Meet the Parents: The Real-Life Families of the Stranger Things Cast (2 of 6)

Acting wasn’t always the plan, but once she discovered it, everything shifted. Her breakout role on Stranger Things changed her trajectory almost overnight, opening doors that many young actors only dream of. Instead of fading into typecasting, Sadie carefully built momentum with darker, more demanding projects like the Fear Street film trilogy, proving her range beyond television fame. Looking ahead, she’s set to appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, signaling her continued rise in major studio films. From small-town Texas to blockbuster franchises, her career shows no signs of slowing down.

2. Millie Bobby Brown — Eleven

Millie Bobby Brown’s background is more global than many fans realize. She was born in Marbella, Spain, to British parents Kelly and Robert Brown before her family eventually relocated as her acting career began to take shape. She grew up alongside three siblings—Paige, Charlie, and Ava—and has often spoken about how close-knit her family remains despite the pressures of fame. That sense of stability helped anchor her rapid rise after Stranger Things turned her into an international star.

In her personal life, Millie reached a major milestone in 2024 when she married Jake Bongiovi, the son of rock legend Jon Bon Jovi, in a private ceremony. Professionally, she continues to maintain a strong relationship with Netflix, with Enola Holmes 3 officially in development. Between her expanding film slate and growing production ambitions, Millie’s career trajectory shows no signs of slowing down.

3. Gaten Matarazzo — Dustin Henderson

Gaten Matarazzo was born in New London, Connecticut, and raised in a close-knit, supportive family led by his parents, Heather and Gaetano John Matarazzo Jr. His father works in the healthcare field, while his mother has been a constant presence behind the scenes, especially during his early theater years, helping manage auditions, travel, and school alongside rehearsals. Gaten also has siblings, including a sister and a brother, and he’s spoken about how grounded family life has helped him navigate fame at a young age.