Gabriella Pizzolo Reveals Natalie Portman's Influence on Her Psychology Studies

Gabriella Pizzolo's Academic Journey Inspired by Natalie Portman

Gabriella Pizzolo, the talented actress recognized for her role in the hit series Stranger Things, has disclosed that her decision to pursue a degree in psychology was significantly influenced by Natalie Portman. At just 23 years old, Pizzolo, who portrayed the beloved character Suzie Bingham, recently attended the Broadway premiere of Beaches in New York City, as reported by a media outlet. She proudly mentioned that she holds dual degrees in psychology and music.

Natalie Portman's Impact on Gabriella's Educational Choices

Pizzolo revealed that she was inspired to major in psychology after learning about Portman's academic background. "I remember searching for what to study and discovering that Natalie Portman had studied psychology, which was not directly related to drama," she shared. This realization made her think, 'That's actually really smart.' She noted that psychology offers a different perspective compared to drama and theater, allowing one to gain insights into human interactions.

Portman attended Harvard University from 1999 to 2003 while simultaneously working on various Star Wars films. Gabriella also balanced her acting career with her studies, often filming at night and attending classes during the day. She expressed that being on campus enriched her life, exposing her to diverse experiences and people that she might not have encountered if she had solely focused on acting.

Updates on Gabriella's Career

Pizzolo mentioned that she maintains connections with several of her former Stranger Things co-stars since the show's conclusion, which she describes as a wonderful experience. She particularly stays in touch with Gaten Matarazzo, who played her on-screen love interest, Dustin. "He's involved in a lot of theater now, which is really exciting to witness," she added.

For those unfamiliar, Gabriella Pizzolo appeared as Bingham in three episodes of Stranger Things, first joining the cast in season 3 in 2019 and returning for season 4 in 2022. The series concluded its fifth season on December 31, 2025, and all episodes are available for streaming on Netflix.