Gaten Matarazzo gets real | What he thinks about Stranger Things coming to an end

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Gaten Matarazzo (Stranger Things, Sweeney Todd) joins us again this week to share his perspective on Stranger Things coming to and end… how he’s preparing to say goodbye to Dustin after a eight years… and the lessons he’s learned after landing a hit show at the age of 12. Gaten starts the episode talking about his dream come true of performing Sweeney Todd on Broadway and the highs and lows that came with its seven month run. We also talk about the unique experience of literally growing up with his cast mates on a hit series, how he’s managing his mental health today, and being at peace with the reality of coming off one of the biggest series of all time.

[@rustyshackleford1040]

Out of all those kids, him, I’m not worried about. Smart young man.

[@seansanford7684]

Same for Caleb and Sadie, those three seem much wiser and nicer then most people

[@kony2494]

Hate to break it to you, but all those kids are multi millionaires set for life, so I wouldnt be worried about any of them.

[@darinaprstmmprhdl6975]

@@kony2494 "hate to break it to you" but people like Britney Spears or Macaulay Culkin also got set for life very young. and unfortunately that didn't do them any good. or at least it brought them and other child stars just as many problems. Gaten Matarazzo really does seem like a person who hasn't been blinded by fame (or at least he is an actor good enough to give off such impression) while some other cast members of Stranger Things do seem like people who may spiral once their days of fame are over. really hope that won't be the case, of course, and the worst thing out of the series would be a few butchered narrative throughlines :)

[@johnjoseph6874]

@@seansanford7684Sadie yes, idk about Caleb though. That whole spiel about racism was pretty ridiculous

[@jayngb]

@@johnjoseph6874 oh brother

[@Distractingly_Dope]

This is one of the wisest and most balanced takes I’ve ever heard out of Hollywood

[@notyourdad]

Especially impressive coming from a child actor who was catapulted to superfame at the age of like 12. Most middle-aged actors aren't this insightful.

[@mizuko6132]

He’s a stage actor. Completely different breed. Seems like he’s happy for the opportunity. Good for him.

[@unadventurer_]

Totally. Cut from a different cloth.

[@kavid8120]

What’s that

[@masilomoshesh1475]

@@kavid8120Gaten is a stage actor so he performs in theatre. Much more effort is needed in stage production because you are effectively speaking to a live audience as compared to on screen acting. He'll probably be nominated for Tony Awards later on in his career if he keeps it up.

[@lindamawdsley6130]

Gaten is a very balanced and level headed young man🙂

[@anonamouse.p4115]

He seems to have been given the things in life that Matter, a Family that saw him in his early years and supported his Theatre aspirations to his early plays onstage. His Theatre Family must have looked after him like his family asked them to or expected them to, the DUFFER Brothers and their Crew as well; then last but not least- his multi-talented self. His singing, his acting, his manners, his Joy. His representation of children and Adults like him with his cleidocranial dysplasia as well. BRAVO to him x!

[@Ch-yz4yt]

What a well spoken, self aware young man. His parents must be incredibly proud of him.

[@leezysaurus]

The way Gaten said “I disagree” came with a PhD in life

[@tobylevins4995]

Holy shit, I am a 42 year old actor and if I had been given stranger things at his age I would have screwed it up royally. What a balanced and thoughtful young dude.

[@SkywalkerSamadhi]

Are you the guy that was in the Last of Us and Lou?

[@tobylevins4995]

Yes sir

[@breezothetheologian7486]

Yooo your awesome dude. I would like to become an actor, what advice could u give me?

[@marigolden_mariposa]

great comment. you're a great actor, love your work. 😊👍

[@AlexBrovo]

Awesome stuff and comment

[@DemocracyManifest]

Bro's mentally and emotionally on another level, he totally gets his environment without getting sucked in to the fame. He seems like a good dude.

[@thebrianwhite]

I'm normally disappointed with Hollywood. This young man is based. Wish the best for him. Good interview

[@majikman5140]

And u r simp

[@hopefullyeverafter5684]

The fact you refer to it still as “Hollywood”, shows you prefer the reality in ur head versus the actual world people live and work in.

[@SkywalkerSamadhi]

Based? Do you mean Blessed?

