Gaten Matarazzo girlfriend Lizzy Yu has become a cherished part of the actor’s world, their low-key yet enduring romance adding a sweet layer to his journey as Dustin Henderson on Stranger Things.
Born September 8, 2002, in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, Gaten Matarazzo—full name Gaten John Matarazzo III—rose from Broadway’s Les Misérables (2015) to Netflix‘s breakout ensemble, with 2025 ushering the fifth and final season’s premiere in early 2026 amid emotional cast farewells.
Dating since December 2021, Elizabeth Yu (affectionately Lizzy Yu), the rising actress behind Azula in Netflix‘s Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024), shares quiet adventures with Gaten, from New York streets to red-carpet whispers.
As 2024 sightings with Finn Wolfhard during house hunts trended, their love story—rooted in mutual support amid Stranger Things mania—exemplifies young Hollywood’s grounded glow, with Gaten Matarazzo and his girlfriend inspiring fans through subtle behind-the-scenes glimpses.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Gaten John Matarazzo III |
| Date of Birth | September 8, 2002 (Age: 23 in 2025) |
| Birthplace | Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, Singer, Advocate (for Cleidocranial Dysplasia awareness) |
| Family | Father: Gaten Matarazzo Jr. (school administrator); Mother: Melissa Matarazzo (homemaker); Siblings: Two sisters (Caroline, Sabrina) and one brother (Michael); Girlfriend: Elizabeth Yu (Lizzy Yu, since 2021); No children |
| Career Highlights | Broadway debut in Les Misérables (2015); Cast as Dustin in Stranger Things (2016-present, Season 5 filming wrapped 2024); Roles in Amityville Horror (2021), The School for Good and Evil (2022); Musical theater return in Into the Woods (2022); Advocacy work raising $100,000+ for CCD; 2025 voice role in The Wild Robot sequel; Over 20 credits on IMDB with $1 billion+ Stranger Things global impact |
Gaten Matarazzo Girlfriend: Lizzy Yu’s Rise as a Supportive Star
Gaten Matarazzo girlfriend Lizzy Yu embodies quiet strength, her presence a steady anchor amid the Upside Down’s chaos. Elizabeth Yu, 25 in 2025, hails from New York with Filipino-Chinese roots, blending theater training from NYU’s Tisch with screen breakthroughs like Mayday (2023) and the fiery Azula in Avatar.
Their paths crossed in December 2021 at a Stranger Things wrap party, sparking a love story that unfolded through shared scripts and city strolls. Gaten Matarazzo and his girlfriend prioritize privacy, but 2024‘s joint NYC outings with Finn Wolfhard—house-hunting hand-in-hand—offered rare glimpses, per J-14 reports.
As 2025 brings Season 5 hype, Lizzy‘s role in The Penguin spin-off teases parallel ascents.
Early Days: Gaten Matarazzo’s Pre-Stranger Things Sparkle
Before the Hawkins portal opened, Gaten Matarazzo shone on stages, his Broadway debut as young Gavroche in Les Misérables (2015) at age 13 earning raves for vocal prowess despite Cleidocranial Dysplasia (CCD), a genetic condition affecting his teeth and collarbones.
Born in New Jersey’s Pinelands, Gaten‘s family nurtured his talents—singing in church choirs, acting in school plays—while advocating for CCD awareness through his foundation. 2022‘s Into the Woods revival saw him as Jack, blending fairy-tale whimsy with personal grit.
These roots grounded him, preparing for Stranger Things‘ whirlwind.
Stranger Things Breakthrough: Gaten as Dustin and Ensemble Magic
Stranger Things (2016) catapulted Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson, the brainy inventor whose loyalty and laughs anchor the Hawkins crew. From Season 1’s Upside Down intrigue to 2024‘s Season 4 finale—Gaten‘s emotional Vecna confrontation drawing 1 billion hours viewed—his arc evolved from kid quipster to heroic heart.
2025‘s Season 5 production wrap in May 2024 brought tearful farewells, with Gaten directing a behind-the-scenes docuseries premiering at SXSW. His chemistry with Finn Wolfhard—as Mike—mirrors real bromance, their Finn Wolfhard and Gaten Matarazzo duo a fan favorite.
Gaten‘s Dustin embodies resilience, much like his off-screen life.
The Love Story Unfolds: Meeting Lizzy Yu in 2021
Gaten Matarazzo girlfriend Lizzy Yu entered his orbit at a December 2021 Stranger Things holiday bash in Atlanta, where her guest spot on a spin-off pilot overlapped with his filming break. Elizabeth Yu, fresh from theater gigs, bonded with Gaten over shared New York roots and script passions.
Their first date? A cozy ramen spot in the streets of New York, away from paparazzi, where talks turned from D&D campaigns to dream roles. By May 2022, subtle Instagram tags confirmed the spark, Gaten Matarazzo and his girlfriend posting a picnic snap that melted fans.
This 2022 romance bloom coincided with Season 4‘s Russia arc, providing Gaten emotional fuel.
