Hollywood actor Sean Penn recently appeared in public with his girlfriend Valeria Nicov. The couple enjoyed a relaxed shopping trip in Santa Monica, California on January 14, 2026. Paparazzi captured the moment, putting their relationship back in the spotlight.
The Age Gap That's Turning Heads
What makes this pairing particularly interesting is their significant age difference. Sean Penn, at 65 years old, is dating a woman in her early thirties. That's a gap of approximately three decades between them. Despite this difference, they appear comfortable together and genuinely connected.
Valeria Nicov's Background and Career
Valeria Nicov comes from Chisinau, Moldova. She pursued acting training at prestigious institutions including London's RADA for their Advanced Acting Fundamentals Course. She also studied at Paris's Cours Florent and Valerie Poleacov School.
Her modeling career took off with campaigns for luxury brands like Carolina Herrera and Bonanza. Represented by Paris agency Premium, she has worked on international projects that showcase her elegant yet approachable style.
Beyond Modeling: Valeria's Diverse Talents
Valeria has built an acting portfolio alongside her modeling work. She made her screen debut in 2018's French thriller Paris Pigalle as Chloe, directed by Cedric Anger. Subsequent film roles included Chacun chez soi, Lineman Up: Storm Soldiers 3, and Tenor.
By 2019, she expanded to television with appearances in Mike and Don't Worry About the Kids. These roles demonstrated her versatility across dramatic and lighter content.
Her talents extend beyond acting and modeling. Valeria is an accomplished pianist who speaks four languages fluently: English, French, Spanish, and Russian. She maintains an active lifestyle through boxing and horse riding. She has also performed stage work in Sacred Monster.
On social media, Valeria shares glimpses of her dynamic life with over 20,000 Instagram followers. Her posts range from professional shoots to personal adventures.
How Their Romance Developed
The relationship between Sean Penn and Valeria Nicov began attracting attention before their Santa Monica outing. Photographs from Madrid streets in September 2024 showed them sharing a passionate kiss. This surprised many observers because Penn had publicly expressed contentment with single life just months earlier in June 2024.
Penn's relationship history includes three marriages, with his most recent to Leila George ending two years prior. Many assumed he had moved past romantic relationships entirely.
Public Appearances Together
Their relationship progressed quickly through several public appearances:
- October 2024: Photographed together at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- November 2024: Made their red carpet debut at the Marrakech International Film Festival, both dressed in sleek black attire
- May 2025: Attended the Cannes Film Festival together, including the Kering Women In Motion Awards and Presidential Dinner
- January 2026: Spotted on casual shopping trip in Santa Monica
These appearances suggest their bond has strengthened over time despite the age difference. Their shared creative backgrounds in acting and entertainment may contribute to their connection.
The couple continues to capture public interest as they navigate their relationship in the spotlight. Their story raises questions about age-gap relationships in Hollywood and whether such partnerships can endure over time.
