Hollywood veteran Sean Penn has sparked conversation in entertainment circles with his latest relationship, dating 30-year-old Valeria Nicov – who is three years younger than his daughter Dylan Penn.
The Oscar-winning actor, now 64, went public with his new romance in September, following his 2022 divorce from actress Leila George. Sources close to Penn report that the stark age difference between the actor and his new girlfriend has become a talking point among his social circle.
"Sean gets more grizzled and gray, but his partners get younger and more fresh-faced," revealed an insider familiar with the situation. The source added that Penn's pattern of dating significantly younger women may stem from a desire to maintain a certain image in Hollywood.
The relationship comes after Penn's five-year marriage to George, which ended in divorce. During that period, sources reported Penn struggled with personal issues, allegedly turning to alcohol and sleep medication as early as 11 AM while following political news coverage.
Beverly Hills psychiatrist Dr. Carole Lieberman offered professional insight into such age-gap relationships: "Many times, the man uses the younger woman as proof to the world he's still handsome and sexy." While not directly treating Penn, Dr. Lieberman noted that such relationships can sometimes reflect deeper psychological patterns.
The 34-year age gap between Penn and Nicov has raised questions about the nature of their relationship, particularly given Penn's history of high-profile romances. Industry observers note that while May-December relationships are not uncommon in Hollywood, the considerable age difference has still managed to turn heads.
As Penn continues to make headlines with his personal life, the actor's latest relationship choice appears to be drawing mixed reactions from both his inner circle and the entertainment community at large.