Sean Penn is back in the headlines, and this time it’s not for a film or political activism—it’s for his love life. The 64-year-old Oscar-winning actor has sparked a wave of attention after appearing on the red carpet with his 30-year-old girlfriend, Valeria Nicov. Their relationship has drawn curiosity and criticism alike, especially given the significant age gap. But beyond the buzz, many are wondering: Who is the woman who has captured the heart of one of Hollywood’s most seasoned actors?

Valeria Nicov is a 30-year-old actress and model originally from Moldova. She’s been active in the entertainment industry since 2018 and has appeared in various roles, including spots in “Don’t Worry About the Kids” and “Mike.” Fans of the popular series “Emily in Paris” might recognize her from a brief appearance as a bartender. Standing tall at 5 feet 10 inches (1.77 meters), Valeria brings both elegance and versatility to the screen.

Sean Penn publicly acknowledged in June 2024 that he was in a phase of life where he wanted to feel free, expressing that he wasn’t interested in romantic entanglements that could lead to heartbreak. “I’m just free,” he told The New York Times. “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.” But later that year, it became clear that something had shifted when he was seen getting close to Valeria Nicov.

Their relationship reportedly began around September 2024 when the couple was seen kissing passionately during a romantic stroll in Madrid. At the time, Penn—who has long battled with quitting smoking—was seen chewing on a toothpick. Despite his earlier claim that he quit smoking on his 40th birthday, he admitted that staying away from the habit had been a continual struggle. Even during this new chapter in his life, he was spotted smoking while enjoying intimate moments with Valeria.

The couple continued to make public appearances. In October, they were photographed sharing another kiss at Los Angeles International Airport. Soon after, they jetted off to Paris, where they were seen embracing on the city’s iconic streets. Paris, it seems, holds special meaning for Valeria—according to her Facebook profile, she lives in the French capital. She has managed to successfully merge her career in acting with a thriving presence in the fashion world.

What makes Valeria Nicov particularly impressive is her linguistic ability. She speaks seven languages—French, English, Romanian, Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish, and Italian. This multilingual skill set has only enhanced her appeal in global entertainment and fashion circles.

In terms of education, Valeria has trained seriously for her career. She studied at the Academy of Music, Theatre and Fine Arts in Chisinau and later honed her craft at the prestigious Cours Florent in Paris. As a model, she has worked with internationally recognized brands, including the elegant fashion house Carolina Herrera. Beyond acting and modeling, she’s also a blogger with a growing online presence. Her Instagram account boasts 19,000 followers and features snapshots from her glamorous photoshoots, glimpses into her daily life, and expressions of her artistic interests.

Outside of her professional life, Valeria leads a dynamic and cultured lifestyle. She’s into yoga, boxing, and tango dancing. She also enjoys horseback riding, sings jazz, and plays the piano. Her Instagram is filled with thoughtful reflections on literature and art, revealing a deeper creative side.

The couple made their red carpet debut on November 30 at the Marrakech International Film Festival. Sean Penn looked sharp in a classic black suit and tie, while Valeria turned heads in a sophisticated strapless black dress with a draped front. Their appearance was elegant, but not everyone was charmed. As images spread across social media, critics voiced their discomfort with the 34-year age difference.

Online reactions were swift and divided. One user on X (formerly Twitter) labeled the pairing “disgusting,” while another mockingly referred to them as “PeePaw and his granddaughter.” Some questioned the sincerity of the relationship, with one post asking whether a young woman like Valeria would be interested in Penn if he weren’t famous. Other users called the relationship “creepy” and “unsettling,” especially given that Valeria was not even born when Penn was 33.

To add context, Valeria is younger than both of Penn’s adult children. His daughter Dylan was born in 1991, and his son Hopper in 1993. This fact has only intensified public scrutiny. Still, many people came to the couple’s defense. Comments on Facebook included sentiments like, “I hope they do very well together,” and “A 30-year-old is a grown woman. At least he’s not dating teenagers.”

Despite the polarizing opinions, one thing is clear: Sean Penn and Valeria Nicov are unbothered by the noise. Their public appearances reflect a couple who are confident and at ease with one another. For Penn, this marks his first serious relationship since his divorce from actress Leila George. The two had been together since 2016, tied the knot during the height of the pandemic in 2020, and ultimately finalized their divorce in 2022 after just two years of marriage.

Leila George, an Australian-American actress known for her work in films like “The Long Home” and “Mortal Engines,” had shared a long connection with Penn before things ended. Their split was attributed to underlying challenges that arose in their relationship over time.

As for Penn himself, his Hollywood journey dates back to 1981’s Taps. Over the years, he has built a remarkable career, winning Academy Awards for his performances in Mystic River (2003) and Milk (2008). He’s also been part of some of the most talked-about relationships in Hollywood history. His high-profile and stormy marriage to Madonna in the 1980s captivated the media, and his later marriage to Robin Wright, from 1996 to 2010, further cemented his place in the spotlight.

Now, with Valeria Nicov by his side, Sean Penn once again finds himself the subject of public fascination. Whether you see their relationship as unconventional or romantic, one thing remains certain—it’s got people talking. Perhaps love truly knows no age, or perhaps there’s more to this pairing than meets the eye. Either way, Sean Penn and Valeria Nicov continue to turn heads wherever they go.