Gaten Matarazzo, the actor best known for his role as Dustin Henderson in the hit series “Stranger Things,” recently shared a humorous anecdote from his experience watching the show’s finale. Speaking on the late-night talk show “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” Matarazzo revealed that he opted to dress as the Grinch during a cinema outing in Florida, hoping to remain incognito while enjoying the much-anticipated conclusion to the series.
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While visiting his mother in Florida over Christmas, Matarazzo explained that he was keen to watch the series finale with a group of fans. Nevertheless, he wished to do so without drawing attention to himself. To avoid being recognised, he donned a full Grinch costume. “I wanted to enjoy the festivities where she lived but kind of just not get recognized as much,” Matarazzo shared.
Unfortunately for him, this decision led to unintended consequences. “It had the adverse effect,” Matarazzo jokingly remarked. Contrary to his hopes of blending in, dressing as a popular Dr. Seuss character resulted in more fans approaching him for photographs. The young actor quipped about his experience, noting, “More people came up to me and asked me for pictures because I was dressed up like the Grinch in a public setting.”
During his appearance on “Late Night,” Matarazzo discussed how the costume allowed him to engage more freely with fans. “I got to have more fun, I got to do more bits as the Grinch,” he explained. The actor found humour in his predicament, stating that he wouldn’t mind being perceived as “a real jerk” while in character.
Previously, in a conversation with Variety, Matarazzo had mentioned catching the series finale on New Year’s Eve in Jacksonville, Florida. Initially masked in his Grinch disguise, he eventually removed the mask due to the theatre being small enough that recognition was inevitable. The playful choice of costume reflects Matarazzo’s lighthearted approach to celebrity, as he strives to enjoy experiences like a regular viewer.
Matarazzo’s time in “Stranger Things” concluded with the show wrapping up its five-season run at the end of 2025. Despite his newfound fame, he maintains connections with his fellow cast members. At the premiere of the fifth season in Los Angeles, he expressed how he stays in touch with co-stars Finn Wolfhard and Caleb McLaughlin. “I’m texting Finny and Caleb a ton all the time,” he revealed. Their exchanges often involve a mix of memes, laughter, and voice memos, showcasing the close bond they share after years of working together.
In addition to reflecting on his past experiences, Matarazzo is excitedly promoting his latest project, “Pizza Movie,” a comedy available on Hulu. The film revolves around two college friends navigating an absurd journey while attempting to retrieve their pizza order. Matarazzo co-stars alongside Sean Giambrone, with a special appearance from Daniel Radcliffe. He describes the film as an exploration of how to make the mundane task of ordering pizza into a comedic adventure.
“It’s just the attempt of how insane could we make the mundane task while you’re high, into a movie,” Matarazzo explained to Meyers. He expressed confidence in the film’s quirky premise, highlighting the creative effort put into transforming a simple scenario into something hilariously entertaining.
As Matarazzo continues to forge his path in the entertainment industry, his blend of humour and relatable experiences sets him apart. Whether it’s donning a Grinch costume for a night at the movies or engaging with friends from the “Stranger Things” cast, he remains a beloved figure, both on and off the screen. As his new project launches, fans can look forward to more of Matarazzo’s unique charm and comedic flair in the future.