Season 2 of Netflix’s Wednesday has arrived—and it’s bringing more than just monsters, mysteries, and mayhem. The show not only welcomes back fan favorites like Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Emma Myers, but it also introduces a wave of new talent, including queer actress Heather Matarazzo, who joins the cast as Judi, assistant to Dr. Fairburn (played by Thandiwe Newton).
This casting marks a moment of meaningful representation, especially for queer viewers who have long admired Matarazzo for her unapologetic authenticity both on and off screen.
Who is Heather Matarazzo?
Heather Matarazzo is an acclaimed American actress best known for her breakout role in the 1995 cult film Welcome to the Dollhouse, where she played Dawn Wiener, an awkward adolescent trying to find her place in the world. The role earned her the Independent Spirit Award for Best Debut Performance.
She is also widely recognized for her portrayal of Lilly Moscovitz in The Princess Diaries and its sequel, playing the quirky best friend to Anne Hathaway’s Mia Thermopolis. Over the years, she’s built a reputation for portraying offbeat and heartfelt characters that challenge expectations—and her latest role in Wednesday is no exception.
What role does Heather Matarazzo play in Wednesday?
In Wednesday season 2, Matarazzo plays Judi, the cheerful assistant to Dr. Fairburn at the eerie Willow Hill Psychiatric Facility. While Judi initially seems lighthearted—offering jelly beans and complimenting Wednesday on her detailed paperwork—her character adds depth and mystery to the storyline. As Wednesday fans know, no one is quite what they seem, and Judi may play a larger role in the unraveling secrets of Nevermore Academy.
This season sees Wednesday Addams navigating a turbulent sophomore year, with her family watching closely and a brand-new mystery pushing her to emotional and intellectual limits. Amidst it all, Judi’s presence brings both warmth and intrigue.
When did Heather Matarazzo come out?
Heather Matarazzo publicly came out as a lesbian in 2004, sharing her truth in an interview with the New York Daily News. Later, she told The Advocate, “I’ve always liked women. That’s the way God made me. That’s how I am.” Her courage in living openly and authentically has made her a role model for many within the LGBTQ+ community.
Is Heather Matarazzo married?
Yes, Heather Matarazzo is married to comedian Heather Turman. The two met in 2017 while working together on the indie film Stuck. They married in 2018, celebrating their union as both artists and advocates for queer visibility in entertainment.
What are some of Heather’s most notable roles?
Aside from her new role as Judi in Wednesday, Matarazzo’s most iconic performances include:
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Dawn Wiener in Welcome to the Dollhouse
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Lilly Moscovitz in The Princess Diaries (2001) and its sequel (2004)
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Appearances in The Devil’s Advocate, Scream 3, and The L Word
She has also voiced a desire to play Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, a role she says would let her merge her passion for storytelling with her love of musical theatre.
Why Heather Matarazzo’s casting matters
Having an openly lesbian actress like Matarazzo in a mainstream, genre-forward show like Wednesday sends a powerful message: queer actors belong in all spaces—not just in explicitly LGBTQ+ roles, but anywhere that stories are being told. Her casting contributes to the series’ broader commitment to showcasing diverse voices and breaking away from traditional binaries.
As fans dive into the darker corners of Nevermore Academy, Matarazzo’s Judi offers moments of levity and authenticity. It’s a performance rooted in real-world experience, delivered by a woman who’s never shied away from being exactly who she is.
New episodes of Wednesday drop every Monday on Netflix, with a cast that’s as eclectic, eerie, and electric as the show itself. For queer viewers and allies alike, Heather Matarazzo’s return to the screen is something to celebrate.
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