The Italian Artist Who Stole Her Heart: Everything To Know About Zoe Saldaña's Husband, Marco Perego-Saldaña
As of late 2025, the man who holds the key to Hollywood superstar Zoe Saldaña’s heart is the multi-talented Italian artist, Marco Perego-Saldaña. Their decade-plus marriage is a rare and compelling example of a true partnership in the celebrity world, built on a foundation of fierce privacy, shared artistic vision, and a groundbreaking decision that defied traditional gender norms: Marco chose to take Zoe’s last name, a powerful gesture that remains one of the most unique aspects of their union. Their recent appearances, including the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards, continue to showcase a couple deeply in love and united in their commitment to family and creative pursuits.
The journey of Zoe and Marco Perego-Saldaña is a whirlwind romance story that began with a chance encounter and quickly blossomed into a secret wedding, demonstrating their shared desire for a life away from the relentless Hollywood spotlight. Far from being just an 'actor's husband,' Marco is a successful visual artist, filmmaker, and a former professional soccer player whose own life story is as rich and complex as his wife's career. Understanding who Marco Perego-Saldaña is offers a deeper appreciation for the private and powerful force that grounds one of the world's most recognizable actresses.
Marco Perego-Saldaña: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile
Marco Perego-Saldaña is much more than the husband of a Hollywood A-lister. He is a multifaceted creative force whose background is a compelling mix of athleticism, artistic passion, and European roots. His decision to adopt his wife's surname, a detail that often surprises and inspires, speaks volumes about his character and their modern partnership.
- Full Name: Marco Perego-Saldaña (Born Marco Perego)
- Date of Birth: March 1, 1979
- Age (as of late 2025): 46
- Place of Birth: Salò, Italy (Brescia)
- Nationality: Italian
- Primary Profession: Visual Artist, Filmmaker, Sculptor
- Former Career: Professional Soccer Player (forced to retire due to injury)
- Spouse: Zoe Saldaña (Married 2013)
- Children: Three sons: Twins Cy Aridio and Bowie Ezio (b. 2014), and Zen (b. 2017)
- Notable Art Career Highlights: His work has been exhibited in galleries across the world, including in London, New York, and Venice.
- Key Relationship Detail: He took Zoe’s last name, becoming Perego-Saldaña, while Zoe became Saldaña-Perego.
The Whirlwind Romance and Secret London Wedding
The love story of Zoe Saldaña and Marco Perego-Saldaña is a testament to the idea of love at first sight, proving that when you know, you know. Their initial encounter and subsequent marriage timeline were incredibly fast-paced, reflecting a deep, immediate connection.
How Zoe and Marco Met
While some sources suggest they met on an airplane, the couple has kept the exact details of their first encounter private, though it is widely reported to have occurred in early 2013. What is clear is that their bond was instant and intense. Zoe has often spoken about the immediate recognition she felt, describing their connection as a soul-level recognition. She famously stated that she doesn't "do the ABCs," but follows what her heart feels.
The Ultra-Private 2013 Ceremony
After only three months of dating, the couple decided to tie the knot. In June 2013, Zoe and Marco exchanged vows in a super-secret, intimate wedding ceremony in London. The extreme privacy surrounding their nuptials was a clear signal of their desire to keep their personal life shielded from the intense media scrutiny that follows an A-list actress like Saldaña. The news of their marriage did not even become public until months later, a deliberate choice that set the tone for their relationship.
Marco’s Groundbreaking Decision: Taking the Saldaña Name
One of the most talked-about and modern aspects of their marriage is Marco's decision to take Zoe's last name, becoming Marco Perego-Saldaña. This act challenged centuries of tradition and demonstrated the couple's commitment to equality and a shared identity.
Zoe Saldaña revealed in an interview that she tried to talk him out of it, citing the potential for criticism, but Marco was resolute. He told her, "I don't care. That's who I am." This move was a powerful statement against the patriarchal norm where the wife is expected to take the husband's name. It highlighted his secure sense of self and his dedication to their partnership as equals. The actress herself hyphenated her name to Saldaña-Perego. This detail is often used as a touchstone for discussing modern relationships and gender roles in the 21st century.
From Professional Soccer Player to Acclaimed Visual Artist
Marco Perego-Saldaña's professional life is a fascinating narrative of transformation, moving from the intensity of professional sports to the world of fine art. This career pivot adds significant depth to his profile, demonstrating his versatility and resilience.
The Soccer Dream Derailed by Injury
Born in Italy, Marco initially pursued a career in professional football (soccer). He was reportedly a talented player and was even selected to join Venice's professional team. However, a severe leg injury tragically cut short his athletic career, forcing him to seek a new path. This setback led him to New York City, where he arrived with little money and worked various jobs, including as a busboy, waiter, and soccer teacher, while pursuing his true passion: art.
A Flourishing Career in the Art World
Marco is now a highly regarded visual artist, filmmaker, and sculptor. His work often explores themes of social commentary and human struggle, a reflection of his own journey. His art has been exhibited globally, cementing his status as a serious and successful creative. This shared passion for the arts—Zoe in acting and Marco in visual arts—provides a strong, intellectual foundation for their relationship. He is known for his versatility, working across mediums and continually evolving his artistic expression.
Their Family Life and the 'Important Promise'
The couple's family life revolves around their three sons: twins Cy and Bowie, and their youngest, Zen. They are fiercely protective of their children's privacy, but Zoe occasionally offers glimpses into their dynamic as a family.
Parenting and Shared Values
The family is often seen traveling together, with Marco taking on the role of a hands-on, dedicated father. Their parenting style emphasizes a bilingual and bicultural upbringing, honoring both Zoe's Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage and Marco's Italian roots. They have spoken about the importance of being "guardians of the family" together, emphasizing a united front in raising their children.
The Vow of Shared Responsibility
In a recent interview with Vogue México, Zoe Saldaña revealed an "important promise" she made with her husband, which speaks to the core of their partnership. The promise is a commitment to always be a team, to share the responsibilities of their household and children equally, regardless of their demanding careers. This vow of true partnership is a fresh, modern detail that highlights the strength and intentionality behind their long-lasting marriage. Their constant support for each other, seen in their public appearances at major events like the 2025 SAG Awards, is a clear reflection of this promise in action.
The story of Zoe Saldaña and Marco Perego-Saldaña is a compelling blend of Hollywood glamour and down-to-earth commitment. From a secret wedding in London to a groundbreaking name change and a shared artistic life, they have successfully navigated the pressures of fame by prioritizing their private life and their family. Marco, the Italian artist and former athlete, provides a solid, creative, and equal partnership for the Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy star, proving that true love can indeed be found in a whirlwind, and that modern relationships can successfully redefine traditional roles.
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