What Inspired Gabriella Pizzolo from Stranger Things to Pursue Psychology?
Gabriella Pizzolo's Academic Journey
Gabriella Pizzolo, the talented actress known for her role as Suzie Bingham in the hit series Stranger Things, has shared that her decision to study psychology was largely influenced by actress Natalie Portman. At just 23 years old, Pizzolo has already earned degrees in both psychology and music. Recently, she attended the Broadway premiere of Beaches in New York City, as reported by People magazine.
In an interview, she revealed, “I have a degree in psychology and music.” She credited Portman, 44, for inspiring her academic path, stating, “I remember searching for what to study and found out that Natalie Portman studied psychology, which isn’t directly linked to drama.”
The Impact of Education on Her Career
Pizzolo expressed admiration for Portman's choice, noting, ‘That's actually really smart.’ She believes that studying psychology offers valuable insights into human behavior, which can complement her acting career. Portman attended Harvard University from 1999 to 2003 while simultaneously working on the Star Wars films.
Gabriella also shared her experience of balancing her studies with her acting career, recalling late-night filming sessions followed by daytime classes. She appreciated the campus life, which allowed her to engage with diverse experiences and people beyond the acting world.
Staying Connected with Co-Stars
On the professional front, Pizzolo mentioned that she keeps in touch with many of her former Stranger Things co-stars, describing the connections as “fantastic.” She particularly highlighted her ongoing friendship with Gaten Matarazzo, who portrayed her love interest, Dustin. “He’s involved in a lot of theater now, so it’s really exciting to see,” she noted.
For context, Gabriella Pizzolo appeared in three episodes of Stranger Things, making her debut in season 3 in 2019 and returning for season 4 in 2022. The series concluded with its fifth season on December 31, 2025, and all episodes are available for streaming on Netflix.