Growing up in the public eye usually spells doom for teenage romances, but Gaten Matarazzo and his girlfriend, Elizabeth "Lizzy" Yu, have quietly beaten the odds. Long before Hollywood red carpets and global streaming records defined their daily schedules, the pair started dating as teenagers in 2018. Far from a manufactured public relations pairing, their bond predates the peak frenzy of Matarazzo's massive Netflix fame, offering a grounded look at a stable, long-term industry partnership.
Search intent around the couple focuses on how they met, who Lizzy Yu is outside of her relationship with the Stranger Things actor, and the practical ways they maintain a multi-year romance through erratic shooting schedules. While tabloid coverage often skims the surface with superficial hype, examining their actual timeline reveals a narrative built on shared artistic ambitions, mutual family support, and steady communication.
Who Is Elizabeth Yu?
While many profiles reduce Lizzy Yu to a celebrity partner, she has carved out an impressive acting career of her own. Born on October 6, 2002, Yu stepped into the professional spotlight with roles in independent film and major streaming television.
Her most notable breakout role came when she was cast as the fiery Princess Azula in Netflix's live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Bringing a complex animated villain to life requires intense physical training and dramatic depth, a challenge Yu navigated successfully to wide critical notice. Beyond Avatar, her filmography includes appearances in the comedy-drama Somewhere in Queens directed by Ray Romano and indie features like May December.
Balancing demanding production schedules in different cities has forced both actors to treat their personal lives with intention. Rather than competing for the spotlight, they frequently show up to support each other's premieres, establishing a pattern of mutual professional respect.
The 2018 Origin Story and Timeline
The couple's relationship began in 2018 when both were just fifteen years old, well before they faced heavy media scrutiny. At the time, Stranger Things was rapidly expanding into a cultural phenomenon, but their connection remained rooted in ordinary teenage experiences. They went "Instagram official" later that year, sharing low-key snapshots that highlighted a shared sense of humor and normal adolescent hangouts, such as playing pool.
As the years progressed, they marked milestones with understated public shoutouts rather than grand, over-the-top declarations. For instance, anniversary tributes on social media often feature candid photographs from high school days and early outings, emphasizing a relationship that evolved organically rather than overnight.
The Reality of Thriving Through Distance
Maintaining an eight-year relationship through early adulthood requires more than just good chemistry. In interviews, Matarazzo has pointed directly to distance management as a primary hurdle they faced early on and learned to master. Because both actors spend months away on distinct production sets, communication serves as the bedrock of their longevity.
- Active Communication: Scheduling intentional check-ins despite opposing time zones prevents drift.
- Shared Industry Empathy: Because Yu works in the same field, she understands the chaotic hours, emotional weight of heavy roles, and sudden schedule shifts that would frustrate partners unfamiliar with Hollywood.
- Low-Key Quality Time: When they are together, they prioritize ordinary routines—like casual game nights and family dinners—over high-society galas. Matarazzo has noted that his siblings integrate seamlessly with Yu, helping maintain a normal family dynamic away from set trailers.
For more details on Matarazzo's background, you can check his profile on Wikipedia, or explore industry announcements on Deadline regarding casting updates.
Common Misconceptions About Young Celebrity Couples
Pop culture commentary often misinterprets young Hollywood romances, leading to recurring myths about how these relationships function.
One common mistake is assuming that partnerships formed before massive fame are destined to collapse under the weight of sudden wealth and attention. In reality, researchers and relationship analysts note that couples who build foundational trust before major lifestyle shifts often possess stronger conflict-resolution skills. Matarazzo and Yu grew up alongside each other, meaning they navigated the awkward transitions of late adolescence and early career pressures as a team rather than separate entities trying to merge established public personas.
Another frequent error is viewing separate career trajectories as a sign of trouble. When two actors pursue distinct projects, independent travel is a necessity, not an indicator of growing apart. Yu's work on major fantasy adaptations and Matarazzo's commitments to sci-fi television require intense individual focus, which they balance by respecting each other's professional space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have Gaten Matarazzo and Lizzy Yu been together?
They started dating in 2018 when they were fifteen years old, marking over eight years together.
What is Lizzy Yu's most famous acting role?
She is widely known for portraying Princess Azula in Netflix's live-action series Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Did they meet on the set of Stranger Things?
No. Their relationship began independently of Matarazzo's work on Stranger Things, long before Yu entered the franchise ecosystem with her own Netflix projects.
Do they live together?
While both maintain independent schedules and active filming locations, they frequently support each other publicly and spend significant time together when not working on active sets.
