Gaten Matarazzo’s relationship with fellow actor Elizabeth Yu—star of Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender—has become a millennial romance blueprint. Their long-term partnership, rooted in friendship, mutual respect, and shared Hollywood hustle, is inspiring a new generation of fans just as both reach new professional heights.
The Origin Story: High School Sweethearts to Red Carpet Regulars
Gaten Matarazzo and Elizabeth “Lizzy” Yu began dating in 2018, when both were just 15 and navigating the early days of fame.[People]
Their connection predates the Stranger Things phenomenon’s global reach—meeting on July 4, 2017, and officially becoming a couple by March 2018, right after the show’s second season dropped.[People]
The two attended Pinelands Regional High School in New Jersey, balancing typical teen milestones—like going to prom together in both junior and senior year—with the atypical life of rising stars.[People]
The Rise of Elizabeth Yu: From Actress On the Verge to Netflix Star
Yu’s acting ambitions took off as Matarazzo’s own star ascended with Stranger Things. Her first big screen credit came in Somewhere in Queens (2022), the feature debut of Ray Romano as a director.[People]
The true breakout moment: landing the complex role of Princess Azula in Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender. Taking on this iconic role was not just a step up for Yu’s career, but a powerful moment for Asian American representation in genre media.[Refinery29]
- Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 1 debuted in February 2024 and was an instant streaming hit.
- Netflix greenlit both Season 2 and 3, with filming wrapped by November 2025—giving Yu’s star power even more room to grow.
- Yu has been public about how meaningful it is to play a major role as a half-Korean actress on one of the world’s biggest streaming platforms.
The Fan Appeal: A Relationship Built on Support and Authenticity
Unlike many Hollywood couples, Matarazzo and Yu succeed at keeping their relationship rooted in the real world. Despite growing up in the limelight, their long-distance stints, cohabitation with cats, and mutual respect have made them relatable to fans. Yu credits Matarazzo’s kindness for helping her navigate the entertainment industry’s unique pressures.
The pair have long balanced time together with individual careers—using FaceTime to get through production schedules—and have celebrated each other’s biggest achievements, whether that meant Yu cheering at Stranger Things premieres, or Matarazzo on hand as Yu read her breakout May December script.
Why Gen Z Fans Are Invested
- Fans have followed their journey since the first Instagram photos together in 2018, causing the couple’s follower counts to soar.[Instagram]
- Social media posts celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and event nights have established their authenticity.[Instagram]
- Red carpet appearances, from Broadway to Netflix galas, have only fueled their status as a Gen Z power couple.
Career Crescendos: From Broadway Applause to Netflix Blockbusters
The partnership is built on artistic ambition as much as affection. Yu starred in 2023’s critically acclaimed May December alongside Julianne Moore and Charles Melton, while Matarazzo earned rave reviews for his turns on Broadway and his continued role as Dustin in Stranger Things.[People]
At home, Yu says their apartment is decorated with fan art from Matarazzo’s Stranger Things and Broadway days, cementing their bond to the passionate fandom that powers both their careers.[The Cut]
The Future for Gaten and Lizzy: Two Rising Stars, One Hollywood Power Couple
With Stranger Things wrapping its final season and Avatar: The Last Airbender locked for two more, both Matarazzo and Yu are positioned for even bigger opportunities. Their histories as performers—from high-school theaters to world premieres—mirror a shift in Hollywood, where authenticity and fan connection drive stardom.
This is precisely what draws so many to their journey: a couple who’ve thrived by blending talent with humility, platform with privacy, and who have chosen to support one another above all else.
Why Their Story Matters Now
As the line between TV, streaming, and fandom culture blurs, stories like Gaten Matarazzo and Elizabeth Yu’s show what modern relationships in Hollywood can be: grounded, mutually supportive, and genuinely inspiring for fans worldwide. Their evolving careers and commitment to one another are a reminder that the best stories—onscreen or off—come from real connection.
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