Beyond their shared diagnosis, Shapiro and Matarazzo share an uncanny career symmetry. Both were born in 2002, Matarazzo in September in New Jersey, Shapiro in July in Florida, and both secured high-profile professional success on Broadway before their 12th birthdays.
Shapiro originated the titular role in the 2013 Broadway production of Matilda the Musical at the Shubert Theatre. Her spellbinding vocal execution earned her a Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre at age 10, alongside a Grammy Award nomination for Best Musical Theater Album. She remains one of the youngest recipients in stage honors history. Meanwhile, Matarazzo was captivating audiences just blocks away at the Imperial Theatre, portraying Benjamin in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and subsequently taking on the role of Gavroche in the 2014 revival of Les Misérables.
| Career Milestone | Milly Shapiro | Gaten Matarazzo |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Year & Place | July 2002 (Tampa, FL) | September 2002 (New London, CT) |
| Broadway Debut | Matilda the Musical (2013) | Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (2011) |
| Breakout Screen Role | Charlie Graham in Hereditary (2018) | Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things (2016) |
| Major Industry Honors | Tony Honors (2013), Grammy Nominee (2014) | SAG Award Winner (2017) |
| Advocacy Platform | Anti-bullying, disability visibility on social media | CCD Smiles non-profit advocacy and fundraising |
