Stranger Things: Dustin's Inspiring Story and the Impact of Representation

Stranger Things is a super popular series that has captured everyone's imagination!

You can't miss those heart-stopping scenes. There are also those quiet, moving moments, giving you a sense that these are some truly memorable characters.

Stranger Things, Dustin and His Story

Dustin, is one of the best characters in this series. One that has brought in fans and created lots of moments for audiences around the world, thanks to the show's talented young actor, Gaten Matarazzo.

He was only 13 years old when he landed a role, and played Dustin in "Stranger Things Season 1," so back then it was an inspiring, well-loved debut, but Matarazzo has a personal connection to this story that may make it resonate with fans more than ever!

Matarazzo's Experience With Cleidocranial Dysplasia:

Dustin and Eddie from Stranger Things Image

Matarazzo has lived with a very specific genetic disorder. One that he's lived with since his birth! This rare condition is known as "cleidocranial dysplasia". This impacts how his bones form and grow. What makes this character in "Stranger Things" so real and so memorable? You may recall it also had an effect on "Dustin's" character as well! It is the real-world, heartbreaking experience that adds so much meaning and shows how truly inspiring this condition can be!

You see "Dustin" went through some truly cruel bullying because of his "cleidocranial dysplasia.", this affected how his front teeth came in!

The Duffer Brothers, the creators of "Stranger Things" made it so that Dustin felt the effect of this from the beginning and that this condition had an impact on his life.

An Important Discussion:

Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson smiling in Season 3 of Stranger Things Image

Matarazzo spoke with the creators! They made this a super emotional topic. It came up in "Mythical Kitchen," which has really brought "Matarazzo's" journey into a lot of discussions! The producers had this special mission! The creators worked really hard to ensure that "Dustin's" experience would be depicted sensitively.

This was about making the character and his story realistic!
The creators felt it was very important to approach "Matarazzo" as a creative partner.
The actors all felt as if it was an essential conversation as bullying happened to "Matarazzo" in real life, when he was only 13!
The creators worked together to create this story, a sensitive take, showing fans this heartfelt moment!

How This Changed Stranger Things

There are so many reasons why this show got those big accolades, a few notable, groundbreaking points. That this story about bullying and this genetic disorder really added something new and authentic to this super hit series.

It is apparent how cruel people can be! This really had an effect on Dustin's experience!
The show made "Dustin", feel like an outcast and he never felt comfortable!
This even made "Dustin's" bond with the gang!
Those who loved him, he formed those bonds.
Fans loved this, even more so when they got to see these bonds strengthen.

The Power Of Representation:

The way that "Stranger Things" was brought to life! Was also helped with that real-life story. These conversations that Matarazzo had gave so much strength to his story!

It really showed everyone that this series wasn't about just entertaining but showing people that their differences and experiences really have a spot! Fans of "Stranger Things" may never forget just how much power these stories bring and the actors are doing an incredible job of sharing what these moments truly are.

Fans will recall how powerful those stories, "Stranger Things" made a splash not just in the world of "Netflix". The impact that "Matarazzo and the Duffers, worked to showcase what this was really meant! Even bringing more attention and a bigger picture than ever. It's a sign that these stories matter!

An Inspiring Message:

Matarazzo was only 13 but it seems that he knew something very real! To show cleidocranial dysplasia, a powerful element to the storyline. In a super heartfelt moment he even spoke about making it into a story. He thought it was important that everyone with the same condition was able to get represented.

A powerful message from a very well-respected, well-loved "Stranger Things" actor. Fans can get caught up with these big hits but at its heart the story tells audiences that every experience makes someone, special!