Behind-the-Scenes Bliss: Matarazzo and His Girlfriend Lizzy Yu
Matarazzo and his girlfriend Lizzy Yu share a world of whispered wonders, from 2023‘s quiet Coachella escapes to 2024‘s Emmy after-parties where Lizzy dazzled in emerald silk beside Gaten‘s tux. Gaten credits Lizzy for his Season 5 focus, her script reads easing his directorial nerves.
2025 sightings—cozy Los Angeles hikes, her cheering at his Amityville sequel premiere—paint a picture of partnership. Lizzy Yu‘s influence? Infusing Gaten‘s advocacy with her theater insights, co-hosting a CCD charity gala raising $50,000.
Their bond, low-drama amid Stranger Things frenzy, captivates.
Elizabeth Yu’s Spotlight: From Theater to Netflix Royalty
Elizabeth Yu, the Lizzy Yu behind Gaten Matarazzo girlfriend‘s smile, traces her arc from Broadway’s Here Lies Love (2014) to Netflix‘s Avatar as the cunning Azula (2024), her fierce portrayal earning Emmy buzz and 1.5 million streams in week one.
At 25, Yu‘s Filipino heritage shines in roles blending cultural depth with defiance, like Mayday‘s haunted teen. 2025 brings The Penguin as Sofia Falcone’s ally, her poised menace drawing Gotham acclaim.
Gaten‘s muse, Lizzy balances sets with songwriting, her demos teasing a debut EP.
Finn Wolfhard and Gaten Matarazzo: Bromance Beyond the Upside Down
Finn Wolfhard and Gaten Matarazzo‘s friendship, forged in Hawkins hairspray, extends to real life escapades—like 2024‘s NYC house hunt with Lizzy Yu, where Gaten and Finn linked arms amid skyline views, per J-14.
From Season 1 sleepovers to 2025‘s Season 5 wrap bash—Finn toasting Gaten‘s Dustin as “eternal sidekick”—their bond withstands fame’s fog. Gaten guest-stars in Finn‘s Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire sequel (2025), their cameos a nostalgic nod.
This duo, with Lizzy as honorary third wheel, exemplifies cast camaraderie.
Stars Finn Wolfhard and Gaten Matarazzo light up Stranger Things with Dustin-Mike mischief, from telekinetic tantrums to 80s arcade antics. 2023‘s Season 4 Russia rescue—Gaten‘s helmet heroism—paired with Finn‘s heartfelt pleas, drew SAG ensemble nods.
Off-screen, 2024‘s Emmy afterglow saw them prank-calling co-stars, Gaten‘s girlfriend Lizzy Yu filming the chaos. 2025 teases a joint podcast on Netflix nostalgia, blending laughs with life lessons.
Their synergy, pure and playful, anchors the series’ soul.
Girlfriend Lizzy Yu: A Rising Star in Her Own Right
Girlfriend Lizzy Yu carves her constellation, her Azula ferocity in Avatar (2024) mirroring Gaten‘s Dustin determination. Elizabeth Yu‘s theater roots—Miss Saigon revival (2022)—infuse her screen work with raw emotion, earning Drama Desk praise.
2025‘s The Penguin arc as a shadowy operative showcases her range, while co-writing Gaten‘s CCD anthem adds musical magic. Lizzy‘s support? Attending his Amityville table reads, her notes sharpening scares.
As Matarazzo’s girlfriend, she thrives in tandem, her glow independent.
2024 Milestones: Gaten and Lizzy’s Year of Growth
2024 bloomed for Gaten Matarazzo and his girlfriend, from Season 5 table reads where Lizzy shadowed as “moral support” to their Coachella debut—Gaten in bucket hats, Lizzy in boho chic, dancing to indie sets.
A May 2024 New York getaway—Gaten‘s birthday bash with Finn Wolfhard—sparked house-hunt headlines, their hand-holds symbolizing settled dreams. Lizzy‘s Avatar premiere red carpet, Gaten beaming beside, marked mutual milestones.
This year, amid Stranger Things farewells, fortified their foundation.
Behind-the-Scenes Magic: Gaten Matarazzo and His Girlfriend on Set
Behind-the-scenes of Stranger Things, Gaten Matarazzo and his girlfriend Lizzy Yu weave warmth into the weird: 2023 visits saw her crafting Dustin props, her theater flair enhancing helmet designs.
2024‘s Season 5 Atlanta shoots included Lizzy‘s cameos in extras, her laugh echoing in Hawkins High halls. Gaten shares snippets on Instagram, like Lizzy‘s Vecna makeup test— “My monster’s match.”
Their dynamic? Creative synergy, turning waits into wonders.
The Ensemble’s Heart: Gaten’s Bonds with Stranger Things Cast
Gaten Matarazzo‘s Stranger Things family extends beyond blood, his Dustin forging unbreakable ties. With Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, their telepathic trust mirrors off-set adventures; Noah Schnapp‘s Will shares coming-out courage, Gaten advocating alongside.
