Hollywood is weird. Relationships there usually last about as long as a Netflix subscription trial, but every now and then, you see something that actually feels real. If you’ve been following the Stranger Things kids since they were basically toddlers, you’ve probably noticed that Gaten Matarazzo doesn’t really play the "fame game" like everyone else. While other young stars are constantly caught in "are they or aren't they" paparazzi loops, Gaten has been quietly living a life that’s surprisingly stable. Honestly, Gaten Matarazzo relationships aren't a long list of tabloid scandals; it’s mostly just been one very dedicated, very long-term story.
It’s actually kinda wild when you think about the timeline. Most people still see him as the gap-toothed kid wearing a trucker hat, but Gaten is well into his twenties now. And for almost all of his time in the spotlight, he’s had one person by his side.
The One That Stuck: Gaten and Lizzy Yu
Basically, if you’re looking for a dating history, you’re going to be disappointed because it’s a very short list. Gaten started dating actress Elizabeth "Lizzy" Yu way back in March 2018. They were 15. Think about what you were doing at 15. Most of us were struggling to pass chemistry or figure out how to talk to our crush without vibrating out of our skin. These two were already navigating the insanity of a global mega-hit show.
They didn't meet on a set, either. They both went to Pinelands Regional High School in New Jersey. It’s that classic "hometown sweethearts" vibe that you don't really expect from someone who spends half his year in Hawkins, Indiana. They officially became a thing on March 4, 2018, and they’ve been together ever since. That’s over seven years. In Hollywood years, that’s basically a lifetime.
Why Their Relationship Actually Works
You’ve probably seen them on red carpets, but they aren't those "over-the-top" social media oversharers. Sure, they post for anniversaries or birthdays, but it feels human. In 2023, Gaten posted a five-year anniversary tribute that was basically just him being shocked they'd made it that long without him messing it up. He literally captioned it "Holy s---. Five years." It’s that self-deprecating humor that makes them feel like a regular couple you’d meet at a dive bar in Jersey.
- Shared Roots: They both grew up in the same NJ area.
- Career Growth: Lizzy isn't just "the girlfriend" anymore. She’s a powerhouse on her own, landing the role of Princess Azula in Avatar: The Last Airbender.
- Domestic Life: They live together in New York City now.
- The Cats: Honestly, if you live with cats, you're committed. They share their space with a few felines, which is basically the ultimate relationship test.
Lizzy told The Cut in 2024 that their apartment is littered with fan art of Gaten. Imagine having a portrait of your boyfriend as a 12-year-old nerd in your living room. She takes it in stride, though, which says a lot about her patience.
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Those Rumors That Never Quite Landed
Because the internet is the internet, people love to speculate. Whenever a Stranger Things star stands within five feet of a co-star, people start shipping them. But with Gaten, the rumors never really stick because he’s so vocal about Lizzy.
Early on, some fans wondered about him and Millie Bobby Brown. They have a great friendship, but Millie has been busy with her own high-profile relationship with Jake Bongiovi. There was also some chatter about Mia Hevesy in the very early days of the show, but that was debunked faster than a Demogorgon in sunlight. They were just friends.
The biggest "relationship" people talk about is actually his fictional one. Fans are still obsessed with Dustin and Suzie. Even in 2026, people are asking Gaten about what happened to Suzie in the final season. He recently did an interview with LADbible where he joked about their long-distance "Neverending Story" romance. But in reality? It’s all Lizzy.
Living the NYC Life
Moving in together was a big step. They moved into a place in New York a couple of years ago. It’s a shift from the suburban Jersey life they both grew up in. Gaten has been doing a lot of Broadway work recently—stuff like Sweeney Todd and Dear Evan Hansen—and Lizzy has been right there for the opening nights.
It’s interesting to see how they handle fame as a unit. Lizzy mentioned to Refinery29 that seeing Gaten navigate the industry with a "huge heart" was the best advice she ever got. They aren't trying to be a "power couple" in the traditional sense. They just seem to be two people who happen to have cool jobs and like coming home to the same cats at night.
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What This Tells Us About Gaten
Gaten Matarazzo relationships—or rather, his lack of a "dating history"—tells you everything you need to know about the guy. He’s loyal. He’s low-drama. He’s incredibly grounded for someone who has been famous since he was a literal child.
While the rest of the world waits for the next celebrity breakup, Gaten and Lizzy are probably just hanging out in NYC, probably arguing about whose turn it is to clean the litter box or what to order for dinner.
How to Follow Their Journey
If you’re looking to keep up with them, don't expect a reality show. Your best bets are:
- Instagram Milestones: They usually post for their March anniversary.
- Red Carpet Premieres: Look for them at the next big Netflix event; they usually show up as each other's plus-one.
- Broadway Stages: Since they live in NYC, Gaten is often spotted around the theater district, and Lizzy is almost always in the wings or the audience.
The takeaway here? Sometimes the most interesting thing about a celebrity's love life is how un-celebrity it actually is. They’ve grown up together, and in a world that changes as fast as the Upside Down, that’s actually pretty impressive.
Check out Gaten’s social media for his occasional theater updates, or keep an eye on Lizzy's projects as she continues to carve out her own space in the industry beyond the Avatar world. They’re a rare example of getting it right the first time.
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Next Steps: You can look into the latest updates on the final season of Stranger Things to see how Gaten's character, Dustin, wraps up his story, or follow Elizabeth Yu's upcoming film projects to see her latest work outside of the Netflix ecosystem.