When Stranger Things first premiered in 2016, the main cast of character were all just little children, including Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson.
Netflix subscribers have watched the cast grow up on screen, with season four seeing them all notably jump in age, even if the show doesn’t acknowledge it.
Gaten’s Dustin has always been a fan favourite, with the actor just as popular over 18 million followers on Instagram.
His fans have been curious about his condition for years, one which has affected his teeth and bones.
Gaten has always been open about it and hopes to raise awareness around the condition.
What condition does Gaten Matarazzo?
(Image: Ccdsmiles)
Gaten has a rare genetic condition that affects the development of bones and teeth.
It is known as Cleidocranial dysplasia, or CCD, and affects one in a million births.
The condition was actually written into the hit Netflix show for his character Dustin, who tells bullies mocking him about his teeth: “It’s called Cleidocranial dysplasia.”
Speaking in an interview with The Doctors in 2018, he explained: “Once I got the part, they said they’re gonna incorporate that and use it in a realistic way. They asked me if it was okay the kids in the show bullied me because of it. I said it’s totally cool. It’s realistic.”
Gaten is now the ambassador of CCD Smiles, an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by the condition.
Speaking with CCD Smiles, the actor said: “I never really felt different from anyone else throughout my childhood.
“My family helped me embrace my condition and feel confident. It never felt like an obstacle in my day-to-day life thanks to the people around me.
“I just want that to be the case for every kid growing up with CCD.
“One of my favourite things about CCD Smiles is that it has provided a space where people with this condition can go and share their stories with so many others dealing with the same thing.
“I think this can help so many people feel comfortable. It really sucks to feel alone.”
Gaten hopes to continue raising awareness about his condition through his work in the future.
He added: “I love getting to call acting my job and there are so many people who have let my condition shine and become a part of my roles.
“I really look forward to playing more roles that have Cleidocranial dysplasia. I hope it helps some more kids feel confident in themselves.”
How old is Gaten Matarazzo?
(Image: Ccdsmiles)
Today (September 8), Gaten is celebrating his 20th birthday, leaving his teenage years behind him.
He was just 13 years old when Dustin made his debut on Stranger Things, so fans truly have watched him grow up on screen.
In the show, Dustin is still meant to only be 14 by season four, creating an awkward age gap between the actor and his character.
To remedy this discrepancy, the showrunners of the Netflix hit have teased that there will be a time jump between seasons four and five, which will also be the final chapter.
In an interview with TVLine, creators Matt and Ross Duffer said a leap in time was likely.
The Duffers explained: “I’m sure we will do a time jump. Ideally, we’d have shot [Seasons 4 and 5] back to back, but there was just no feasible way to do that.”
He added: “Typically in the previous seasons, everything wraps up in a nice bow. Four and five are really [connected] together.
“[With five], there’ll be no wind-up time – like even this season, you get to experience the kids and what they’re going through in high school before things start to escalate.
“Then it gets crazier and crazier and crazier – that’s typically the trajectory.
“Five, you’re just going to be right in the middle of it so it’s going to feel very, very different.”
READ MORE:
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
