Gaten Matarazzo has played Dustin Henderson on ‘Stranger Things’ since 2016 and has grown up in the public eye, leading to some “upsetting” and uncomfortable moments with fans
Gaten Matarazzo, known for his portrayal of Dustin Henderson on ‘Stranger Things’ since 2016, recently shared some unsettling fan encounters during his appearance on the ‘Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum’ podcast. The now 21-year-old actor recounted an incident where a woman in her 40s confessed to having a crush on him since he was 13. “I did [an event] very recently and this is not very funny, but the reactions around it were quite funny where this woman in her 40s said straight up, ‘I’ve had a crush on you since you were 13,'” Matarazzo recalled. “And I was like, ‘That’s upsetting.’ I’m sure she just meant, ‘Aw, this kid’s cute.’ But then she doubled down. She was like, ‘I’m aware of the age difference.’ And then I was like, ‘Alright.'”
This unsettling declaration did not sit well with Matarazzo or the woman’s daughter, who was present at the time. He continued, “And her daughter was with her, and her daughter goes, ‘Mom, what the f***? ‘ I swear to God.”
The actor also spoke about other inappropriate fan interactions, including physical contact during photo ops. “I’ve had a few butt grabs for sure,” he revealed.
Despite being only 21, Matarazzo acknowledges that his identity will likely always be tied to ‘Stranger Things.’ He shared, “With this show, it is quite clear, and I am very well aware and would like my professional team to understand that I am very OK with ‘Stranger Things’ being very likely the biggest thing I will ever do. And it will most likely be the thing I am remembered for even if I consistently work after this, and I am so cool with that as long as it facilitates happiness going forward, security and more work going forward.”
