Madonna and Sean Penn | Source: Getty Images
Sean Penn Addresses Madonna's 'Love of Her Life' Remark After Their Brief Marriage
More than three decades after its release, Sean Penn is sharing his thoughts on Madonna's 1991 documentary "Truth or Dare," where she claimed he was the "love of her life."
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Madonna's ex-husband, Sean Penn, candidly opened up about their relationship during an appearance on "The Louis Theroux Podcast" on May 13, 2025.
Sean Penn and Madonna in New York circa August 1986 | Source: Getty Images
Penn and Madonna first met on the set of her "Material Girl" music video. While he did not appear on the video itself, he would visit since he lived nearby. They married in 1985, but their famously tumultuous relationship ended in divorce four years later, in 1989.
Sean Penn and Madonna leave rehearsals for "Goose and Tom Tom" on August 20, 1986 | Source: Getty Images
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During the interview, Penn reflected on "Truth or Dare," Madonna's 1991 documentary, confirming that he had seen the film and heard her remarks about him being the "love of her life." However, he didn't entirely agree.
Madonna and Sean Penn arrive at a Terrence Trent Darby concert at The Roxy, Los Angeles, on September 30, 1987 | Source: Getty Images
"She's very sweet. Look, she's been a good friend for a lot of years. It didn't take us long to realize that we had mistaken a good first date for a wedding partner," he said on the podcast.
Madonna and Sean Penn at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 9, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
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Despite the challenges in their marriage, Penn shared that they were able to rebuild their friendship not long after their split. "I have a lot of fond memories of it – it's not all jail. But there was a lot of alcohol and she'd be fairly accusing me of that," Penn added.
Penn's remarks come shortly after a Deadline exclusive revealed Madonna's upcoming collaboration with Netflix on a limited series about her life. As the project is expected to explore her personal relationships, it's possible Penn could be featured—much like he was in the 1991 documentary "Truth or Dare."
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