Steven Piet: The Remarkable Story of Joey King’s Husband and Hollywood Director
From independent filmmaking in Chicago to acclaimed television dramas and his marriage to Joey King, discover Steven Piet's career and personal journey.
Introduction
Steven Piet is an American film and television director, writer, and producer known for psychological thrillers, crime dramas, and critically discussed television productions. Although his marriage to actress Joey King has attracted considerable public attention, Piet established his filmmaking career long before their relationship became widely known.
His professional journey includes the independent film Uncle John, Hulu’s The Act, and several major television productions. With experience in directing, screenwriting, and executive production, he has developed a distinctive career behind the camera while maintaining a relatively private personal life.
This article explores Steven Piet’s background, filmmaking achievements, creative approach, relationship with Joey King, wedding celebrations, and continuing work in entertainment.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Steven Piet |
| Profession | Director, Writer, Producer |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Reported Birth Date | May 19, 1984 (sources differ) |
| Education | Savannah College of Art and Design |
| Spouse | Joey King |
| Married | 2023 |
| Notable Film | Uncle John |
| Notable TV Work | The Act, Briarpatch, Murdaugh: Death in the Family |
From Chicago to a Career Behind the Camera
Steven Piet was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. His early life in the city shaped his filmmaking career, especially his interest in stories rooted in American communities and complex human relationships.
He studied film at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia, where he developed his understanding of visual storytelling and film production.
After studying in Savannah, Piet returned to Chicago and worked on commercials, music videos, and short films. These early assignments provided practical experience in directing, production planning, and working with creative teams.
Rather than gaining immediate mainstream recognition, he gradually established himself through independent filmmaking and professional collaborations.
Uncle John: The Independent Film That Established His Reputation
A significant milestone in Piet’s career arrived with the crime thriller Uncle John, released in 2015.
He co-wrote the screenplay with Erik Crary and directed the film, which explores the consequences of a mysterious disappearance in a small Midwestern community.
The production combines suspense, personal relationships, and contrasting settings, moving between rural life and Chicago.
Uncle John premiered at the 2015 South by Southwest Film Festival, where it appeared in the narrative competition.
The film subsequently received the Best Film honor at the Midwest Independent Film Festival’s 2015 Best of the Midwest Awards.
This achievement demonstrated Piet’s ability to craft a feature-length narrative within independent cinema.
His collaboration with Crary also highlighted an important characteristic of his career: storytelling shaped through close creative partnerships.
Steven Piet’s Breakthrough in Television
After his independent film work, Piet became increasingly involved in television productions that demanded careful character development and sustained dramatic tension.
Channel Zero and Briarpatch
Piet directed episodes of Channel Zero, an anthology horror series built around unsettling mysteries and psychological suspense.
The program offered opportunities to work with disturbing imagery, atmosphere, and unconventional narrative structures.
He subsequently directed episodes of Briarpatch, a mystery drama featuring Rosario Dawson.
He also served as a co-executive producer on the series, demonstrating responsibilities beyond directing individual episodes.
The Act and Wider Recognition
One of his most recognizable projects is The Act, the 2019 Hulu limited series inspired by the real-life case involving Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard.
Piet directed two episodes and worked as a co-executive producer.
The series featured Joey King as Gypsy Rose and Patricia Arquette as Dee Dee. King’s performance earned an Emmy nomination, bringing wider attention to the production.
For Piet, the project became important both professionally and personally, as it introduced him to his future wife.
A Growing Portfolio of Crime and Psychological Dramas
Piet continued working on ambitious television projects after The Act.
In 2022, he directed episodes of A Friend of the Family, a Peacock crime drama based on Jan Broberg’s kidnapping experience.
His subsequent television credits include Happy Face, Murdaugh: Death in the Family, and Cape Fear.
The 2025 Hulu series Murdaugh: Death in the Family represented another substantial professional assignment. Piet served as an executive producer and directed three episodes, including the premiere and finale.
Across these productions, a clear connection emerges: many explore psychological pressure, troubling personal relationships, and the consequences of concealed information.
