Joey King and her husband, Steven Piet, have a 15-year age difference, with King born in 1999 and Piet born in 1984. The couple met on the set of the limited series The Act in 2019, married in a private ceremony in Spain in 2023, and continue to maintain a highly supportive personal and professional partnership.
As of 2026, Joey King has transitioned from a prolific child star to one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading ladies and producers. Throughout this evolution, her relationship with director and producer Steven Piet has remained a focal point for fans, partly due to their distinct age gap and partly because of the visible mutual respect they share. While age gaps in Hollywood are often met with skepticism, the King-Piet union is frequently cited as a stable, mature partnership that prioritizes privacy and creative collaboration.
The Specifics of the 15-Year Age Gap
When discussing the Joey King husband age difference, the numbers are straightforward but significant within the context of their life stages. Joey King was born on July 30, 1999, making her 26 years old in 2026. Steven Piet was born on May 22, 1984, making him 42 years old.
At the time they met in 2019, King was 20 and Piet was 35. This 15-year gap placed them in different generational cohorts—King being a member of Gen Z and Piet a Millennial. Historically, Hollywood has a long-standing tradition of age-gap relationships, though modern audiences have become more critical of the power dynamics involved. However, King has often spoken about the "old soul" nature of her personality and how Piet’s maturity complements her high-energy career.
The couple has largely avoided the controversy often associated with such gaps by demonstrating a clear sense of equality. In interviews, King has noted that Piet was her "best friend" before they became romantic partners, suggesting that the foundation of their relationship was built on professional admiration and shared intellectual interests rather than the superficiality often found in industry romances.
Who is Steven Piet? Beyond the "Husband" Label
To understand the relationship, one must look at Steven Piet’s career and background. He is far more than just a celebrity spouse; he is an established director and producer with a specific aesthetic known for tension and atmospheric storytelling.
Piet hails from Chicago, Illinois, and attended the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). His breakthrough came with the 2015 indie film Uncle John, which he co-wrote and directed. The film was praised at South by Southwest (SXSW) for its nuanced approach to the thriller genre. Following this success, he moved into prestige television, serving as a director and executive producer on the acclaimed horror anthology Channel Zero.
His most notable professional intersection with King was the 2019 Hulu series The Act. Piet directed two pivotal episodes of the series ("Free" and "Plan B"). His work on the show contributed to the critical acclaim that eventually earned King her first Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. This professional respect is often cited as the catalyst for their romantic connection; he saw her at her most vulnerable and dedicated as an actress, while she saw him as a visionary leader on set.
Timeline of the King-Piet Relationship
The progression of their relationship has been marked by significant milestones that the couple has shared selectively with the public.
- The Meeting (2019): While filming The Act, the two developed a close bond. They did not immediately go public, choosing to let the relationship develop away from the paparazzi.
- Public Debut (Late 2019): They were first spotted together at a Cinespia screening of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Los Angeles, signaling to fans that they were more than just colleagues.
- The Engagement (February 2022): Piet proposed on February 2, 2022 (2/2/22), a date King described as perfectly "magical." The proposal took place outdoors during a cold, desert morning, and King shared the news on Instagram, calling herself the luckiest lady alive.
- The Wedding (September 2023): The couple wed in Mallorca, Spain, at La Fortaleza, a historic fortress. The ceremony was an intimate affair attended by close friends and family, including King’s sisters Hunter and Kelli.
- Married Life (2024–2026): Since their wedding, the couple has balanced their individual careers while occasionally collaborating on production projects through King's production company, All The King's Horses.
Comparing Joey King and Steven Piet
To provide a clearer picture of their backgrounds, the following table outlines the key differences and similarities in their profiles.
| Feature | Joey King | Steven Piet |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Date | July 30, 1999 | May 22, 1984 |
| Hometown | Los Angeles, California | Chicago, Illinois |
| Primary Profession | Actress / Producer | Director / Producer |
| Education | Professional Acting Career from Age 4 | Savannah College of Art and Design |
| Notable Work | The Kissing Booth, The Act, Bullet Train | Uncle John, Channel Zero, The Act |
| Height | Approx. 5'4" | Approx. 6'0" |
| Net Worth (Est. 2026) | $10 Million - $12 Million | $3 Million - $5 Million |
The Impact of "The Act" on Their Connection
It is impossible to discuss facts about Steven Piet and their relationship without delving into the intensity of The Act. In the series, King played Gypsy Rose Blanchard, a role that required her to shave her head and inhabit a deeply traumatic psychological space.
