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10 Shocking Facts About Zoe Saldaña's Husband Marco Perego-Saldaña: The Artist Who Took Her Last Name

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Zoe Saldaña’s husband, Marco Perego-Saldaña, is far more than just the partner of a Hollywood superstar; he is an accomplished Italian artist, a former professional soccer player, and a visionary filmmaker who made an unconventional, headline-making decision to take his wife’s last name when they married. This bold move in 2013 instantly redefined traditional gender roles in their high-profile relationship, setting a powerful precedent in the celebrity world. As of December 2025, the couple continues to be one of Hollywood's most private and creatively aligned pairs, recently gracing the red carpets of the 2025 awards season and sharing the intimate details of a "meaning-only" pact that guides their life and work together. The couple’s decade-long marriage, which produced three beautiful children, is a testament to their deep, immediate connection—a whirlwind romance that began and culminated in marriage within the same year. From Marco’s humble beginnings in Italy to his current status as a celebrated visual artist and director, his story is an inspiring journey of creative reinvention and unwavering dedication to his family.

Marco Perego-Saldaña: Complete Biography and Profile

Marco Perego-Saldaña is an Italian-born artist, filmmaker, and former professional athlete, best known globally as the husband of actress Zoe Saldaña. His career spans visual art, which includes painting and sculpture, and film direction, often focusing on themes of social justice and human connection. His decision to adopt his wife's surname after their marriage in 2013 remains a defining and widely discussed aspect of his public profile.

  • Full Name: Marco Perego-Saldaña (Born Marco Perego)
  • Date of Birth: March 1, 1979
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 46 years old
  • Place of Birth: Salò, Brescia, Italy
  • Nationality: Italian
  • Spouse: Zoe Saldaña (m. 2013)
  • Children: Three sons: twins Cy Aridio and Bowie Ezio (born 2014), and Zen (born 2017)
  • Occupations: Visual Artist, Sculptor, Filmmaker, Former Professional Soccer Player
  • Notable Career Highlights: Exhibitions in New York, London, and Italy; Co-wrote and directed the 2024 film *Key Party* (starring Zoe Saldaña); Former professional soccer player for the Venice professional team.
  • Education: Studied art in Venice.
  • Residences: Los Angeles, California, and New York City.

The Unconventional Love Story: From Whirlwind Romance to Shared Identity

The relationship between Zoe Saldaña and Marco Perego-Saldaña is a captivating narrative of instant connection and bold, modern choices. Their love story began in early 2013 and quickly accelerated into a private, intimate marriage just a few months later.

Meeting and Marriage: A Private 2013 Ceremony

While some reports suggest they met on a flight, the couple had reportedly been friends for years before their romantic relationship began in March 2013, shortly after Zoe's split from actor Bradley Cooper. The connection was immediate and profound, leading them to tie the knot in a secret ceremony in London in June 2013. They kept the marriage private for several months, only confirming the news later that year. This whirlwind timeline is a testament to their conviction that they had found their soulmate.

The Groundbreaking Decision to Share a Last Name

Perhaps the most talked-about aspect of their union is Marco’s decision to take Zoe’s last name, becoming Marco Perego-Saldaña. Zoe initially tried to talk him out of it, citing traditional expectations and potential backlash, but Marco was resolute. He famously told her, "Men, you will not cease to exist by taking your wife's last name. On the contrary, you will be remembered as the man who set an example." This action was widely praised for challenging patriarchal norms and demonstrating a commitment to true partnership and equality in marriage. The couple now uses the hyphenated surname for their family, creating a unified Saldaña-Perego identity.

Marco’s Journey: From Professional Soccer to Visionary Artist

Marco Perego-Saldaña’s professional life is marked by a dramatic shift from the physical discipline of sport to the expressive freedom of art. This duality informs his work and his perspective on life, making him a truly multifaceted entity.

The Soccer Dream Cut Short

Born in Salò, Italy, Marco harbored dreams of becoming a professional footballer from a young age. His talent was recognized when he was selected to play on Venice's professional soccer team. However, a severe leg injury prematurely ended his athletic career, forcing a major pivot in his life's direction. This setback led him to move to New York City, where he began his artistic journey.

The Rise of a Visual Artist and Filmmaker

In New York, Marco worked various jobs, including busboy and waiter, while pursuing his passion for art. His visual art career took off, with his work—often described as provocative and deeply symbolic—being exhibited in major galleries across the globe, including in New York, London, and Italy. His artistic signature is known for its exploration of contemporary issues and human emotion.

In recent years, Marco has expanded his creative endeavors into filmmaking. He co-wrote and directed the 2024 film *Key Party*, which stars his wife, Zoe Saldaña, demonstrating a powerful professional collaboration between the couple. This move into directing highlights his versatility and his commitment to storytelling across different mediums.

Family Life and The 'Meaning-Only' Promise (2025 Update)

The Perego-Saldaña family is a tight-knit unit, prioritizing privacy and purpose. The couple has three sons: twins Cy Aridio and Bowie Ezio, born in 2014, and Zen, born in 2017. Zoe has often spoken about the challenges and joys of raising three young boys, crediting Marco as an incredibly supportive and hands-on father.

A Recent Milestone and Public Appearances

In late 2024 and early 2025, the couple has been highly visible, showcasing their enduring bond. They attended the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards and the 2025 Oscars together, where they were noted for their glamorous and affectionate appearances. Furthermore, Marco was by Zoe's side when she received the prestigious Gran Soberano at the 2025 Premios Soberano, the Dominican Republic's most esteemed artistic award, a moment that visibly moved him to tears.

The "Meaning-Only" Pact

In a recent interview with *Vogue México*, Zoe Saldaña revealed an important, guiding principle for their relationship: a "meaning-only" promise they made to each other. Zoe explained that this pact influences every decision they make, both personally and professionally.

The promise is simple yet profound: "With Marco, there's a very deep connection. We made a promise: that whatever we did together, in art or in life, would have meaning, or we wouldn't do it at all." This shared commitment to purpose and substance over superficiality is the anchor for their decade-long marriage, providing a rare glimpse into the philosophical foundation of their successful partnership and explaining why they are one of the most respected couples in the entertainment industry today.

zoe saldaña husband
zoe saldaña husband

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