[@darthwicket]

Based? Dude is a douche bag.

[@vinceandcassie]

@@SkywalkerSamadhi They mean based.

[@kirbyspaniel6338]

What a way to handle your reality. I'm extremely I pressed with his maturity.

[@detailsmove]

Gaten's words in the second half struck a chord and display a wisdom beyond his years; he's got a great head on his shoulder and I can't wait to watch and support his career moving forward

[@taterbeard]

Gaten and how he handled things is basically the polar opposite of how Millie has turned out as a result of this show. Good for him. He deserves all the happiness.

[@Kinesiology411]

He wasn't sexualized at a young age. She was. Hollywood is horrific to young girls.

[@wyrdali3nb0y]

He's SO intelligent and well spoken and aware of how 'strange' it was being so young and so famous in the industry as well as his own experience with how it affected his family. Gaten is going to go far even if he doesn't continue in Hollywood.

[@EmpyreanDreamer]

To be so wise at 21 you know he has a bright future ahead. I for one will be watching anything he's involved in.

[@jonathansallows836]

"You are more mature than me....right now!" LOL. Gaten is so well-spoken.

[@moeezS]

"You're suddenly the breadwinner for your family when you're 12yo" That's crazy when you put it like that, especially for big child actors. No wonder they get messed up.

[@artistofapathy]

He's a good egg. At a local con, when the event was over, he was helping the cleaning people peel up tape around his booth. No other person did that and this was peak right after S1.

[@Mike-hj7gg]

bro that might just be the most balanced and sane thing i have ever heard any celebrity say..

[@GeographyGeek]

With his attitude I feel like he’ll find work for as long as he wants it. He’s talented and I’m sure many people enjoy working with him.

[@kriscollinstunes]

I think he’d be a brilliant casting choice to play Mickey Dolenz if they were to ever make a “Monkees” biopic.

[@johnburke6332]

You should be a casting agent! So obvious once you pointed it out!

[@kriscollinstunes]

@@johnburke6332 thanks! I only just noticed it myself. Definitely think it’s a look he grew into. I didn’t see the resemblance when he was younger. And he’s got some pretty good acting chops to boot.

[@Regantdarcy]

Child stars always have a tough road dealing with fame… but this young man has got his head on straight. Very intelligent & humble. Wish him well. 👍🏼

[@user-vv9lr2rw5d]

What an amazingly collected and wise person. Good for him.

[@StannisHarlock]

One of my favorite things about that show was in the early seasons where they would get the kids to scream something, and their voice would break. I know it happened several times in season one. I would always be like, how many takes did that scene take?

[@lagabbybubbles9344]

He’s an amazing actor, he’s also so well spoken. What a cool guy. :)

[@67maxfield]

What a beautiful mind man. Glad hes so secure in himself and has such a level outlook, warms my fucking heart.

[@PokeNPC]

Dude really hit the jackpot. Able to be in a much-loved show. Able to support himself and his family. Happy to ride off into the sunset and work on things he likes doing. Mature and level-headed personality to boot. Well done Gaten.

[@trojoe]

Its been a lot of fun working on this final season.

[@TheDarkestForce]

Loved him on Stranger Things and it's WONDERFUL to see such wise, balanced and intelligent person at such a young age. Whatever he ends up doing in the future, you know he'll do just find with his attitude and smarts.

[@skygazer858]

I wasn't expecting that. I'm impressed.

[@princepeterwolf]

This is the most refreshing answer I have ever heard about having a career in Hollywood!

[@TheArtofGuitar]

Seasons 1 and 4 were beyond epic. Thanks for showcasing Master of Puppets by the way. .

[@theForbiddenSpeaker]

This guy is literally the best out of the kids, despite the show honing in on making Mike as a center of attention for 11and Will, Dustin's character is the goat. Him,Steve and Hopper really carry this show.

[@matthewpeter5154]

I can't wait for the final season!!!!!!!!!!

[@dogme666]

what a smart and sensitive guy , you rock gaten , keep doing what you love!

[@crookedchicken]

Loved his interview, he's clearly a very mature and wise young man.

[@ThatGriffGuy]

My lord he’s smart good for his parent(s) raising him right

[@firekind1980]

I don't do hugs but that whole cast would get a big one.