Although the individual projects differ, this recurring interest in character-driven suspense helps explain the direction of his television career.
How Steven Piet Met Joey King
Steven Piet and Joey King first met while working on The Act, which was filmed before its 2019 premiere.
Their initial connection developed through their professional relationship on set.
King later explained in interviews that she admired Piet and felt comfortable collaborating with him. Their friendship gradually developed into something more personal.
She eventually approached him at the production’s wrap party and expressed her romantic interest.
The couple began dating in 2019 and subsequently made public appearances together, including entertainment industry events.
Their relationship drew attention because both worked in Hollywood, though their professional responsibilities differed.
Engagement and Their Two Wedding Celebrations
After about three years together, Piet proposed to King on February 2, 2022, during a trip to Joshua Tree, California.
They announced the engagement publicly in March 2022.
Their marriage involved two separate celebrations.
On August 19, 2023, the couple legally married in Los Angeles. The relaxed ceremony was followed by bowling with loved ones, reflecting their preference for a personal and unconventional celebration.
On September 2, 2023, they held a larger destination wedding at La Fortaleza in Mallorca, Spain.
The historic estate provided a dramatic Mediterranean setting for the event, which brought together relatives and close friends.
King wore an Oscar de la Renta wedding gown, while Piet wore a Brunello Cucinelli outfit. Singer Sabrina Carpenter also performed during the ceremony.
The two celebrations reflected different aspects of their relationship: one informal and spontaneous, the other carefully organized around family, friendship, and a memorable destination.
Their Marriage and Creative Connection
Although Piet and King occasionally appear together at premieres and public events, they generally maintain boundaries around their private lives.
King has spoken positively about her husband’s creativity and their ability to understand each other’s professional responsibilities.
Their shared experience in film and television provides a foundation for discussing acting, directing, storytelling, and production.
However, Piet maintains a professional identity independent of his marriage.
His filmography demonstrates a sustained commitment to directing and producing rather than relying on celebrity exposure.
Steven Piet’s Age and Personal Background
Some publicly available biographical directories list May 19, 1984, as Piet’s birth date, which would make him 42 in November 2026.
However, entertainment databases contain conflicting birth-date information, so the precise date should not be treated as independently established.
His Chicago origins and film education are more consistently documented.
Much less verified information is publicly available about his parents, childhood family circumstances, and personal finances.
Five Frequently Asked Questions About Steven Piet
1. Who is Steven Piet?
Steven Piet is an American director, screenwriter, and producer known for Uncle John, The Act, Channel Zero, Briarpatch, and Murdaugh: Death in the Family. He is also married to actress Joey King.
2. How old is Steven Piet?
His commonly reported birth date is May 19, 1984, which would make him 42 years old in November 2026. However, some entertainment databases list different birth information, making his exact age uncertain.
3. How did Steven Piet and Joey King meet?
They met while working on Hulu’s The Act. Piet directed episodes of the series, while King portrayed Gypsy Rose Blanchard. Their professional friendship developed into a romantic relationship in 2019.
4. When did Steven Piet marry Joey King?
The couple legally married in Los Angeles on August 19, 2023. They subsequently held a destination wedding in Mallorca, Spain, on September 2, 2023.
5. What movies and television shows has Steven Piet directed?
His directing credits include the independent film Uncle John and television series such as Channel Zero, The Act, Briarpatch, A Friend of the Family, Happy Face, Murdaugh: Death in the Family, and Cape Fear.
Conclusion: Steven Piet’s Continuing Hollywood Journey
Steven Piet has built a filmmaking career that extends beyond his public recognition as Joey King’s husband. Starting in independent cinema in Chicago, he moved into television direction and executive production on projects involving suspense, crime, and psychologically complex characters.
His work on Uncle John, The Act, and Murdaugh: Death in the Family reflects a consistent interest in compelling storytelling.
While his marriage has introduced him to a wider celebrity audience, his creative contributions remain central to his professional reputation.
