A Hollywood star dating a glamorous younger partner is a cliché as old as Tinseltown, but recently the age gaps seem to be getting even bigger.

Celebrity couples such as Sean Penn, 64, and 30-year-old actress Valeria Nicov, and Dennis Quaid who is almost four decades older than his wife Laura are becoming the norm – and it works both ways with women also plumping for younger partners.

Director Sam Taylor Johnson married her husband Aaron in June 2012, and has insisted that they barely notice the 23-year age gap anymore, while 19-year-old Cruz Beckham recently went public with model Jackie Apostel, 30.

While Al Pacino‘s ex Noor Alfallah, 30, has denied she’s dating Bill Maher, 68, the HBO‘s Real Time host has admitted that his dating is not age-appropriate, and said his response to anyone who doesn’t like it would be: ‘F*** you’.

And perhaps he is on to something, according to UK relationship expert Kate Mansfield told Femail that an age discrepancy may be the secret ingredient to a successful romance, thanks to an added sense of adventure and improved security.

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19-year-old Cruz Beckham’s relationship with Jackie Apostel, 30, may raise eyebrows, but a relationship expert has revealed that age-gap romances can pose unique benefits

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Film director Sam and actor Aaron Taylor Johnson wed in June 2012, despite having a 23-year age gap

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According to People, Bill Maher, 68, has reportedly enjoyed multiple dates with Al Pacino ‘s ex Noor Alfallah , 30 (seen together in California in March)

‘Age-gap relationships often get a bad reputation, full of suspicion about manipulation and the older person taking advantage of the younger one, but they can have some unique advantages,’ Kate said.

Relationship expert reveals the potential unique benefits of age-gap relationships…

1. Enhances stability and maturity levels

2. Fosters learning and growth

3. Reduces toxicity

4. Promotes shared values

5. Adds a sense of excitement and adveture

‘Often, older partners bring a level of emotional maturity and stability that can foster a healthier relationship. They may have more life experience, which can help navigate challenges more effectively,’ Kate said.

She added: ‘An older partner may have developed skills in communication, conflict resolution, and financial management that contribute to a more stable foundation for the relationship.’

Kate went on to explain that age-gap relationships can also hold the ideal conditions for learning and growth. She said: ‘An age gap often means different generational perspectives.

‘This can lead to enriching conversations and opportunities for personal growth as you learn from each other’s experiences.’

‘The older partner can act as a mentor, sharing insights gained from their life experiences, which can help you grow personally and professionally.’

The expert added that age gap relationships may also reduce toxicity, saying: ‘Older individuals are often more settled in their lives and know what they want. This clarity can lead to healthier relationship dynamics, reducing potential drama or toxicity.’

She added that relationship type may also have a bigger focus on commitment, adding: ‘Age-gap relationships can sometimes prioritize commitment more than casual dating, fostering a deeper bond and mutual respect.

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Pictured: Husband and wife Dennis Quaid, 70, and Laura Savoie, 31, attend the red carpet of the Filming Italy 2023

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64-year-old director Sean Penn is dating 30-year old actress Valeria Nicov (seen together in Paris in October)

Age-gap relationship may additionally promote shared values. She said: ‘Couples with an age gap may find they have aligned values, particularly if the older partner is in a phase of life where they seek stability and companionship rather than casual dating.’

‘The life experience of the older partner can create a nurturing environment where both partners feel supported in their aspirations.’

Kate concluded: ‘While every relationship has its challenges, age-gap relationships can offer unique benefits that contribute to a strong, supportive, and enriching partnership.

‘It’s important for both partners to communicate openly about their expectations and experiences to ensure a healthy dynamic.

‘Despite benefits there are often hidden psychological factors involved in an attraction of this kind and it’s worth making sure that this is not the case through therapy or coaching.’

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George, 63, and Amal, 46, have proved age is just a number with their 17-year age gap marriage (seen at the New York Public Library in New York, September)

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Brad Pitt, 60, recently revealed his relationship with 31-year-old Ines de Ramon (seen together in New York in September)

Brad Pitt, 60, and girlfriend Ines De Ramon, 34, holding hands

Research has even suggested that couples with decades between them are more romantically satisfied, with scientists from Australia’s Deakin University suggesting these couples have greater trust and lower jealousy between them.

Last month’s Venice Film Festival Venice Film Festival’s red carpet could have been mistaken for an advertisement extolling the benefits of age gap love.

Brad Pitt made his red carpet debut with Ines de Ramon, 31, a jewellery manager he has been dating for around two years.

Ines, who is Vampire Diaries star Paul Wesley’s ex-wife, is his first serious relationship since his divorce from Angelina Jolie.

And Brad’s long-time pal and co-star George, 63, and his wife Amal, 46, made the event a Hollywood age-gap double date, as Amal turned heads in a glamorous yellow dress.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Aniston’s ex-husband Justin Theroux and Nicole Brydon proved an age gap could be the key to a successful Hollywood romance as they sparked engagement rumours while taking to the red carpet.

Nicole was spotted wearing a dazzling diamond ring on her left hand and the pair matched in white as they promoted Justin’s new film Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

The pair are a fairly recent couple but have now been dating over a year after being first spotted together in February 2023.

Another recent couple, Emma Corrin, 28, and Rami Malek, 43, who have been dating for around a year, put on a very loved up display at the festival.

The Crown star, who identifies as non-binary, dazzled in a lime-green co-ord as they joined their partner for a very sweet public display of affection.

Emma and Rami have a comparatively small age gap of 15 years between them, and looked to be on cloud nine as they gazed into each others eyes and packed on the PDA in the sunshine – as the Bohemian Rhapsody star slung an arm around their shoulders.

One of the largest age gaps of the festival was between Richard Gere, 75, and his wife Alejandra Silva, 41, who put on a sweet display.

The pair have 34 years between them but it was clearly no barrier to their thriving relationship as Gere was seen bowing down to his wife and marvelling at her beauty, before scooping her up for a kiss.

They proved the spark is very much still alive after their 2018 marriage, following which they have welcomed two children.