Academy Award-winning actor Sean Penn is back in the spotlight—this time not just for his film work, but for his relationship with 30-year-old Moldovan actress and model Valeria Nicov. The couple recently made their red carpet debut at the Marrakech International Film Festival, prompting renewed interest in Penn’s personal life and public commentary about the couple’s noticeable age gap.
While some reactions online have been critical, others have expressed support for the pair, emphasizing that both are consenting adults. Here’s a closer look at the facts about Valeria Nicov, her background, and the timeline of her relationship with Sean Penn—without the speculation.
Who Is Valeria Nicov?
Valeria Nicov is an actress and model from Moldova, active in the entertainment industry since 2018, according to her IMDb profile. She has appeared in a variety of European television series, including roles in Don’t Worry About the Kids and Mike. She also had a brief appearance in the Netflix series Emily in Paris as a bartender.
Standing 5 feet 10 inches (1.77 meters) tall, Valeria has built a professional career that spans acting, modeling, and fashion blogging. Her artistic talents are backed by academic training, including studies at the Academy of Music, Theatre and Fine Arts in Chișinău, Moldova, and the Cours Florent, a prestigious performing arts school in Paris.
A Career in Fashion and the Arts
In addition to her acting work, Valeria has modeled for several fashion brands. Among her notable collaborations is work with Carolina Herrera, a respected name in the fashion world. She has built a modest but growing online presence, particularly on Instagram, where she shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of her photo shoots and creative projects with a following of more than 19,000 fans.
Her Instagram feed reveals her passion for art, literature, and an active lifestyle. She regularly practices boxing, yoga, and Argentine tango, and is also musically inclined, with talents in jazz singing and piano. She has also been seen horseback riding and attending cultural events, suggesting a lifestyle that balances wellness, creativity, and performance.
Multilingual and Cosmopolitan
Fluent in seven languages—French, English, Romanian, Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish, and Italian—Nicov embodies a truly cosmopolitan profile. According to her social media presence, she currently resides in Paris, where she continues to balance her film career with modeling and content creation.
When Did Sean Penn and Valeria Nicov Start Dating?
Reports from reputable outlets including People and Daily Mail indicate that Sean Penn and Valeria Nicov began dating in mid to late 2024. The pair were first seen together publicly in September 2024, photographed during a trip to Madrid, Spain, where they were seen holding hands and sharing a kiss.
They were later seen at Los Angeles International Airport in October and again in Paris, suggesting that the relationship has included international travel and time spent in both the U.S. and Europe. While the couple has kept a relatively low profile, their appearance at the Marrakech International Film Festival in November 2024 marked their first formal public outing as a couple.
Red Carpet Debut: Marrakech International Film Festival
On November 30, 2024, Sean Penn and Valeria Nicov walked the red carpet together at the Marrakech International Film Festival. According to photographers from Getty Images and fashion journalists in attendance, Penn wore a classic black suit and tie, while Nicov stunned in a strapless black gown with a draped front design, showcasing modern elegance and confidence.
While the couple appeared composed and comfortable in front of the cameras, their appearance sparked widespread online discussion—much of it centered on their 34-year age difference.
Reactions to the Age Gap
The age difference between Sean Penn and Valeria Nicov—he was born in 1960, she in 1994—has drawn public attention. Valeria is younger than both of Penn’s adult children: Dylan Penn (b. 1991) and Hopper Penn (b. 1993), his children from his previous marriage to actress Robin Wright.
Some social media users shared critical commentary, while others defended the couple, stating that both are consenting adults and entitled to their personal choices. As with many celebrity relationships, public opinion remains divided.
However, no credible reports or interviews have confirmed any controversy involving the couple beyond online commentary. Neither Penn nor Nicov has addressed the public discourse directly.
Sean Penn’s Past Relationships
Sean Penn’s high-profile romantic history is well-documented. He was previously married to Madonna from 1985 to 1989 in a widely publicized relationship. He later married Robin Wright in 1996, with whom he shares his two children. That marriage ended in divorce in 2010.
Penn most recently was married to Leila George, an Australian-American actress, from 2020 until their divorce in 2022. Their marriage took place during the pandemic and was described as a private ceremony with limited public exposure.
Sean Penn’s Career Highlights
Sean Penn began his acting career in the early 1980s, with his breakout role in the 1981 film Taps. Over the years, he has delivered critically acclaimed performances in films such as:
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Mystic River (2003) – Academy Award for Best Actor
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Milk (2008) – Academy Award for Best Actor
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Dead Man Walking, 21 Grams, and The Thin Red Line – among others
Penn is also known for his work behind the camera and his involvement in humanitarian efforts, including disaster relief and political activism.
Final Thoughts: Public Fascination with Celebrity Relationships
Sean Penn and Valeria Nicov’s relationship continues to capture public interest—not necessarily because of any controversy, but because of Penn’s status as a cultural figure and the enduring fascination with celebrity love lives. Their red carpet appearance marked a new chapter for the Oscar-winning actor, and Valeria Nicov’s emergence into the spotlight has introduced a fresh face to international audiences.
Despite varying opinions, no credible sources have reported any issues within the relationship. As of now, the couple continues to travel, work, and appear in public together, seemingly enjoying their time as a couple.
