Actor and director Sean Penn has been making headlines with his new relationship. The 64-year-old was recently spotted attending public events with 30-year-old Moldovan actress and model Valeria Nicov, sparking conversation across the entertainment world.
Who Is Valeria Nicov?
Valeria Nicov is a multilingual actress and model who hails from Moldova. Since 2018, she has been building her acting career with roles in shows like Don’t Worry About the Kids and Mike, and made a brief appearance as a bartender in Emily in Paris. Standing at 5’10” (1.77 m), Nicov has also worked in the fashion industry, including collaborations with brands such as Carolina Herrera.
Nicov is based in Paris and studied at the Academy of Music, Theatre and Fine Arts in Chisinau as well as the Cours Florent in Paris. In addition to her film and modeling work, she’s active on social media with over 19,000 followers on Instagram, where she shares highlights from her creative and active lifestyle.
How Did the Relationship Begin?
Sean Penn and Valeria Nicov reportedly began dating in late 2024. The two were first photographed together in Madrid, where they were seen walking together. They’ve since been spotted at other high-profile locations, including Los Angeles International Airport and the streets of Paris.
In November 2024, they made their red carpet debut at the Marrakech International Film Festival. Penn wore a classic black suit and tie, while Nicov turned heads in a strapless black gown. The couple appeared comfortable and confident in front of cameras.
A Notable Age Difference
Their 34-year age difference has become a topic of public interest. Valeria Nicov is younger than both of Penn’s adult children — Dylan, born in 1991, and Hopper, born in 1993. While some have raised questions about the age gap, others have shared support for the couple, emphasizing that both individuals are adults making personal choices.
Public reactions have been mixed. While some commenters on social media expressed concern, others encouraged the public to respect their privacy. One user wrote, “They both seem happy. That’s what matters.” Another added, “Everyone deserves a chance at love, no matter the age.”
Sean Penn’s Perspective
Penn recently shared with The New York Times that he was approaching relationships with a renewed mindset. “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.”
This relationship marks Penn’s first confirmed romance since his divorce from Australian-American actress Leila George. The couple was married from 2020 to 2022 and had been together for several years prior to that.
A Look Back at Sean Penn’s Career and Life
Sean Penn’s career spans more than four decades. He made his acting debut in 1981 with Taps and has since won two Academy Awards — for Mystic River (2003) and Milk (2008). Over the years, he has also made headlines for his high-profile marriages to Madonna and Robin Wright.
Despite public interest in his personal life, Penn has remained focused on his work as an actor, director, and activist.
Final Thoughts
As Sean Penn and Valeria Nicov continue to make appearances together, their relationship remains a topic of discussion. While opinions differ, their story reflects a broader conversation about love, age, and personal choice in the spotlight.
What’s your take? Can relationships thrive despite a large age gap, or does it change the dynamic? Let us know your thoughts.
