“Stranger Things” star Gaten Matarazzo recalled one of the first premieres of the hit Netflix show.
“Like three people” showed up, he told Cheddar, and “the only thing they asked was, ‘How’s Winona?’”
He said the 1980s-set sci-fi drama, whose biggest star Winona Ryder had been largely out of the Hollywood spotlight for about two decades, was initially rejected by major networks that thought it was nothing more than a kids show.
But the surprising popularity of “Stranger Things,” which is now preparing for production of its third season, runs parallel to Matarazzo’s own unexpected rise to fame.
The 15-year-old who plays Dustin suffers from Cleidocranial Dysplasia (CCD), a genetic condition that impacts bone development. He was born without a collarbone.
“I only have a tiny little piece of one,” he said.
Matarazzo said the abnormality led to many rejections. But when he auditioned for this part, it became “one of the sellers that gave me the role in the first place.”
“They want the characters to be relatable [and] unique, of course, and realistic.”
Now, he tries to raise awareness for the condition.
“I have a very mild case of it...a lot of people have it a lot harder than I do,” he said.
And if his filming schedule weren’t enough, Matarazzo is part of a rock band, “Work In Progress,” which will be performing at West Hollywood’s Troubadour next month.
For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/stranger-things-star-gaten-matarazzo-on-shows-surprising-success).
Feltz Bagels is a pop up shop in New York so watch out before you take a bite.
The Nobel Prize in literature has been awarded to Norwegian author Jon Fosse.
A new pop-up is recreating Elvis Presley's famous living room from Graceland and will be in New York on Thursday and Friday. Kevin Kern, vice president of public relations with Memphis Tourism, joined Cheddar News to explain what pieces are in the recreated room, including a drink inspired by the King of Rock 'n Roll.
With the annual Beauty CEW Awards in tow, Brittany Lo, founder of Beia Beauty, joined Cheddar News to show and demonstrate some of her company's sensual care products. Beia Beauty is a finalist in the sexual wellness category.
A Texas county commissioner is facing a possible felony charge in Nebraska after accidentally shooting his 12-year-old grandson during a wedding he was officiating.
Jurassic Park and Lego are partnering for a movie.
Police in Iowa helped rescue an owl stuck in a soccer net.
A self-described gangster who police and prosecutors say masterminded the shooting death of Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas in 1996 made his first court appearance Wednesday on a murder charge.
Staying on top of your personal spending shouldn't be as complicated as you think. Lazetta Braxton, a certified financial planner, joined Cheddar News to provide tips on how to track that spending, such as grouping expenses into different categories.
Author James Patterson joined Cheddar News to discuss a new book he co-wrote with Mike Lupica, "12 Months to Live," their third project together and also spoke about their upcoming tour as well as his passion for child literacy.
