Sean Penn’s love life is once again in the spotlight, this time with 30-year-old Valeria Nicov. Their recent public appearance at a film festival has reignited interest in Penn’s relationships and the notable age gap with his new partner.
Who Is Valeria Nicov?
Valeria Nicov, Sean Penn’s 30-year-old girlfriend, is an actress and model from Moldova. According to her IMDb profile, she has been active in the entertainment industry since 2018, with credits in shows like Don’t Worry About the Kids and Mike. She also had a brief role as a bartender in Emily in Paris.
How Tall Is Valeria Nicov?
Valeria stands at an impressive 1.77 meters (5’10”).
When Did Sean Penn Start Dating Valeria Nicov?
Sean Penn, now 64, began dating Valeria Nicov in 2024. In a June interview with The New York Times, he shared his perspective on relationships, expressing his desire for freedom while avoiding heartbreak.
“I’m just free,” he said. “If I’m going to be in a relationship, I’m still going to be free, or I’m not going to be in it. And I’m not going to be hurting.” He added, “I don’t sense I’ll have my heart broken by romance again.”
Fast forward to today, and Penn appears to be embracing a new chapter of his life with Valeria Nicov by his side.
The 64-year-old actor and his Moldovan girlfriend, Valeria Nicov, have been romantically linked since September, when they were seen sharing a passionate kiss while strolling through the streets of Madrid.
During their outing, Penn, who has struggled to quit smoking for years, was spotted with a toothpick in his mouth. Despite previously declaring he had quit smoking on his 40th birthday—a milestone he later described to The Guardian as a “disaster”—the habit seems to persist. Even during his September date with Valeria, Penn was seen smoking again.
A Cosmopolitan Romance
In October, the Oscar-winning actor and Valeria were seen together again at Los Angeles International Airport, sharing another kiss. The couple’s jet-setting lifestyle took them to Paris shortly afterward, where they were photographed embracing on the city’s iconic streets, as reported by the Daily Mail.
A Significant Age Gap
With a 34-year age difference between them, Valeria Nicov is younger than both of Sean Penn’s adult children. His daughter, Dylan, was born in 1991, and his son, Hopper, followed in 1993.
Where Does Valeria Nicov Live?
According to her Facebook profile, Valeria resides in Paris. The romantic city serves as a base for her flourishing film career and significant presence in the fashion world.
A Multilingual Talent
Adding to her allure, Valeria speaks seven languages: French, English, Romanian, Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish, and Italian. Her linguistic abilities reflect her versatility and international appeal.
Worked with Carolina Herrera
Valeria Nicov’s dedication to her craft shines through her impressive education at the Academy of Music, Theatre, and Fine Arts in Chisinau and her studies at the prestigious Cours Florent in Paris. As a model, she has collaborated with renowned brands, including Carolina Herrera, showcasing her versatility and talent.
Valeria Nicov on Instagram
Beyond her work as an actress and model, Valeria is a passionate blogger with a growing social media presence. On Instagram, she shares striking photos from her shoots and moments from her daily life, captivating an audience of 19,000 followers.
An Active and Creative Lifestyle
Valeria leads a dynamic lifestyle, embracing activities such as boxing, yoga, and tango. Her artistic side extends to singing jazz, playing the piano, and horseback riding. A lover of art and literature, she often shares glimpses of her creative passions through her Instagram posts.
On the Red Carpet with Sean Penn
Despite enjoying their relationship, Sean Penn and Valeria Nicov have faced scrutiny over their significant age difference. The couple sparked online debate when they appeared together on the red carpet, drawing mixed reactions from the public regarding their 34-year age gap.
Sean Penn and Valeria Nicov’s Red Carpet Debut
At 64, Sean Penn and his 30-year-old girlfriend, Valeria Nicov, made a stylish red carpet debut at the Marrakech International Film Festival on November 30th. The Mystic River star looked dapper in a classic suit and tie, while Valeria turned heads in a strapless black dress with a draped front design. The couple exuded elegance and confidence as they arrived, but not everyone was impressed.
Why the Couple’s Romance Raised Eyebrows
The significant age gap between Penn and Nicov quickly became a hot topic online. Critics took to social media to express their disapproval, with one user commenting, “Disgusting,” and another calling the pairing “PeePaw and his granddaughter.”
Some questioned the authenticity of the relationship, with one user remarking, “If Sean Penn were a greeter at Walmart, would this young girl be with him? I think not.” Others found the age difference “unsettling” and “creepy.”
However, opinions were divided. Many defended the couple, with one Facebook commenter stating, “I hope they do very well together.” Another added, “They’re both adults. If they’re happy, who cares?”
Some supporters dismissed the controversy entirely. “They’re both over 18—that’s really all that matters,” wrote one user. Another chimed in, “Leave him alone. A 30-year-old is a grown woman. At least he’s not dating teenagers.”
Penn’s Romantic History
Sean Penn’s relationship with Valeria marks his first public romance since his divorce from actress Leila George. Penn and George had been married for two years before finalizing their divorce in April 2022. The couple’s relationship began in 2016, and they tied the knot in 2020 during a low-key pandemic wedding.
Leila George, an Australian-American actress, is known for her roles in The Long Home and Mortal Engines. The end of their marriage followed reports of struggles within their relationship.
Penn’s dating history also includes high-profile marriages to Madonna in the 1980s and actress Robin Wright, whom he was married to from 1996 to 2010.
A Polarizing Romance
Sean Penn’s relationship with Valeria Nicov has sparked intense debate. While some fans applaud the couple for defying societal norms about age, others remain uncomfortable with their 34-year age gap.
Whether you see this romance as a bold expression of love or find it unsettling, there’s no denying that it’s capturing attention and keeping people talking.
What do you think? Is age just a number, or does this relationship raise questions about boundaries and dynamics? Share your thoughts!
