The Act: Gypsy Rose and Dee Dee Blanchard's house is now a tourist attraction

24 April 2019, 12:39

Nicky Idika

By Nicky Idika

The Springfield, Missouri home where Dee Dee and Gypsy Rose Blanchard lived has attracted tourists following the popularity of the Hulu series 'The Act', starring Joey King and Patricia Arquette.

People have started visiting the real life home of Dee Dee and Gypsy Rose Blanchard, the subjects of Hulu's newest true crime drama, The Act.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard reveals how she feels about Joey King playing her in The Act

According to local news station KSPR 33, people are "flocking" to the Springfield, Missouri home where the two lived up until Dee Dee was killed in a plot by Gypsy Rose and her boyfriend, Nick Godejohn.

Dee Dee was believed to have Munchausen syndrome by proxy. Because of this, Gypsy Rose was subjected to years of abuse, including being told she had various illnesses like leukaemia, asthma, and muscular dystrophy.

Joey King and Patricia Arquette play Gypsy Rose and Dee Dee, respectively, in the popular Hulu series.

Hulu The Act House screenshot
Hulu The Act House screenshot. Picture: Hulu screenshot

Local residents say that people with out of state licence plates have been driving by the home to see where Gypsy Rose and Dee Dee used to live. Neighbours say they are also worried about the safety of children in the area with cars speeding through.

"I think it's kind of ridiculous," Thomas Pengilly told the station. "It's just glorifying something that doesn't need to be glorified."

Residents say that tourists haven't just been driving by the home. Some have been walking up to it, looking through the windows, and taking photographs on the actual property.

Blanchard house in KSPR 33 news report
Blanchard house in KSPR 33 news report. Picture: KSPR 33/Screenshot

The actual Springfield, Missouri home wasn't used during filming. Instead, a replica of the house was built for Hulu's production. The real home used used to be a soft pink, like on the show, but it has now been painted grey. The distinctive ramps appear to have remained.

KSPR's news report also said that interest in the property has gone up since The Act premiered on Hulu.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard is currently serving a 10 year sentence for her involvement in the crime. Her ex-boyfriend, Nick Godejohn, was recently sentenced to life in prison for his own part.

Though Gypsy Rose has expressed plans to take legal action against the show, reports have said she is pleased that Joey King portrays her in the series. She has also asked supporters to send letters calling for her early release.