Full Breakdown
Zoe Saldaña on Raising Three Sons in a Climate of Pervasive Noise
4/27/2026, 12:21:44 PM
Parenting Challenge at the 2026 Time 100 Gala
At the 2026 Time 100 Gala, actress Zoe Saldaña spoke to Page Six about raising her three sons amid what she described as “so much noise … very pervasive and very persuasive.” She said protecting the boys from misogynistic and hostile discourse while fostering resilience is a concern.
Family Background and Cultural Context
Saldaña, a Dominican-Puerto Rican actress, has been married to artist Marco Perego since 2013. The couple share twins Cy and Bowie, both 11, and a younger son, Zen, age 9. Saldaña highlighted the dimension of raising “men of color and sons of immigrants and American men,” emphasizing pride in their heritage.
Parenting Philosophy for Boys
Saldaña framed her approach around preserving empathy and emotional softness, calling her sons “delicate flowers” that can also be “resilient.” She said she wants the children seen first as “absolute human beings” rather than as representatives of any label. The actress noted that limiting public exposure and setting clear boundaries are tactics she and Perego use to shield the boys from celebrity-related pressures.
Data on the Children
Why the Conversation Matters
Saldaña’s remarks intersect with broader discussions about modern parenting, especially for families navigating cultural identity and online discourse. Her focus on emotional gentleness challenges stereotypes about masculinity, while her acknowledgment of societal misogyny underscores concerns shared by many parents about online toxicity.
Official Statements & Responses
In her interview, Saldaña summarized her intent to balance “gentle hearts” with “resilient minds” for her sons. She described her partnership with Perego as “the biggest honor in my life” and expressed gratitude for being included in Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2026, where director James Cameron called her a “phenomenon” and praised her as a protective mother. These statements reflect both personal commitment and public recognition of her parenting stance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There’s so much noise out there, and that noise is very pervasive and very persuasive,” — Zoe Saldaña, Actress
- “And I do believe that men are delicate flowers,” — Zoe Saldaña, Actress
- “You hung the moon in our beautiful, perfect sons Cy, Bowie, and Zen,” — Zoe Saldaña, Actress
- “They fill our skies every night with stars.” — Zoe Saldaña, Actress
- “Giving her other half, Marco Perego, whom she married in 2013, a shout-out, Saldana continued, “And to my husband with that beautiful hair, the biggest honor in my life is being your partner.” — Zoe Saldaña, Actress
What’s Next
Saldaña indicated that she will continue to keep her children largely out of the spotlight while navigating the evolving cultural landscape that shapes their upbringing.
