Are Gaten Matarazzo and Heather Matarazzo related? Since the debut of Stranger Things in 2016, viewers have been curious about a potential family connection between Dustin Henderson’s character, portrayed by Gaten, and actress Heather Matarazzo. Dive in to uncover the truth.
Who Is Heather Matarazzo?
Recognized by many as Lilly Moscovitz from The Princess Diaries (2001), Heather Matarazzo shared screen space with Anne Hathaway’s Mia Thermopolis.
Reflecting on her iconic role in a 2021 TikTok video, Heather remarked, “My teenage perspectives have evolved over the years. What stands out about Lilly is her self-awareness and readiness to admit mistakes, a trait not common even among adults.”
Beyond her role as Lilly, Heather’s acting journey continued with appearances in popular shows like Grey’s Anatomy in 2015.
Are Heather Matarazzo and Gaten Matarazzo Related?
While Gaten Matarazzo’s mother shares the name Heather Matarazzo, she’s not the actress known for ‘The Princess Diaries’.
Addressing the mix-up, actress Heather clarified in a 2016 Twitter post, now deleted, “Gaten is NOT my son, though he’s a talented actor.” She reiterated this in a 2022 TikTok video, emphasizing her admiration for Gaten but confirming no relation.
Gaten himself cleared the air in a 2017 Wired interview. When asked about the relation, the Netflix sensation differentiated between his mother and the Hollywood star.
“My mother’s name is Heather Matarazzo, but she’s not the actress,” She stated. His co-star, Joe Keery, expressed his surprise, admitting he wasn’t aware of the actress with the same name.
The duo then swiftly transitioned to the next topic.
Who Is Gaten Matarazzo’s Mom?
Though not in the limelight as an actress, Gaten’s mother, Heather, shines brightly in her supportive role. Instrumental in Gaten’s acting journey, Heather consistently drove him from their New Jersey residence to the city for his Broadway performances.
On Twitter, Heather defines herself as a “Broadway stage mom, a sports enthusiast with soccer and basketball, and a mother to a budding driver. My children are my pride.
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