Gaten Matarazzo of ‘Stranger Things’ Opens Up About Cleidocranial Dyslasia

“It’s not something they should be afraid of showing.”

Gaten Matarazzo from Stranger Things, has won our hearts all over again: this time, the brave young actor opened up about his medial condition: Cleidocranial Dyslasia.

Cleidocranial Dyslasia, previously known as Cleidocranial Dysostosis, is a that condition affects your collar bones – meaning that Gaten doesn’t have any! He explained that it also affects facial growth, skull growth, and teeth, telling The Jonathon Ross Show “that’s why I don’t have any – these are fake – I have teeth but they’re all baby teeth.” Gaten basically gave us a crash course on the condition and explained that it’s usually passed on through genes, but in his rare case, it wasn’t.

“I feel like putting it in to the show is really raising awareness for it,” Gaten continued, and it absolutely did. Before the release of Stranger Things, many were unaware that this condition existed. But thanks to Gaten, that’s starting to change!

Gaten not only educated his fans, but inspired them (and us!), too. On BBC, he confessed that it took him two years to land his first acting job – many shows wouldn’t cast him as they didn’t feature, or couldn’t fit in, a character with a condition of the sort. (For Stranger Things, his condition was actually written into the show!)

Gaten refused to give up, however: his desire propelled him forward, telling BBC that “it was just my own determination kept me going.”

Gaten loves that he’s able to inspire his fans, telling People that “a lot of people were messaging me saying, ‘You made me feel better about myself, that you can show that you have this condition on TV and embrace it.'”

While Cleidocranial Dysostosis may technically be considered a disability, we consider it what made us fall in love with him! Gaten’s story is a great reminder that what many believe may holds them back is really what makes you stand out and that that much more beautiful!

We’re so glad that Gaten is speaking out on behalf of everyone with a medical condition that may make them “different,” and inspiring others to do the same. You go, Gaten!

You’re our hero!