Gaten Matarazzo Recounts Unsettling Fan Encounter from His Teenage Years
In a recent episode of the Inside of You podcast, Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo revealed a disturbing account of an inappropriate fan interaction that left him feeling uncomfortable as a young teenager. The unsettling memory has now resurfaced, highlighting the potential dangers of childhood fame.
Matarazzo, now 21, recalled the incident where a middle-aged woman in her 40s confessed her crush on him when he was just 13 years old. The woman explicitly mentioned the significant 27-year age gap between them, making the situation even more uncomfortable. Moreover, she doubled down on her advance by highlighting her awareness of the age difference, leaving Matarazzo feeling uneasy.
The situation was made even more awkward as the woman’s daughter, around the same age as Matarazzo, was present during the encounter. Matarazzo recalled that the daughter was shocked by her mother’s behavior, exclaiming “Mom, what the f**k?” in disbelief.
This harrowing account serves as a stark reminder of the challenges child celebrities often face in their early years of fame. Matarazzo’s story echoes similar experiences shared by other child stars, emphasizing the need for greater awareness of appropriate fan behavior.
Despite this unsettling memory, Matarazzo remains determined to diversify his acting career. He aims to take on projects that challenge him and stand out from his work on Stranger Things. In his words, “I want to do things where I look and I say, ‘No one’s ever going to make anything like this again. If I say no, I have to be okay with saying no to something that I’m never going to be able to do what this is telling me to do.'”
The conversation also touched on Matarazzo’s recent Broadway work, particularly his collaboration with childhood hero Josh Groban on the revival of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Matarazzo praised Groban, describing him as “a f—ing gem” and expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to work with him.
The full conversation between Matarazzo and host Michael Rosenbaum can be accessed above, offering deeper insights into the actor’s experiences and future plans.
