Valeria Nicov is a Paris-based model and actress of Moldovan descent whose most well-known roles were as a model in her campaigns and her more recent high-profile romance with actor Sean Penn. The actress was initially recognized in the industry with minor roles in French film and television—her most recognizable role being that of a bartender in Netflix’s Emily in Paris.

A fluent speaker of several languages and an active participant in the European fashion circuit, Nicov exhibits an energetic mixture of artistic skill, creative demeanor, and contemporary versatility in her rapidly emerging career.
Valeria Nicov Biography | |
|---|---|
| Real Name: | Valeria Nicov |
| Birth Date: | 1998 |
| Age (Approx.): | 28 years |
| Birth Place: | Chișinău, Moldova |
| Height: | 1.77 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Boyfriend | Sean Penn |
Early Life
Valeria Nicov was born in 1998 in Chișinău, Moldova. She grew up in a cultured atmosphere and learned Romanian, Russian, English, French, Spanish, and Italian, which was an outstanding skill set that would come in handy in her modeling and acting career on an international scale.
At an early age, she was shown to be fond of the arts, taking part in school plays and experimenting with music and dance. Valeria received her early education in Moldova and later relocated to France, where she joined the highly acclaimed Cours Florent in Paris to continue her studies in dramatic arts.
This move served as a crucial point in her career and personal development, as it enabled her to move forward as a local talent towards a multicultural artist and be able to perform successfully in an international environment. This early enthusiasm and academic rigor, combined with a cultural flexibility that would later enable her to make it in both fashion and film.
Valeria Nicov Career
After the formal training in dramatic arts at Cours Florent in Paris, Valeria Nicov made her debut in the entertainment industry as a model and actress. Premium Models got her modeling work, and she has seen editorial spreads and campaigns in brands like Carolina Herrera, Bonanza Paris, and Dada Sport.
With her polished but commanding presence, she was a familiar figure at fashion events in Paris, London, and Milan. Nicov, who had a history in tango, yoga, and equestrian sports, added a special physical grace and control to her modeling poses and was particularly attractive in thematic campaigns.
In parallel with her modeling career, Valeria has starred in French productions such as the comedy movie Paris Pigalle and the series Mike. Her recognizable role was a cameo in Emily in Paris on Netflix, in which she appeared as a bartender.
Although it was short, it introduced her to international audiences and revealed her performance on screen. She has also appeared in short films and commercials, further extending her repertoire through her multilingual fluency. The combination of modeling and acting has helped her to further establish a profile in European fashion and entertainment circles.
Personal Life
Since September 2024, Valeria Nicov has been romantically associated with actor Sean Penn. The two were initially seen in Madrid publicly expressing their love, intertwining hands, and kissing. They made their red carpet debut together at the Marrakech International Film Festival in November 2024, where Penn was the honoree, and Nicov was seen alongside him.
Valeria, who is estimated to be around 30 years of age, compared to Penn, who is about 34 years older, attracted extensive media coverage and reaction from society. The two have since been spotted together in Los Angeles and Paris, frequently photographed arm-in-arm or in other affectionate interactions, emphasizing a personal relationship that has elicited both praise and criticism.
Social Media
Valeria Nicov also has fans on Instagram under the name @valerianicov, where she has around 19,000 followers. Her feed is a balance between professionalism (photoshoots, runway, behind the scenes) and intimate moments of her life (travels, exercising, hobbies, and poses in studio or street environments).
She usually uploads captions in various languages, which demonstrates her multilingualism and global citizenship. She has a small following when compared to mainstream celebrities, but her content portrays sophistication, adventurousness, and cultural inquisitiveness.
Valeria Nicov Net Worth
Valeria Nicov does not share much about their finances publicly. Her television and film appearances have been in secondary roles with gradual pay and publicity. Although her net worth is not publicly documented, her international work, brand presence, and association with high-profile events are likely to place her within a developing earnings bracket in line with mid-level European creatives, with estimates placing her net worth at less than 1 million dollars.