Stranger Things actor Gaten Matarazzo may only be 14 but he is already a hero to many.

The actor, who recently discussed living with rare bone and teeth disorder cleidocranial dysplasia with People, says his being open about the condition has inspired others suffering from the same illness.

Gaten, who plays Dustin on the Netflix show, says fans have told him privately that he has helped them to feel better about themselves due to his being very public and vocal about the genetic disorder.

A real life hero! Gaten Matarazzo, who recently discussed living with rare bone and teeth disorder cleidocranial dysplasia, says his being open about the condition has inspired others suffering from the same illness

Cleidocranial dysplasia primarily affects the development of bones and teeth, persons with the disorder often have underdeveloped or absent collarbones (clavicles).

'There's a one in a million chance that you have of getting it – most likely you get it from a parent, but it just happened for me,' the actor explained to People.

'I have a very mild case so it doesn't affect me as much, but it can be a very difficult condition to have.'

Gaten, who plays Dustin on the Netflix show, says fans have told him privately that he has helped them to feel better about themselves due to his being very public and vocal about the genetic disorder cleidocranial dysplasia

Art imitating life: Gaten plays Dustin Henderson, a character who also has cleidocranial dysplasia, on the hit Netflix show Stranger Things

Gaten then demonstrated how he can move his shoulders close to the midline of his body.

'People are like, "Well you can do these cool things with your shoulders," he said.

'That part's cool about it,' he added.

So talented: The actor pictured in 2014 production of Les Miserables

He went on to say of his fans: 'The feedback has been great.'

'A lot of people were messaging me saying, "You made me feel better about myself, that you can show that you have this condition on TV and embrace it." I feel like I'm raising awareness for it. It makes me feel good.'

Stranger Things is a Netflix drama starring Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers. The story follows what happens when her 12-year-old son Will disappears in a small Indiana town.

As the search for the missing boy develops a series of extraordinary mysteries are unraveled, including a very unique girl.

Gaten plays Dustin Henderson, a character who also has cleidocranial dysplasia.

The series will air season two on Netflix next year.