.”
The event not only allowed students to connect with a prominent figure in entertainment but also served as an inspiration to many aspiring actors and actresses in the audience.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- USF Oracle: Gaten Matarazzo Behind the Scenes Stories
- Wikipedia: Gaten Matarazzo
- USF Oracle: Lecture with Gaten Matarazzo
- Google Search: Stranger Things
- USF Oracle: Insights from Gaten Matarazzo
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Stranger Things
- USF Oracle: Matarazzo’s Acting Journey
- Google News: Gaten Matarazzo
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
