Gaten Matarazzo's Off-Screen Romance Shines Brighter Than Dustin's
Dustin Henderson might struggle with relationships in the fictional town of Hawkins, but the actor who plays him, Gaten Matarazzo, has mastered the art of love in real life. While fans watch Dustin's romantic ups and downs on 'Stranger Things,' Matarazzo has been quietly building one of Hollywood's most enduring young relationships with actress Elizabeth Yu.
Elizabeth Yu: The Rising Star Behind the Relationship
Elizabeth Yu entered the world on October 6, 2002, in New Jersey. She represents a beautiful blend of cultures, with a Korean father and a mother of German, Irish, and Polish descent. After graduating from Pinelands Regional High School in 2021, Yu immediately pursued her acting ambitions.
Her career began gaining traction with a role in the 2022 film 'Somewhere in Queens.' However, her breakthrough arrived when she secured the coveted part of Princess Azula in Netflix's live-action adaptation of 'Avatar: The Last Airbender.' This role catapulted her into the spotlight as the series gained popularity and expanded for additional seasons.
Yu further demonstrated her acting range in the drama 'May December,' where she portrayed Mary Atherton-Yoo alongside established stars like Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman. She continues to balance a growing portfolio of film and streaming projects while maintaining her personal life.
A Love Story That Began Before Fame
Matarazzo and Yu first encountered each other in 2017, according to People magazine. Both were teenagers at the time, completely unaware of the fame that awaited them. Their connection started as friendship, gradually deepening into romance over time.
The couple officially began dating on March 4, 2018. During this period, Matarazzo was busy filming the third season of 'Stranger Things,' while Yu was actively pursuing auditions and her own acting aspirations. They decided to share their relationship with the world later that year through social media posts.
Key Moments in Their Relationship Timeline
Fans have witnessed several significant milestones in Matarazzo and Yu's journey together:
- June 2018: Yu posted their first public photo together, coinciding with 'Stranger Things Season 3' production. This marked their official debut as a couple to their followers.
- 2019: The pair attended their junior prom together, creating cherished high school memories.
- May 2021: They continued the tradition by going to senior prom. Yu shared an Instagram photo with the caption, "I will never think of High School without thinking of you."
- Career Events: As their professional lives flourished, they began appearing together at major industry events. Yu supported Matarazzo at the 'Stranger Things Season 4' premiere, and they walked the red carpet at the Tony Awards.
- May 2023: The couple celebrated their five-year anniversary. Matarazzo posted a heartfelt tribute online, expressing gratitude for Yu's daily support and love. He wrote, "Holy s---. Five years. And yet again. I miss the post by one minute. Thanks for putting up with me every day. I love you."
Their Life Together Today
Approaching eight years together, Matarazzo and Yu remain a strong couple. People magazine reports they share a home in New York City with their cats. They consistently support each other through demanding filming schedules, new acting opportunities, and the general challenges of life in the public eye.
Their relationship stands as a testament to young love that can withstand the pressures of Hollywood fame. While Matarazzo portrays fictional relationships on screen, his real-life partnership with Yu continues to inspire fans who have watched them evolve from teenagers to established professionals.
