Joey King Has Texted Gypsy Rose Blanchard Since Her Release From Prison
Joey King and Gypsy Rose Blanchard FilmMagic; Getty Images
After receiving high praise for her role as Gypsy Rose Blanchard in the Hulu series The Act, actress Joey King shared that she has recently been in contact with the real Gypsy herself. Joey, who is 24 years old, portrayed Gypsy, who was accused of second-degree murder in the death of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, in the limited series which aired in 2019. Despite not communicating during the filming of the show, King disclosed that she has since connected with Gypsy.
King shared with Dax Shepard on the "Armchair Expert" podcast that Gypsy recently messaged him. During the filming of the show, they didn't communicate. However, after her release, she reached out to him, and they had a pleasant exchange.
Gypsy was set free from jail in December 2023 after being behind bars for 8.5 years for the murder of Dee Dee in 2015. She was found guilty of persuading her boyfriend at the time, Nicholas Godejohn, to commit the crime. Dee Dee was suspected of having Munchausen by proxy, a disorder where a caregiver invents or causes health problems in someone under their care, and was also accused of lying about Gypsy's health and happiness.
Joey King Has Texted Gypsy Rose Blanchard Since Her Release From Prison 02
Joey King starred in 'The Act' and didn't disclose the details of her conversation with the real-life Gypsy Rose Blanchard. However, she expressed her excitement about the valuable experience she gained from filming the show. This role led her to receive nominations for prestigious awards such as the Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award.
Filming the series was truly an amazing experience for her. She expressed, "Making that show was one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had, honestly."
During the filming, King also had the opportunity to meet her future husband, Steven Piet, who directed two episodes of The Act.
King also shared her thoughts on the pressure she experienced when taking on the role of Gypsy.
She mentioned, "The friendships and relationships I built while working on the show were amazing. But as an actor, it was truly thrilling to work on such impactful material. It's based on a real person's life, so there's a huge sense of responsibility. It's not like a biopic where the person is no longer around."
King understood the importance of the project, realizing it was a significant professional opportunity. She recalled thinking, "If I make a mistake, it could really hurt my career. If I didn't do well, finding work would be tough."
After her release from prison, Gypsy experienced significant changes in her personal life. On April 8, she filed for divorce from her husband, Ryan Scott Anderson, following two years of marriage.
Gypsy shared in a statement on Facebook that she and her husband are currently going through a separation. She has moved into her parents' home down the bayou and is grateful for the support of her family and friends during this difficult time. Gypsy mentioned that she is focusing on listening to her heart and giving herself the space to discover who she truly is.
Following the divorce filing, Gypsy took legal action by filing a restraining order against Anderson. In the court documents, she also requested spousal support from her estranged husband, citing her financial need and stating that she is not to blame for the marriage coming to an end.
Editor's P/S:
Joey King's portrayal of Gypsy Rose Blanchard in "The Act" garnered critical acclaim, and it is inspiring to learn that she has since connected with the real-life Gypsy. Gypsy's release from prison marks a new chapter in her life, and it is encouraging to see her seeking support and prioritizing her well-being. The bond formed between King and Gypsy highlights the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of empathy in understanding complex individuals.
The pressure King felt while taking on the role of Gypsy is a testament to the weight of portraying real-life events and the responsibility that comes with it. Her dedication to authenticity and her desire to honor Gypsy's story speak to her professionalism and respect for the subject matter. The fact that King has maintained contact with Gypsy after the show's release is a testament to her genuine interest in Gypsy's journey and her desire to provide support beyond the confines of the series.