Directing an actor through such a demanding transformation requires an immense amount of trust. Piet’s role as a director was to protect King’s performance while pushing the boundaries of the narrative. This environment acted as a "pressure cooker" that accelerated their emotional intimacy. King has credited Piet with making her feel safe and seen during a time when she was physically and emotionally exhausted by the demands of the role. This professional "origin story" is a major reason why their relationship is viewed as having a deeper substance than typical Hollywood flings.
Public Perception and Social Media Presence
Unlike some celebrity couples who overshare, King and Piet have struck a balance. Joey King’s social media often features "photo dumps" that include candid, blurry shots of Piet, portraying a relationship that is grounded in everyday moments rather than curated red-carpet perfection.
Steven Piet, conversely, maintains a lower profile. His presence on social media is largely supportive of King's projects. When King faced public scrutiny or the pressures of fame—especially during the peak of The Kissing Booth franchise popularity—Piet was reportedly a stabilizing force. His maturity allowed him to navigate her level of fame without the ego clashes that sometimes plague two-actor households.
Why the Relationship Works in 2026
By 2026, the couple has moved past the "honeymoon phase" and into a settled, long-term marriage. Several factors contribute to their longevity:
- Shared Creative Language: Being in the same industry but in different roles (acting vs. directing) allows them to understand each other's schedules and stresses without competing for the same roles.
- Privacy Boundaries: They have successfully kept the most intimate details of their home life out of the tabloids, which reduces the external pressure on their marriage.
- Mutual Growth: Despite the age difference, they have grown "together." King has moved into producing, a field where Piet’s experience as an executive producer is invaluable. This professional synergy strengthens their personal bond.
Common Misconceptions About Their Age Difference
One common misconception is that a 15-year age gap automatically implies a lack of common ground. However, both King and Piet share a passion for travel, classic cinema, and their dogs. Another misconception is that the older partner in such a relationship holds all the decision-making power. In King's case, her tenure in the industry (having worked since early childhood) has given her a level of professional agency and financial independence that balances the scales.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much older is Steven Piet than Joey King?
Steven Piet is exactly 15 years older than Joey King. He was born in May 1984, while she was born in July 1999. This gap has remained a point of interest for fans, but the couple has consistently demonstrated that they are in a healthy, consensual, and equal partnership.
Where did Joey King and Steven Piet get married?
The couple married in Mallorca, Spain, in September 2023. The venue was La Fortaleza, a stunning 17th-century fortress that has hosted other high-profile weddings. The ceremony was described as timeless and elegant, featuring a custom Oscar de la Renta gown for King.
Does Steven Piet work with Joey King on movies?
Yes, they have collaborated professionally. They famously worked together on the Hulu series The Act. While they maintain separate careers, they have expressed interest in finding more projects to collaborate on through Joey's production company, as they value each other's creative input.
Did Joey King’s family approve of the age difference?
There have been no public reports of any family friction regarding their age gap. In fact, Joey’s sisters, Hunter and Kelli King, are frequently seen in photos with the couple and appear to have a very close and supportive relationship with Steven Piet.
What is Steven Piet's net worth compared to Joey King's?
As of 2026, Joey King’s net worth is estimated to be significantly higher than Steven Piet’s, largely due to her starring roles in major franchises and her lucrative production deals. While Piet is a successful director and producer, the earning potential for a leading actress of King's caliber typically exceeds that of a director in the indie and prestige TV space.
Recommendations for Fans and Observers
For those following the careers of Joey King and Steven Piet, the best way to support their work is to engage with their professional projects. King’s work as a producer is particularly noteworthy, as she continues to advocate for complex female leads. Meanwhile, Steven Piet’s directorial ventures remain essential viewing for those who appreciate elevated thriller and horror content. Their relationship serves as a modern example of how professional respect can bloom into a lasting personal commitment, regardless of the years between birth dates.
