(C) Bored Panda

SANTA MONICA — Hollywood veteran Sean Penn continues to prove that age is just a number when it comes to romance. The Oscar-winning actor was recently spotted enjoying a shopping date in Santa Monica, California, with his girlfriend, Valeria Nicov, following the 83rd Golden Globe Awards.

According to reports from Page Six and People on January 16th (local time), the couple was seen strolling hand-in-hand. Photos captured the pair looking comfortable and affectionate, with Nicov sporting a bright smile as they walked through the city on January 14th.

A Significant Age Gap
The relationship has drawn significant public attention due to their 38-year age difference. Penn, born in 1960, is 65 years old, while Nicov, born in 1998, is 27. Nicov is a moldovan model and actress, perhaps best known to global audiences for her role as a bartender in the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris.

From "Single and Free" to Going Public
The romance comes as a bit of a surprise following Penn’s interview with the New York Times in June 2024. At the time, Penn stated he was "content being single" and wished to avoid "unnecessary drama" in relationships. He emphasized his desire to maintain his freedom whether he was in a relationship or not.

However, the "freedom" he sought seemingly led him to Nicov. The pair first sparked dating rumors in September 2024 after being seen kissing in Madrid. They made their official debut as a couple on the red carpet at the 21st Marrakech International Film Festival in November of that year. Since then, they have been inseparable, attending high-profile events together, including the 78th Cannes Film Festival in May 2025.

A History of High-Profile Romances
Sean Penn’s personal life has long been a fixture of tabloid headlines. He was previously married to pop icon Madonna (1985–1989), actress Robin Wright (1996–2010), and most recently, Leila George (2020–2021).

Despite his history of high-profile divorces, Penn appears to have found a steady companion in Nicov, as the couple continues to showcase their strong bond in the public eye.