[@dangndox6687]

This kid’s got way more wisdom than most ‘adult’ actors

[@dutch6277]

Gaten is an incredible young man. I have so enjoyed watching him grow up. I met him and the rest of the cast of Stranger Things back in 2017 for Comic Con. As part of their protective detail I got to meet the real people and their families not just the “celebrity’” that all the fans clamor to see. He and his fellow costars were and continue to be incredible people. I’m glad I got the opportunity to meet and continue to run into Gaten. He is a very talented yet grounded young man. Last time I saw him I was working a premier and as a large crowd was passing me, he got my attention and gave me a hug. Who does that to the help? He is a genuinely good guy, not something I can say about very many famous people. Heck I can’t say that about many people in general. Remembering a guy who cannot advance his career or gain him anything monetarily makes him a rare bird indeed. Love this guy. Hope to see you again Gaten.

[@CoverBrazilian]

Wow… the maturity level he has is astounding. Me, as a 28 year old man, honestly can’t say I’m even this mature. I’d 100% be wanting to remain relevant and chasing the next big thing.. meanwhile he’s found peace already within himself at such a young age. His parents did an amazing job with him, hats off to them.

[@CharlesN88]

Taking a moment to pause just to say this kid is wise beyond his years.

[@SalsaBailaProductions]

very well spoken young man... he says things beyond his age... props to him

[@themostcomplete]

Down to earth..Good for him

[@TentacledProductions]

He just seems like such a lovely person.

[@Rasmusthall]

Amazing thought process. This type of self reflection saves you down the line i believe! Seems like a genuine guy

[@chemonmusic]

Outstanding answer

[@mistermysteryman107]

This kid is an amazing actor.

[@mugglescakesniffer3943]

What a refreshing person who is that mature and smart.

[@maddiehad]

great answer Gaten I look forward to what ever you have in store for the future.

[@georgemichelakis1202]

An Intelligent and Wise man. I wish all the positivity on him.

[@christinapabalan9378]

He's got a good head on those shoulders. May he have a long career in something he loves to do.

[@yelbogle7043]

Stay Blessed Gaten

[@craskpillord]

Love hearing his pov

[@alexanderwingeskog758]

Stranger things... I'm born in 1974 and this show was/is just so awesome... Love a bit of sci-fi, horror and so does my son (who was 12-13 at the time of the first episode)... and it was so freaking awesome to have my son relating to the kids and me relating to the kids (because I was there in the 80's as the same kids sort of thing) but still have the perspective as an adult... Love that show so much! sure we can find common shows that we like, but this one was on a whole other level... Would like it to never end, but ofc everything has to end somewhere...

[@Caladas]

Holy crap, it is beyond impressive to hear that kind of mindset from someone that young. To realize that the work that you do probably yields more money than the combined income of your parents throughout their work lives when you're just a teenager, and actually reflect on what that means, and value that rahter than just "buying cool shit", speaks of massive humility. Big cudos!

[@Melarancida]

He sounds like a very smart and grounded young man, very interested to see where his carrier takes him going forward.

[@antewehlen4236]

Great insight for such a young age.

[@IkonikBeast]

This is genuinely one of the most refreshing, and mature interviews I have seen on social media. Seeing Gaten go from a young actor to a brilliantly wise and understanding adult, it truly is amazing. Let's hope Hollywood doesn't get a hold of such a good person.

[@HilltopZombieShop]

Very good perspective for a young dude.

[@Gen-yh1jz]

Gaten is awesome. He is so talented. I want to watch him in something now.

[@airirichard8781]

Geez. Can’t wait to see when he’s experienced more in life. Smart dude.

[@RFazor]

My favorite character (besides 11) on ST…

[@JJSS-vg1qs]

He has an amazing attitude.

[@hummpy]

Why don't you have more subs? This show is great!

[@MrThankeesai]

to be clear stranger things is not over. When all these kids hit 30 there will be an obligatory revival of the whole franchise

[@heckensteiner4713]

WOW! SO much respect for this kid. Wait, he's an adult now? Time flies!

[@miccheck4653]

Woah, this kid is like 40 years old, what lucky parents.

[@raggedrec]

what a grounded level headed young dude.