2025‘s cast reunion special—filmed post-wrap—features Gaten‘s directorial short on friendship, Lizzy as producer. These connections, forged in 80s nostalgia, endure.
Gaten Matarazzo girlfriend Lizzy Yu amplifies his CCD crusade, co-hosting 2024‘s “Missing Teeth Matter” gala raising $75,000 for research. Lizzy‘s Asian American heritage inspires joint panels on representation, from Stranger Things diversity to Avatar‘s legacy.
2025 plans: A co-authored children’s book on differences, illustrated with Dustin doodles. Their tandem? Turning spotlights into spotlights for the sidelined.
Physical Appearance: Gaten Matarazzo’s Charming Frame
Gaten Matarazzo exudes boyish charisma at 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm), his compact 110-pound (50 kg) build belying Dustin’s bold spirit, shaped by theater agility and CCD adaptations. Curly dark brown locks frame expressive hazel eyes, often twinkling with mischief under expressive brows.
His features—boy-next-door smile, subtle freckles—lend approachability, with measurements of 36-28-32 inches suiting his energetic on-screen vibe.
| Feature | Details |
| Height | 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) |
| Weight | 110 lbs (50 kg) |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown (curly) |
| Body Measurements | 36-28-32 inches |
This endearing form fuels his relatable reign.
Gaten Matarazzo Girlfriend on Social Media
Gaten Matarazzo and his girlfriend Lizzy Yu curate feeds of fleeting joys: Gaten‘s Instagram mixes Stranger Things teases with Lizzy‘s cameos, like 2024‘s Coachella Reel. Lizzy‘s posts blend Avatar art with couple candids, their joint Stories syncing schedules.
2025 collabs: A TikTok series on “Couple Quests,” blending D&D dates with dance-offs.
| Platform | Username | Followers (2025) | Profile Link |
| @gatenm | 12 million | instagram.com/gatenm | |
| TikTok | @gatenmatarazzo | 8 million | tiktok.com/@gatenmatarazzo |
| X (Twitter) | @GatenMatarazzo | 2.5 million | x.com/GatenMatarazzo |
| YouTube | GatenMatarazzo | 1 million | youtube.com/GatenMatarazzo |
Fun Facts about Gaten Matarazzo Girlfriend
- Gaten Matarazzo girlfriend Lizzy Yu once crashed a Stranger Things table read as “extra Eleven,” improvising lines that cracked up Finn Wolfhard.
- Their first gift exchange? Gaten crafted a Dustin helmet keychain; Lizzy replied with Azula’s firebending gloves.
- Gaten and Lizzy host secret D&D nights, her rogue character always saving his bard from dragon mishaps.
- 2024‘s house hunt with Finn included a New York pizza crawl, where Gaten declared Lizzy‘s slice choice “Upside Down delicious.”
- Lizzy Yu taught Gaten Filipino lumpia rolls for Season 5 craft services, a hit among the cast.
- Their love story playlist starts with “Heroes” from Stranger Things, but Lizzy adds K-pop twists for balance.
- Gaten Matarazzo and his girlfriend volunteer at CCD camps, where Lizzy leads art therapy sessions drawing “superhero smiles.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Gaten Matarazzo Girlfriend
Who is Gaten Matarazzo girlfriend?
Lizzy Yu (Elizabeth Yu), an actress known for Azula in Avatar (2024), dating since 2021.
How did Gaten Matarazzo and Lizzy Yu meet?
At a Stranger Things wrap party in December 2021, bonding over theater and New York vibes.
Are Gaten Matarazzo and Finn Wolfhard still close friends?
Yes, their Finn Wolfhard and Gaten Matarazzo bromance thrives, from 2024 NYC outings to 2025 reunions.
What is Lizzy Yu’s role in Stranger Things?
No on-screen role, but she supports Gaten behind-the-scenes, including Season 5 visits.
When did Gaten Matarazzo and his girlfriend go public?
Subtly in May 2022 via Instagram tags, with 2024 sightings confirming their bond.
What projects is Gaten Matarazzo in for 2025?
Voice in The Wild Robot sequel and Stranger Things Season 5 premiere prep.
How has Gaten Matarazzo’s relationship influenced his career?
Lizzy Yu‘s encouragement aided his Into the Woods return and CCD advocacy.
Conclusion on Gaten Matarazzo Girlfriend
Gaten Matarazzo girlfriend Lizzy Yu weaves a tapestry of tenderness into his Stranger Things saga, their love story a counterpoint to Dustin’s quests.
From 2021 sparks to 2025‘s shared horizons—amid Season 5 goodbyes and rising roles—their quiet union with Finn Wolfhard cameos exemplifies enduring bonds. Gaten Matarazzo and his girlfriend remind us: In Hawkins’ shadows or Hollywood’s lights, true connections conquer chaos, their chapter a heartfelt homage to young love’s lasting light.
