Why This 'Stranger Things' Star is in Utah

The Final Season of “Stranger Things” and Gaten Matarazzo’s Connection to Utah

The highly anticipated fifth season of the hit Netflix series “Stranger Things” has finally arrived, marking the conclusion of a decade-long journey that began with its debut. This final season, which comes more than three years after Season 4, is set to premiere in November, generating significant excitement among fans. However, for actor Gaten Matarazzo, who portrays Dustin Henderson on the show, his recent trip to Utah isn’t about the upcoming season — it’s about a personal mission.

Matarazzo has been making appearances in Utah as the face of CCD Smiles, a nonprofit organization he co-founded with Kelly Wosnik, a nurse from Utah. The organization focuses on supporting individuals with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), a rare genetic disorder that affects bone and tooth development. Both Matarazzo and Wosnik were born with this condition, which occurs in just one in a million people.

Wosnik, who runs Bristol Health in Orem, underwent dental surgeries from age 7 to 19 and didn’t meet anyone else with CCD until she was 33. Her experience inspired her to create CCD Smiles, an organization dedicated to raising awareness, offering support, and advancing research into the condition.

Matarazzo’s involvement with CCD Smiles began less than a year after the show brought attention to CCD through the character of Dustin Henderson. At the time, Matarazzo was just 14 years old, but he flew to Utah with his parents to meet Wosnik, who was already planning to start the organization. Their connection was immediate and powerful, with Matarazzo describing the meeting as life-changing.

The Impact of CCD Smiles

The CCD Smiles Conference, currently taking place at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, brings together celebrity guests, medical professionals, and individuals affected by CCD. The event aims to foster a sense of community and provide hope for those living with the condition. Attendees often describe the conference as transformative, highlighting the emotional and social benefits of connecting with others who share similar experiences.

Wosnik emphasized the importance of these connections, stating that the goal of CCD Smiles is to help individuals feel supported and understood. “If nothing else, I wanted to provide a way for people with CCD to connect with each other,” she said in a previous interview. “That kind of therapy is so important — just knowing you’re not alone.”

Matarazzo has continued to support CCD Smiles over the years, including a visit last year to the Cleft and Craniofacial Family Retreat in Heber. These interactions have helped raise awareness and provide comfort to those affected by CCD.

A “Stranger Things” Connection to Utah

Interestingly, Matarazzo’s character, Dustin Henderson, also has a strong link to Utah. In Season 3 of “Stranger Things,” viewers meet Suzie Bingham, Dustin’s girlfriend, who lives in Salt Lake City. Her bedroom features a BYU pennant, adding a local touch to the show’s storyline.

This connection between the actor and the state highlights how personal stories can influence both entertainment and real-life initiatives. Matarazzo’s work with CCD Smiles demonstrates his commitment to using his platform for meaningful change, beyond the world of Hawkins.

Through his efforts, Matarazzo continues to make a difference, bringing attention to a rare condition while fostering a sense of community and hope for those affected. As the final season of “Stranger Things” approaches, fans will be watching closely, but Matarazzo’s impact extends far beyond the screen.