[@tryhardtr3nt]

This guy is so wise beyond his years 😱

[@isotv2939]

This kids soul is 72 years old. He's to mature and intelligent for Hollywood.

[@cabalpaxiarch7239]

Wow... this kid is so mature and grounded and smart. He's like the anti-Milly Bobby Brown.

[@86blakew]

He is sooo mature it’s crazy. Good for him though. Childhood stars can go in a whole other and terrible direction.

[@mattmbenson]

What a kid. Wise beyond his years.

[@Cinxdr]

He is beyond wise.

[@Jaxons-dad]

❤ love it.

[@lynnmariexo]

Michael rosenbaum is amazing! Great interview! Gaten is so talented! I hope he goes super far! I think he will.

[@awesomereviews1561]

Smart kid. I’m impressed.

[@dougmcconkey5126]

He is an old soul lol loved him on stranger things

[@MarkArandjus]

What a healthy take!

[@m0thdm]

My man is WISE. Love Gaten

[@HumanoidMachine]

Wow, he really did grow up not having a lot. It matures you faster and makes you appreciate success a lot more. People who grew up with money can't even begin to grasp that.

[@moralvin1346]

i don't know but i think Gaten could play Flea in early days of Red hot chili peppers biopic. if they ever do it.

[@ToddsDiscGolf]

Bro it ended after season 1. Season 2 if you’re generous.

[@Djangounframed]

A very well grounded kid. There is some hope for the future.

[@chipchippahson]

Michael knock your ego down for checking that kid for having a moment of honesty. Also, this kid is so beyond his years for 21.

[@chaoticneutralgiraffe5514]

Lad was already top tier before i saw this, but fucking hell, he's goddam legendary!!

[@markthefilmmaker2613]

I hope he gets everything he ever asks for

[@chrisf8097]

My favorite part of the show will always be Dustin.

[@mlo912]

incredible kid.

[@Jaxons-dad]

Please come on in person ❤❤❤

[@WilliamPetersen01]

There will always be the "Next" hype. A show can never expect to stay on Top.

[@MarcusWelbyJr]

It’s right now that I realize u were playing lex on smallville! Cool

[@mowgli6345]

He'll be fine. I saw him in Honor Society, and he played a pretty good heel.

[@happyninja42]

What he said about peaks and valleys reminds me of a clip from Neil Patrick Harris, talking about when he was on Doogie Howser MD, and how....I think it was his agent? Or maybe it was a friend of his parents, but the person was an adult, who had been in the Hollywood industry for a VERY long time, and he gave Neil some advice that Neil has said was the best advice he ever got. He said that "Hollywood is like surfing. You have to paddle out to the deep water, and your fighting the waves just to get out there, and then you get out to the deeper part, and you look for your wave, and while you're out there, other people are grabbing waves that you didn't grab, and they go surfing in, and it's cool, and everyone cheers them, but you're still paddling, wading water. And then you finally get your big wave, and it's great, your riding high, it's exciting, people are cheering for you, and you are loving it....but then the wave is over, and you're back where you started, and you have to go paddle back out there and do it again. And that the trick to making it as a long career in Hollywood (and acting in general), is to be comfortable with the fact that you will have highs and lows, and to seek to be consistent with your work, and to appreciate all the steps along the way" Here is the actual clip where he words it better than me. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZO2XnxtqNyhZ9k

[@nathanwork3703]

Hollywood has never looked so good. Excited to see what the future holds for him.

[@Aaron1Ayala]

I hate when interviewers give negative questions. “You ever feel like aw man this show isn’t as big as it once was :(“ “Nah you felt like that” Well said 😂👏👏 Very smart young man who’s been through this a ton by now

[@mikewright3029]

your values.... so mature. what a well adjusted young man. XD

[@afeeser]

Season 3 was outstanding.

[@WesleyScottOfficial]

Very intelligent young man. 👏

[@Blast2224]

Gaten was literally owning roles on Broadway before Netflix found him. He's multi-talented along with Caleb. The two of them were casted half BECAUSE they knew each other from the Broadway circuit. Half of Tom Holland's fans don't even KNOW he did Broadway as a child. Half of those girls don't even KNOW what Billy Elliott is or was.