Gabriella Pizzolo, known for her role as fan-favourite Suzie Bingham on the hit Netflix series “Stranger Things,” has spoken out about her academic journey and the influential figures in her life. In a recent interview at the Broadway premiere of “Beaches” in New York City, she expressed how actress Natalie Portman inspired her choice of studying psychology alongside music.
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At just 23 years old, Pizzolo has already made significant strides in her education, boasting degrees in both psychology and music. Reflecting on her decision, she revealed that she was drawn to psychology after discovering that Portman, who is 44, had pursued similar studies while balancing her acting career. “I remember I was looking for what to study, and I saw Natalie Portman studied psychology, not necessarily anything in the world of drama,” Pizzolo stated. This realisation led her to see psychology as a “smart” alternative that would still allow her to learn about human behaviour and interactions.
Pizzolo juggled her filming commitments with her studies, often filming at night and attending classes during the day. This experience, she noted, enriched her life and allowed her to connect with peers outside of the entertainment industry. “I think the best part of that is that I didn’t do it from home or anything. I was on campus,” she explained. The college environment offered her opportunities to meet new people and engage with experiences that would have otherwise eluded her.
Describing her university life, Pizzolo remarked on how it helped open her horizons to various perspectives. “I kind of got to get to know new people that I would’ve never known, and they kind of got to share all of that stuff with me,” she shared. She humorously likened her educational path to that of her character Suzie, suggesting that pursuing education while her peers were involved in fantastical adventures was very much in line with her character’s intelligent persona.
As she contemplates her future, Pizzolo indicated her determination to remain in the world of theatre and film. She expressed a belief that her background in psychology would serve her well as an actress, stating, “I feel like psychology helps a lot of actors.”
Pizzolo also revealed her ongoing connections with her former “Stranger Things” castmates. She has maintained friendships with several co-stars since the series concluded, which she described as “great.” The actress recounted the joy of reuniting with her former colleagues, sharing that these interactions have allowed them to explore life beyond their shared project. “It’s been great to get to reunite and go over everything after [the show ended],” she explained.
Among her former colleagues, Pizzolo particularly highlighted her relationship with Gaten Matarazzo, who portrayed her on-screen love interest, Dustin. “We talk all the time,” she said, expressing her enthusiasm for Matarazzo’s current involvement in theatre. “It’s really, really exciting to get to see,” she added, showcasing her support for his creative endeavours.
Pizzolo’s blend of academic achievement and acting prowess positions her as a notable figure in both education and the entertainment industry. With her keen interest in psychology and ongoing connections within the acting community, she appears set to embrace whatever opportunities lie ahead in her career.
As she continues to navigate this exciting chapter of her life, Gabriella Pizzolo stands out not only for her talent but also for her commitment to self-improvement and lifelong learning—values that resonate deeply both within and beyond the realms of acting.