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Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo is feeling the effects of fame from an older (MUCH older) crush.
It seems like it's just not age-appropriate people who are massive fans of the actor who plays Dustin Henderson in the popular Netflix sci-fi series. US Magazine reports that he recently opened up in the Inside of You podcast about a mother in her 40s who was especially fond of the young man. And her daughter was not too happy about her mom's behavior.
Stranger Things actor Gaten Matarazzo gets honest about being hit on by an older fan
21-year-old Gaten said, “I did one very recently — and this is not very funny, but the reactions around it were quite funny — where this woman in her 40s said straight up, ‘I've had a crush on you since you were 13.' And I was like, ‘That's upsetting.' I'm sure she just meant, ‘Aw, this kid's cute.'”
The lady doubled down on what exactly she meant by her remark.
“She was like, ‘I'm aware of the age difference.' And then I was like, ‘Alright.' And her daughter was with her, and her daughter goes, ‘Mom, what the f—k?' I swear to God,” he added.
The podcast's host, Michael Rosenbaum, asked Matarazzo if he burst out laughing during the exchange. Matarazzo said that he “couldn't.” However, he turned to his mother, who was with him then, and said, “That was rough.”
It wasn't the first time he's had run-ins with fans who have crossed the line a bit. He said, “That was insane,” and added that he's had “a few butt grabs for sure.”
Though the exchange was pretty inappropriate, the star is still very appreciative of being involved with being on the series and the opportunities it has brought him.
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“Those careers are always about peaks and values,” he said. “With this show, it is quite clear, and I am very well aware — and would like my professional team — to understand that I am very OK with Stranger Things being very likely the biggest thing I will ever do. And it will most likely be the thing I am remembered for even if I consistently work after this.”
“And I am so cool with that as long as it facilitates happiness going forward, security, and more work going forward,” the star continued. “What more could I ask for? I don't want to maintain a sense of relevance at this point when it isn't even something I particularly enjoy that much.”
Stranger Things debuted in 2016 and is now filming its fifth and final season. He recognizes that being on the hit has also brought him some financial freedom.
“Of course, I understand all the wonderful things it has done for me and my family,” Matarazzo continues. “When it comes to financial security, that is just something that — growing up, it was a real struggle, and then suddenly it is not. When you are that young, you can't really reflect or understand how incredible that is for your family and you. But then there is a part of it where you are that young, and you are suddenly the breadwinner for your family when you are 12. That is not something that is normal.”
Catch Gaten Matarazzo in Stranger Things sometime in 2025.
