Joey King and her on-screen partner, Taylor Zakhar Perez, shared a delightful reunion as part of Variety’s Actors on Actors series. The pair, who starred together in The Kissing Booth films, reminisced about their work and the impact it had on their lives.

The conversation took an emotional turn as Taylor, who recently starred in the gay rom-com Red, White & Royal Blue, shared the difficulty of filming while coping with the loss of his oldest sister, Kristy, who passed away from an aggressive form of cancer before the film’s release.

Taylor, the sixth of eight children, became the de facto oldest sibling in his family due to the significant age gap with his older siblings. Joey offered her condolences, acknowledging the special bond between Taylor and his late sister, whom he fondly remembered as the “glue” that held their family together.

Joey King and Taylor Zakhar Perez’s conversation took a somber turn as Taylor shared the loss of his sister, Kristy.

Taylor’s sister, Kristy, passed away in June 2023, leaving behind her husband and three children.

Joey acknowledged the special connection between Taylor and his sister, noting that Kristy’s love and support for her brother were evident. Taylor shared how his costar reminded him of Kristy due to their shared qualities of love, care, and acceptance.

Taylor went on to express the difficulty of releasing Red, White & Royal Blue while grieving his sister’s passing. Kristy’s death occurred just a month before the film’s premiere and two months ahead of its official release.

He shared how his director, Matthew López, offered to dedicate the film to Kristy, a gesture that deeply moved him. Taylor also reflected on the importance of family during difficult times and his inability to throw himself into work as a coping mechanism.

Following Kristy’s passing, Taylor shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, including a black-and-white photo of himself as a child with his sister. He spoke of her guiding presence and the invaluable life lessons she imparted, including the importance of unconditional love and not sweating the small stuff.

Taylor also expressed his sister’s enthusiasm for his projects, including Red, White & Royal Blue, and how difficult it was for him to imagine the film’s premiere without her.

Taylor shared the difficulty of releasing Red, White & Royal Blue while grieving his sister’s passing.

Taylor shared his director’s thoughtful offer to dedicate the film to his late sister.

During their chat, Joey also expressed her excitement about Taylor’s on-screen kiss with his Red, White & Royal Blue costar, Nicholas Galitzine. She gushed about the scene’s steaminess and its significance for the LGBTQ+ community.

Additionally, Joey reminisced about their early days on the set of The Kissing Booth 2, recalling Taylor’s curiosity about their potential friendship. She shared how she assured him that their friendship would depend on their connection and how they chose to nurture it.

Joey King and Taylor Zakhar Perez’s reunion as part of Variety’s Actors on Actors series.

Joey King and Taylor Zakhar Perez on the set of The Kissing Booth 2.

Joey King and Taylor Zakhar Perez’s friendship and mentorship.

Taylor Zakhar Perez praised Joey King for her leadership and mentorship.

Taylor also took the opportunity to praise Joey for her leadership and mentorship on set. He acknowledged her ability to create a comfortable and energetic work environment, inspiring him to emulate her approach in his subsequent projects.

The reunion between Joey and Taylor showcased their enduring friendship and the impact they have had on each other’s lives, both personally and professionally.