Hollywood has a thing for math. Specifically, the kind of math that involves counting the years between a leading lady and the person she’s holding hands with on the red carpet. When Joey King posted those dreamy photos from her 2023 wedding in Mallorca, Spain, the internet didn't just look at the dress. They looked at the calendar.
Joey King husband age gap is a topic that has sparked a lot of "wait, how old is he?" Google searches.
Let’s be real. Joey has been on our screens since she was basically a toddler. We watched her lose her hair for The Act and navigate high school drama in The Kissing Booth. Because she grew up in the public eye, people tend to feel protective. Or judgmental. Honestly, usually a mix of both.
The Cold Hard Numbers
So, what’s the actual split?
Joey King was born on July 30, 1999. Her husband, director Steven Piet, was born in May 1984.
That makes the age gap exactly 15 years. When they met on the set of the Hulu limited series The Act in late 2018, Joey was about 19. Steven was 34. They didn’t rush into a "hard launch" on Instagram. They kept things quiet, working together professionally before the sparks turned into a full-blown relationship in 2019.
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By the time they tied the knot in September 2023, Joey was 24 and Steven was 39.
Why the Internet is Obsessed
People love to debate "power dynamics."
You've probably seen the Twitter threads. Some fans get "icky" feelings because he was a director and she was the star of the show. Others point out that Joey is a literal veteran of the industry with more professional experience than most people twice her age.
Kinda makes you think. Is a 15-year gap the same for a "normal" 19-year-old as it is for a woman who has been a professional actor since age four? Joey doesn't seem to think so. She told the Armchair Expert podcast that she’s always been exposed to an "adult world" because of her career.
She basically told the critics to stay out of her business.
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The Director and the Muse
Steven Piet isn't just "Joey King's husband." He’s a legitimate talent in his own right.
- He directed two of the most pivotal episodes of The Act.
- He’s worked on Channel Zero and A Friend of the Family.
- He’s a Chicago guy who studied film at the Savannah College of Art and Design.
The way they talk about each other is actually pretty sweet. Steven has described Joey as "unlocking a dimension of love" he didn't know existed. Meanwhile, Joey calls him her "bug."
They had two weddings. The first was a chaotic, last-minute civil ceremony in Los Angeles where they wore "sickeningly hot" outfits and went bowling afterward. Her mom even made the bouquet from a dollar store. The second was the high-fashion Mallorca event that looked like a scene from The Great Gatsby.
Is the Gap a Big Deal in 2026?
Honestly? In the world of celebrity age gaps, 15 years is almost tame compared to some of the 30-plus-year differences we see.
The nuance here is that they met when she was still in her teens. That’s usually where the friction comes from in public discourse. But as the years go by, the gap feels smaller. A 26-year-old and a 41-year-old (their ages as of 2026) just doesn't hit the same way a 19-year-old and a 34-year-old does.
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Common Misconceptions
- "He was her boss." He directed her, yes, but she was the lead in a massive production. Their relationship didn't even start until the project was well underway/wrapping up.
- "It was a whirlwind." Not really. They dated for four years before getting married. That’s a lifetime in Hollywood years.
- "They are keep it a secret." They aren't secret; they're just private. There's a difference. They share what they want, mostly on birthdays and anniversaries.
What This Tells Us About Modern Fame
Joey King belongs to a generation of actors who are reclaiming the narrative of their own lives. She knows people talk about the age difference. She just doesn't care.
She’s built a massive career, founded a production company, and survived the child-star curse. If she says her marriage is "sweeter" than anything else, she’s probably earned the right to be believed.
The takeaway for fans? If you’re worried about the math, you’re probably missing the point. The couple seems more focused on their shared love of film, travel, and their dogs than they are on the 15-year difference between their birth certificates.
How to Navigate Celebrity Age Gap Discussions
- Check the Timeline: Don't rely on rumors; look at the actual years they met and their ages at the time.
- Look for Autonomy: Consider the individual's life experience and professional standing.
- Respect Privacy: Remember that what we see on Instagram is about 5% of a real relationship.
If you’re following Joey’s career, keep an eye on her upcoming projects like Uglies and her work behind the camera. She’s moving from "young starlet" to "industry mogul" at a record pace, regardless of who she's coming home to at night.