Who is Valeria Nicov? Valeria Nicov, Sean Penn’s latest girlfriend, is a 30-year-old actress and model from Moldova. According to her IMDb biography, she has worked in the entertainment industry since 2018, appearing in series such as Don’t Worry About the Kids and Mike. She also made a brief appearance as a bartender in Emily in Paris. Sean Penn began dating her in 2024.
In June, Sean Penn, 64, told The New York Times that he wanted to date freely while avoiding grief. “I’m just free,” he clarified. “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 now, and Sean has started a new chapter with his considerably younger girlfriend, Valeria Nicov.

The 64-year-old actor and his Moldovian girlfriend have been dating since September, when they were spotted kissing passionately while strolling through Madrid’s streets. While strolling together, the actor, who has struggled to quit smoking for years, was seen holding a toothpick in his mouth. Despite declaring that he had quit smoking on his 40th birthday, as reported by The Guardian, the habit appears to have remained strong.
Penn, reflecting on his anniversary, described the attempt as a “disaster,” acknowledging that, despite his best efforts, the fight to completely give it up remains. Even at tender times with his new lover on their September date, he was caught smoking. Share a passionate kiss. In October, the Academy Award-winning actor and Valeria Nicov were spotted kissing again at Los Angeles International Airport. The couple, known for their international lifestyle, later flew to Paris and were spotted embracing on the city’s famed streets, according to the Daily Mail.
She speaks seven languages. Valeria, an amazing multilingual talent, speaks seven languages, including French, English, Romanian, Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish, and Italian, which adds to her versatility. On the red carpet with Sean Penn. Although Sean Penn and Valeria Nicov appear to be enjoying their relationship, many people have strong feelings regarding their age difference.

These views came to light after the director and actor faced internet criticism for going together with his 30-year-old girlfriend.At 64, Sean Penn and 30-year-old Valeria made their elegant red carpet debut at the Marrakech International Film Festival, on November 30th. The Mystic River star looked sharp in a classic suit and tie, while Valeria Nicov stunned in a strapless black dress featuring a draped front design.
The duo drew attention on the red carpet, exuding elegance and flair as they arrived at the film festival. However, as previously indicated, not everyone was as impressed. Why did the lovebirds raise eyebrows? Critics instantly rushed to social media to criticize the couple’s age difference. “Disgusting,” one user said on X. Another commented, ”PeePaw and his granddaughter.”
One user questioned, ”If Sean Penn was a greeter at Walmart, would this young girl be with him? “I do not think so.” Meanwhile, others labeled the romance ”unsettling” and ”creepy.” Another user added, ”Sleeping with someone who wasn’t born yet when you were 33 is just… unsettling.” Nevertheless, many people were divided by the couple’s appearance. One Facebook user commented, ”I hope they do very well together.” Others shared similar sentiments, expressing support despite the controversy surrounding their age difference.

Mixed reactions . ”I could care less about the ages. They’re both over 18 and that’s really all that matters.” Another commented, ”Leave him alone. A 30-year-old is a grown woman. At least he’s not dating teenagers or 23 yr olds.” Meanwhile, someone else penned, “He’s taking everything on the planet to keep up with that, look at him!!!!”
Sean Penn’s relationship with Valeria Nicov marks his first since his divorce from actress Leila George. The couple had been married for two years before their split in April 2022. Sean and Leila’s relationship began in 2016, and they tied the knot in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, keeping their wedding low-key.