Zoe Saldaña met Marco Perego in 2013, and their relationship moved remarkably quickly. More than a decade later, the Italian artist and filmmaker remains the man beside one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actresses.
Who Is Zoe Saldaña’s Husband?
Zoe Saldaña’s husband is Marco Perego-Saldaña, an Italian artist, filmmaker and producer. Before entering the entertainment world alongside his wife, Perego had already built an unusual career that began with professional soccer and eventually led him into the New York art scene.
Perego was born in Salò, Italy. According to published biographical accounts, he pursued soccer professionally as a teenager, but a serious injury at 21 ended that career. He subsequently moved to New York and worked various jobs while developing himself as an artist.
That background is important because Perego was not simply introduced to fame through his marriage. He had his own creative career before becoming publicly known as Saldaña’s husband.
How Did Zoe Saldaña Meet Marco Perego?
The couple’s first meeting has become one of the more unusual parts of their relationship story.
Saldaña and Perego met in 2013 while traveling on a flight to New York. Saldaña later described feeling an immediate connection when she first noticed him. The meeting was followed by a relationship that developed at extraordinary speed.
Within months, the pair were married in a private ceremony in London in June 2013. Contemporary accounts and later interviews consistently place their wedding in that year.
The speed of the relationship attracted attention, particularly because both had previously spoken about marriage in ways that suggested they were not necessarily rushing toward it. But the marriage itself has now lasted more than a decade.
The Name Change That Raised Questions
One detail made Perego’s marriage to Saldaña particularly notable.
After the wedding, Marco adopted his wife’s surname and became known publicly as Marco Perego-Saldaña. Saldaña later revealed that she initially worried about the reaction he might receive from other people, but Perego chose to take her name anyway.
The decision challenged a traditional expectation surrounding marriage and surnames.
There is no credible evidence that the name change was a publicity stunt. The couple have repeatedly discussed it publicly, making the decision one of the better-documented parts of their relationship.
Their Three Children
Saldaña and Perego are parents to three sons.
Their twins, Cy Aridio and Bowie Ezio, were born in November 2014. Their youngest son, Zen Anton Hilario, was born in December 2016.
Saldaña has spoken openly about the way she and Perego approach parenting. In interviews, she has described their household as gender-neutral, with both parents sharing responsibilities rather than following traditional gender roles.
The family has occasionally appeared together publicly, including at major film events. However, Saldaña and Perego have generally kept their family life more private than many celebrity couples.
Marco Perego’s Career Beyond Being Zoe’s Husband
Calling Perego simply “Zoe Saldaña’s husband” leaves out much of his professional story.
He transitioned from soccer into visual art after moving to New York. His career later expanded into filmmaking, where he has worked as a writer, director and producer. He directed The Absence of Eden, a film starring Saldaña, giving the couple an opportunity to work together professionally.
His filmmaking career has continued to grow. In 2026, Perego made headlines at the Cannes Film Festival after producing three films selected for the festival’s main competition, with two of his productions receiving major awards.
That development adds another layer to his public identity. Perego is no longer simply known as the husband of an internationally successful actress; he has established a significant creative career of his own.
Their Marriage in the Public Eye
Saldaña has continued to speak positively about her husband while maintaining a relatively private family life.
During her 2025 Oscar acceptance speech after winning Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez, she publicly thanked Perego and described being his partner as one of the greatest honors of her life.
The moment offered a rare glimpse into the importance of their relationship at a major point in Saldaña’s career.
More recently, Saldaña has also discussed how demanding her career can be. In a 2025 interview with Good Morning America, she explained that her family often travels with her and that balancing filming with family life involves sacrifices.
The Answer Behind the Search
So, who is Zoe Saldaña’s husband?
The evidence is clear. Marco Perego-Saldaña is an Italian-born artist and filmmaker who married Saldaña in 2013. He is the father of their three sons and has developed a career spanning art, film production and directing.
Their story began with a chance meeting on a plane and a remarkably fast marriage. More than a decade later, the relationship has evolved into a family and creative partnership that exists alongside, rather than entirely behind, Saldaña’s Hollywood career.
Author Bio
By Daniel Mercer
Daniel Mercer is a journalist covering celebrity relationships, entertainment and public-interest stories. His work focuses on separating documented facts from speculation while examining the people behind the headlines.
