Meet Dave Bautista's GF, Maria, 27-Year Age Gap, Dad's Frantic Time In LA, Net Worth USD 1 Million

WWE star, Dave Bustista, professionally known as 'Batista', made headlines when he announced that he had found someone new. The former wrestler was seen in a cosy picture with the Bulgarian actress, Maria Bakalova and called her a dear friend. However, the speculations around them being more than just 'friends' left the internet abuzz.

Fans are now speculating if Maria Bakalova and Dave Bustista are really more than just friends. However, the couple has not responded to this. Nonetheless, the internet's interest in Maria has skyrocketed. So, without further ado, let's take a look at her life before and after moving to Los Angeles, as well as her relationship with Dave. 

Who is Maria Bakalova?

Maria Valcheva Bakalova was born in Burgas, Bulgaria, on June 4, 1996. The actress found herself drawn to the performing arts from a young age and began singing, acting, and playing music. At twelve years old, she was already learning theatre. Her most significant breakthrough was playing 'Tutar Sagdiyev' in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm in 2020. The actress received several nominations for the role, including the Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild. 

The 27-year age gap between Maria Bakalova and Dave Bustista

Maria Bakalova and David Bustista's relationship have been making headlines. However, not just for their potential romance but also for their massive age gap. Yes! Dave and Maria have an age gap of almost three decades. While the former wrestler is 56 years old, the actress is only 29, which has also sparked buzz.

Maria Bakalova's father might not return to the United States

Maria Bakalova was born and raised in Bulgaria. However, she moved to the United States in search of better opportunities. Her father visited her for Christmas in 2024, but it might have been the first and last time he visited America, as his stay turned out to be anything but easy.

For the unversed, Maria's father was visiting the country at the same time as the fire disaster happened in LA. During an interaction, she recalled staying under emergency alert and how horrifying it was. She was quoted as saying:

"You understand how small you are and how dependent you are on the people around you. Because at the end of the day, yes, your house is your home, but your life is the most important thing, your life and the life of your pets, the creatures that you love. That was certainly evidence of how important it is to support each other, and to hold someone by the hand when something like this happens."

Maria Bakalova doesn't want to leave Los Angeles

While Maria Bakalova's father's experience was horrifying, Maria Bakalova has found a home for herself in the country. During an interaction, Maria had once revealed that she had never imagined that she would be a Cali girl. However, she can no longer imagine leaving Los Angeles. 

Maria revealed that she had never pictured herself coming to America. She added that she thought that she would move to Denmark as she loved the Danish theatre, or to Copenhagen, but the US was not on her list. Maria stated:

"Theoretically, I was hoping to go to Denmark because I loved Danish theatre. I thought I could move to Copenhagen, learn the language, and work there, while staying connected to the film industry in Europe, with directors like Lars von Trier. Then a magical thing happened, and I was introduced to Sacha Baron Cohen."

She had also revealed that she was extremely lucky to have met people who were interested in global topics, the environment, or connected to politics, despite being in the heart of the entertainment industry. Maria Bakalova shared how she met people who were much more outspoken about life in general than she had known before. She added:

"I just fell in love with the place. And I fell in love with the people who live here. Then the rest, as they say, is history. I was also fortunate to meet people who are dedicated to their jobs in various areas that differ from mine. I have friends who are doing a wine-tasting. I have friends who are making jewellery. I have friends who are lawyers."

Maria Bakalova's New York curse

Maria Bakalova has had a long history with New York. However, not in a good sense. The first time the actress visited the city, she was disguised while shooting a prank with Rudy Giuliani. However, the former mayor tried to touch her inappropriately, and when the Borat star, Sacha Baron Cohen, ran into the room, Rudy got angry and called the cops on them. The two stars had to flee to Romania to escape the situation. 

Maria's second visit didn't get any better as she got COVID-19 while visiting NYC for the screening of Bodies Bodies Bodies in 2021, leading her to miss Christmas with her family. When she next visited the city, the purse containing her passport and visa was stolen from her chair at a restaurant, which extended her stay by eight weeks, only for her wallet to be stolen as well. 

Maria Bakalova's net worth and projects

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Maria Bakalova's net worth is estimated at 1 million US dollars. Over the years, the actress has amassed a substantial wealth through her acting roles in both Hollywood and the Bulgarian entertainment industry. Her breakout role in the Borat sequel was a career-changing moment, not only giving her fame but also opening the doors to big-budget movies. Her voice roles in Marvel and DC films also contribute to her massive wealth. 

What are your thoughts on Maria Bakalova's journey in the industry so far?

Next Read: Todd And Julie Chrisley's Story, Marriage, Cancer, Tax Fraud, Reunion After Prison And TV Comeback

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Get App

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Choose your device Android or IOS (Apple)