After being released from prison on December 28, 2023, Gypsy Rose Blanchard approached Joey King, the actress who played her in the 2019 miniseries “The Act,” which dramatized Blanchard’s tumultuous life story. King, known for her role in “The Kissing Booth,” shared this important interaction during a recent episode of “Armchair Expert.” podcastwhere she spoke about her complex feelings playing Blanchard, who is now 32 years old.
“The Act” is a series that explores Blanchard’s challenging life under the shadow of Munchausen syndrome by proxy. This psychological disorder, inflicted by her mother Dee Dee, involved creating an elaborate and false medical history for Blanchard, convincing her from an early age that she was seriously ill, according to Us weekly.
“Gypsy messaged me recently,” Kind revealed, adding, “We didn’t have any contact when we were filming the show, but since she was released, she reached out and we had a quick little exchange that was really nice.” “[It’s] someone’s real life. There is a great responsibility there. It’s not like a biopic and the person is no longer alive,” she admitted.
This deception was a central theme in the series, which depicts the intense control and abuse Blanchard endured, which ultimately led her to conspire in the murder of her mother. Blanchard was sentenced to 10 years in prison for her role in the crime, but she was released after serving eight.
His historyRidden with psychological manipulation and tragic outcomes, it presents a gripping narrative of survival against overwhelming odds. during it interview, King reflected on the initial process of taking on such a complex role. She recounted her audition, highlighting the immense sense of duty she felt to authentically portray Blanchard’s harrowing experiences.
King spoke about the challenges of embodying Blanchard and emphasized her commitment to bringing depth and sensitivity to the performance. King’s reflection on the podcast was not just about her experience as an actress, but she also addressed the broader implications of Blanchard’s life story. She delved into the ethical considerations of depicting real-life trauma in entertainment, recognizing the responsibility that comes with recreating someone’s personal and painful experiences for a public audience.
The conversation also provided insight into Blanchard’s current outlook, as revealed by her contact with King. This contact signifies Blanchard’s engagement with representations of her life and suggests a desire to connect with those who have helped tell her story to the world. She highlights an ongoing dialogue about the interpretation of events in her life and the impact of her story on those who tell it and those who hear it.
King’s candid discussion on the “Armchair Expert” podcast sheds light on the delicate balance between storytelling and respect for the real-life figures involved, especially in cases as sensitive and complex as Blanchard’s. This conversation underscores the deep connections that can form between biographical subjects and the actors who portray them and the profound impact that storytelling can have on everyone involved.
