How Gaten Matarazzo’s Rare Condition Became Part Of His Character’s Storyline In ‘Stranger Things’

If you’re a Stranger Things fan, you’re probably counting down the days until the next season drops—though with a 2025 release date, it feels like we’ll be waiting an eternity. Sure, it’s “in the works,” but how is waiting all the way until next year any different from waiting for your pizza delivery guy to walk from Italy?

The last season dropped in 2022, so binge-watching reruns is all we’ve got to feed our Hawkins obsession for now. While we all rewatch past seasons and dig for those hidden gems, here’s one fact you may not know: Gaten Matarazzo’s rare condition was brilliantly woven into the fabric of his character, Dustin Henderson.

Yep, you heard that right. Gaten Matarazzo, the beloved face of Dustin Henderson, has a rare genetic disorder called cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD). The creators of Stranger Things didn’t shy away from it; instead, they seamlessly wrote it into the storyline.

In the very first episode of Stranger Things (yep, all the way back in 2016—feeling old yet?), Gaten’s character Dustin responds to bullies with a memorable line: “It’s called cleidocranial dysplasia.” Boom. 

Not many actors get to have their real-life medical condition written into a show, but Matarazzo’s journey with CCD became part of Dustin’s charm.

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Gaten, who turned 22 this past Sunday, didn’t just pull this rare disorder out of thin air. CCD is a genetic condition that affects bone and teeth development, causing issues like underdeveloped collarbones—or in his case, no collarbones at all. Also, those charming pearly whites of his that we see? They're fake.

Embracing Differences

Gaten Matarazzo's openness about his condition, cleidocranial dysplasia, resonates deeply with audiences and can have significant social implications. Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, a leading emotion researcher, highlights how visibility can foster empathy and understanding in society.

She notes, 'When people see real stories of individuals facing challenges, it humanizes the experience and encourages compassion.' This is particularly important in media, where representation can shape perceptions.

Incorporating authentic narratives like Matarazzo's can pave the way for better understanding and acceptance of diverse experiences, which is essential for societal growth.

Gaten doesn’t shy away from conversations about his condition.

Netflix

In a 2018 interview, Gaten admitted that CCD had made it tough to land acting gigs. Many casting directors couldn’t quite see past his condition, but Stranger Things was the glorious exception.

When Gaten landed the role, the showrunners decided to incorporate CCD into Dustin’s character, making it real and relatable. And let’s be honest, if there’s one thing Dustin knows how to do, it’s own his differences and turn them into pure gold.

What’s even cooler? Gaten gave the thumbs-up to having his character bullied because, as he put it, “It's realistic.” For him, raising awareness about the condition was not just personal but also an important opportunity to educate viewers. 

When your favorite actor isn’t just on screen but also leading real-world conversations.

He didn’t shy away from his condition or let it define him. Instead, he showed the world that having CCD doesn’t stop him from slaying both monsters—and auditions.

We’ve watched Gaten grow up, and let’s just say his style game is leveling up faster than Eleven’s powers.

Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images

Thanks to Gaten's openness, more people have become aware of cleidocranial dysplasia, a condition that reportedly affects one in a million. However, as experts point out, the number could be higher since milder cases often go unnoticed. 

The effects can range from the top of the skull to the soles of the feet. But in true Gaten fashion, he’s owning it, using his platform to shine a spotlight on the condition, and making it clear to everyone that it's totally okay to be different.

Experts emphasize the power of storytelling in addressing sensitive topics like health conditions. Dr. Michael Greger, a renowned nutritionist, points out that narratives can educate audiences about lesser-known conditions, breaking down stigma.

This aligns with research indicating that personal stories can significantly alter public perceptions and reduce prejudice. For instance, incorporating character arcs that highlight personal challenges can provide viewers with relatable insights.

Producers should consider integrating educational elements into storylines, allowing audiences to engage with the themes meaningfully while fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Incorporating personal experiences, like those of Gaten Matarazzo, into mainstream narratives not only enriches storytelling but also serves a greater purpose in society. As noted by Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a happiness researcher, sharing authentic experiences promotes connection and understanding among diverse populations.

By fostering empathy through representation, media creators can influence positive change, encouraging audiences to embrace differences and support one another. As we await the next season of Stranger Things, it's vital to reflect on how these narratives can shape our perceptions and deepen our compassion.