Gaten Matarazzo who plays Dustin Henderson on the Netflix series 'Stranger Things' was able to experience Rise of the Resistance VIP style the other day and while he was there, he took a break from the fun to answer some questions! For those who don't know, Gaten has a medical condition that delays the development and growth of his teeth called cleidocranial dysplasia also known as CCD, he actually shares this trait with his character Dustin Henderson. He uses his star power to bring awareness of CCD to the world, and to help fundraise for the nonprofit organization CCD Smiles which he co-founded.
Gaten loves to give back and live life as a normal 18 year old when he can, and even spent last summer as a food runner in his hometown, and we love to see him living his best life at Disney!
Q: Is Chewy your favorite Star Wars character?
A: Probably, I’d have to say so.
Q: Looking back, what’s one lesson you learned from being a star at a young age?
A: Knowing that your words have influence on people so be careful what you say.
Q: What is one attraction you can’t wait to ride while you’re here at Walt Disney World?
A: Rise of the Resistance. Easy.
Q: And do you have a favorite Walt Disney World snack?
A: Probably a Mickey pretzel. I like pretzels.
Q: Can you tell us about a time you were pranked?
A: Yeah, my cats do it every time I try to take a shower. They’re always in the shower.
Q: Do you prefer acting or singing?
A: Acting, for sure.
Q: What is one cause you are passionate about?
A: CCD Smiles. It’s an organization that I’m a co-founder of that helps people with cleodocranial dysplasia, a condition that I have myself.
Q: And how can our viewers support that?
A: You can go to CCDSmiles.org.
Q: Tell us two truths and one lie about yourself
A: My name is Gaten Matarazzo. I’m 18-years-old. And I hate mac ’n cheese.
Q: You took on a summer job as a food runner in your hometown last year. If you could try out a job at Disney for the day, what would it be?
A: Play Chewbacca.
Q: Can you give us a hint of what you’re working on next?
A: No.