What disease does Dustin in Stranger Things have?

Last Modified Apr 29, 2025 15:48 EDT


What disease does Dustin in Stranger Things have?
Dustin Henderson (Source: Facebook)


Dustin Henderson suffers from cleidocranial dysplasia in Stranger Things.


Dustin Henderson is one of the main characters from the famous Netflix science-fiction-horror drama series Stranger Things. Born to Claudia and Walter Henderson, Dustin was introduced in the series from the very first season. He is the friend of Mike Wheeler, Eleven, Lucas Sinclair, Will Byers, Max Mayfield, Eddie Munson, and Steve Harrington and also one of the members of The Party.


About the character’s personality, Dustin Henderson is a nerdy kid who often gets targeted by bullies due to his rare medical condition. However, he is quite loyal to his friends. After one of his friends, Will disappears, Dustin along with Mike and Lucas make it their life’s mission to find him and that’s how they stumble across the mysterious Eleven, who they later befriend. Speaking of his personal life, Dustin dates Suzie Bingham in the show who he met during one of his camps.


What caused Dustin to have cleidocranial dysplasia in Stranger Things?


Dustin Henderson, What disease does Dustin in Stranger Things have?
Dustin Henderson (Source: Facebook)


Cleidocranial dysplasia is a genetic condition that affects the teeth and bones, such as the skull, face, spine, collarbones, and legs. The person suffering from this condition either has deformed, fragile, or absent bones. In Dustin’s case, his teeth grow abnormally due to cleidocranial dysplasia. As per official studies, CCD is passed down as an autosomal dominant trait.


For the unversed, Gaten Matarazzo who plays Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things, actually suffers from cleidocranial dysplasia. His real-life condition is what inspired the makers to include the same for his character to bring light to it.


While speaking to Health Insight on living with the condition, Matarazzo said, “My experience with cleidocranial dysplasia has been pretty good, honestly. I have a very mild case of it and it hasn’t really caused me to be bullied or anything. It has benefited me in many ways because it’s basically started my acting career.”


“It’s given me an opportunity to talk about it and not feel ashamed of it. I can still do the same things as many other kids and I can’t say the same about other people that have this condition. Thankfully my case is very mild and I can live like a normal kid but not everyone that has the condition can, and that’s why I’m talking about it, because many people are not as fortunate as I am.”


Who plays the role of Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things?


What disease does Dustin in Stranger Things have?
Dustin Henderson with the Sinclair siblings (Source: Facebook)


As mentioned earlier, Dustin Henderson is played by Gaten Matarazzo, who is an American television actor. Born on September 8, 2002, the actor started his career as a Broadway actor working in shows like Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and Les Misérables among others.

Apart from the series Stranger Things, the actor has made appearances in other shows like Prank Encounters and Nickelodeon's Unfiltered among others. Gaten is also seen in movies like Honor Society, The Angry Birds Movie 2, and Please Don't Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain among others.


Also Read :
did caleb mclaughlin leave stranger things​
does robin die in stranger things​
who is the stranger things director


FAQ about Dustin Henderson

A: Dustin Henderson was born on May 29, 1971.

A: Dustin Henderson’s girlfriend in the series is known to be Suzie Bingham.

A: Yes Dustin Henderson and Steve Harrington develop a close and fun friendship in the series.

A. Yes, Gaten Matarazzo was on Prank Encounters as the Host and executive producer.

Related Stories

"Pretty authentic and honest look": Dianne Kruger explains how she was a part of Little Disasters' portrayal of motherhood and its "challenges" "Pretty authentic and honest look": Dianne Kruger explains how she was a part of Little Disasters' portrayal of motherhood and its "challenges"
"Pretty authentic and honest look": Dianne Kruger explains how she was a part of Little Disasters' portrayal of motherhood and its "challenges"
1d
HBO has finally revealed the first look at Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, and Sydney Sweeney in Euphoria Season 3 HBO has finally revealed the first look at Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, and Sydney Sweeney in Euphoria Season 3
HBO has finally revealed the first look at Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, and Sydney Sweeney in Euphoria Season 3
19h
"Compressed a pretty great deal": Percy Jackson and the Olympians showrunner explains a major change about The Mist in Season 2 "Compressed a pretty great deal": Percy Jackson and the Olympians showrunner explains a major change about The Mist in Season 2
"Compressed a pretty great deal": Percy Jackson and the Olympians showrunner explains a major change about The Mist in Season 2
2d
The Waif is Game of Thrones' one of the most hated characters - here's why Faye Marsay's role received "intense backlash" The Waif is Game of Thrones' one of the most hated characters - here's why Faye Marsay's role received "intense backlash"
The Waif is Game of Thrones' one of the most hated characters - here's why Faye Marsay's role received "intense backlash"
2d
Who plays Murray Bauman in Stranger Things? Actor's career and notable projects explored Who plays Murray Bauman in Stranger Things? Actor's career and notable projects explored
Who plays Murray Bauman in Stranger Things? Actor's career and notable projects explored 
2d
Does Samar really die in The Blacklist? Character's fate explored Does Samar really die in The Blacklist? Character's fate explored
Does Samar really die in The Blacklist? Character's fate explored
2d
First official trailer for His & Hers starring Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal revealed First official trailer for His & Hers starring Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal revealed
First official trailer for His & Hers starring Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal revealed
1d
Snowfall Season 6 Episode 3 recap revisited: Leon sees his past through the voice of slavery Snowfall Season 6 Episode 3 recap revisited: Leon sees his past through the voice of slavery
Snowfall Season 6 Episode 3 recap revisited: Leon sees his past through the voice of slavery
1d
First look of Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler in Lanterns revealed First look of Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler in Lanterns revealed
First look of Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler in Lanterns revealed
19h
Although Abbott Elementary season 5 Episode 8 just brought back a fan favorite character Although Abbott Elementary season 5 Episode 8 just brought back a fan favorite character
Although Abbott Elementary season 5 Episode 8 just brought back a fan favorite character
1d