Zoe Saldana’s love story with her husband Marco Perego-Saldana plays out like a whirlwind romance from a classic Hollywood film, except it’s all real. Their story began in the most unexpected of places—aboard a flight from Los Angeles to New York in early 2013. Sparks flew immediately, and within just a few months, they found themselves in a deep and undeniable connection. By June of that same year, they tied the knot in a private ceremony in London. It was an impulsive yet profound decision, one that defied both of their previous convictions about marriage.
Marco Perego, originally from Salo, Italy, had once been a professional soccer player before a severe leg injury redirected him toward art. With nothing but raw talent and determination, he moved to New York in his twenties and worked tirelessly to establish himself as a painter. His big break came when film producer Gilda Moratti took an interest in his work, catapulting him into the art world’s elite. But despite his success, Perego had no qualms about taking his wife’s last name, a rare choice that made headlines. When Saldana voiced her concerns about societal judgment, he simply responded, “Ah, Zoe, I don’t give a sheet.”
Inside Zoe Saldana’s Family Life With Husband Marco Perego and Their Three Kids
The couple’s wedding wasn’t without its complications—Zoe Saldana was in the middle of shooting the first Guardians of the Galaxy film, and coordinating the nuptials amid a hectic production schedule was no easy feat. She recalled approaching the assistant director, Jamie Christopher, to ask for a day off, to which he dramatically responded, “It must be done. Don’t worry, darling. I got you.” And just like that, they made it happen. The ceremony itself remained intimate and away from the public eye, a reflection of the couple’s tendency to keep their personal lives as private as possible.
Zoe Saldana and her husband Marco Perego quickly grew into a strong unit, not just as a married couple but as parents. Their first major milestone as a family came in November 2014, when they welcomed twin boys, Cy Aridio and Bowie Ezio. Three years later, in February 2017, their youngest son, Zen Anton Hilario, was born. Parenthood shifted their entire perspective, and Saldana, known for her fiercely independent nature, found herself dealing with the complexities of raising three boys in a modern, gender-neutral household. She openly discusses how she and Marco emphasize emotional intelligence, ensuring their sons are comfortable expressing vulnerability and defying traditional gender norms.
Despite their demanding careers, both parents are dedicated to maintaining a sense of normalcy for their children. Public appearances with their boys are rare, but when they do happen, they become memorable moments. In February 2025, Zoe Saldana made a stunning red carpet appearance at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival with all three of her “mini-mes” by her side. The event was a proud moment for the family, as Saldana received the American Riviera Award for her role in the film Emilia Pérez, which has taken the awards season by storm. She used the opportunity to express gratitude to her family, calling her sons “her greatest adventure and toughest critics.”
Zoe Saldaña and her children at the 40th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. pic.twitter.com/Vemone3s83
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Of course, life in the Saldana-Perego household isn’t without humor. The couple has shared playful anecdotes about their relationship, like the time they had to retire their cheeky code word for s*x—“playing Legos n*ked”—after their children caught on. And while Zoe Saldana is no stranger to public accolades, she has been equally vocal about the challenges of motherhood. She candidly admitted that raising three boys in Hollywood comes with its unique set of pressures, but she and Marco approach parenting as a team, always prioritizing their family above all else.
Their relationship also extends into their professional lives. Perego, a filmmaker himself, directed The Absence of Eden, a movie in which Saldana starred. Working together only deepened their bond, with Saldana gushing about how inspiring it was to witness her husband in his element. “It’s not just the love I feel for him as a person, it’s the respect I have for him as an artist,” she said in an interview.
Beyond their immediate family, Zoe Saldana has always remained deeply connected to her roots. Of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent, she brings elements of her Latin heritage into their household, ensuring her children grow up with an appreciation for their multicultural background. The family switches seamlessly between Spanish, English, and Italian in their daily conversations, something Saldana has joked about in interviews, saying it often makes for animated and dramatic discussions.
Despite their high-profile status, Saldana and Perego prioritize authenticity over public perception. Their love story, their commitment to their children, and their unconventional choices—whether it’s Marco taking Zoe’s last name or raising their kids in a non-traditional way—speak to the essence of who they are. Saldana has made it clear that she’s done having children, joking that she pulled her “feminist card” when Marco suggested trying for a girl. “You only give me boys, so just get over it,” she told him with a laugh. Instead, she focuses on raising respectful, well-rounded men who will go on to form their own strong families.
At the heart of it all, Zoe Saldana and her husband Marco Perego’s story is one of love and mutual admiration. Whether on the red carpet, at home in their $17.5 million Montecito estate, or working side by side on creative projects, they continue to embody a partnership that is equal parts passion and dedication. As Saldana said herself, “He is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” And if their decade-long marriage is anything to go by, that sentiment isn’t changing anytime soon.
