Anyone into pop culture might have been a little shocked when rumors emerged that singer Role Model (Tucker Pillsbury) and actress Dakota Johnson were seen holding hands and flirting on April 3. Both were formerly in publicized long-term relationships before breaking up, Johnson with Chris Martin and Pillsbury with Emma Chamberlain, which makes this pairing even more unexpected.
Who are they?
Johnson is best known for starring in the 50 Shades of Grey movie series and more recent project, The Materialists. She became known for being incredibly down-to-earth and sarcastic, especially in interviews. Her interview with Architectural Digest went viral for her talking about her love for limes, which she is actually allergic to. She tends to keep her personal life private, not publicizing it on social media or discussing her relationships on camera.
Tucker Pillsbury, known as Role Model, is an indie pop musician who gained popularity with his single “Sally, when the wine runs out.” He often brings his friends and fans onstage to perform as “Sally.” He’s known for his playful persona, which draws his fans to him. He is more open about his romantic and social life on social media, including his campaign to be People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2025.
Relationship Timeline
According to outside sources, Pillsbury and Johnson began hanging out late last year and were pictured getting close at a dinner with friends. This relationship began to grow quickly when they were spotted holding hands and flirting this past month. After this, they continued to be seen out on dates, at dinners, on walks, and even at a Paul McCartney concert in Los Angeles.
The public’s reaction
While people were initially skeptical of the relationship because of the 8-year age gap, Dakota Johnson’s mother weighed in soon after it became public, calling him “fabulous.” Getting her mother’s approval made people less skeptical, because why would she support a relationship going nowhere or a PR stunt?
Many fans were suspicious of these relationships because their former ones were well-loved, but it mainly just surprised them. Coming from different industries, many of their fans don’t overlap, with fans thinking Johnson was more sophisticated than Pillsbury, who has a stronger online presence. Despite initial shock, their similar sense of humor led many fans to see the pairing as a good fit beyond age, social status, and industry.