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Actress Dakota Johnson Seen Locking Lips With Boyfriend Role Model In L.A.

The streets of Los Feliz witnessed a Hollywood romance in full bloom this weekend as Dakota Johnson and her boyfriend, the indie-pop sensation Role Model (Tucker Pillsbury), were spotted in a passionate embrace.

On Friday evening, the couple effectively ended any lingering speculation about their relationship status with a series of candid, PDA-filled moments that have since set social media ablaze.

@tmz

Dakota Johnson and Role Model are still going strong … making their romance known by smooching each other while out in Los Angeles Friday night! 🎥 BACKGRID

♬ original sound – TMZ

The Madame Web star, 36, and the “blind” singer, 28, were captured by photographers in a Los Feliz parking lot, appearing completely enamored with one another.

Dressed in a chic yet casual olive green blouse paired with a black jacket, Johnson was seen wrapping her arms around Pillsbury from behind, clutching a stylish burgundy handbag.

Pillsbury, keeping it low-key in a blue T-shirt and ball cap, was seen nuzzling the actress’s cheek and hair before the two shared several lingering kisses.

Actress Dakota Johnson Seen Locking Lips With Boyfriend Role Model In L.A.
Credit: Instagram 📸

This public display of affection marks a significant turning point for Johnson, who famously ended her eight-year relationship and engagement with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin in June 2025.

While the split from Martin, 48, was reportedly amicable, insiders at the time cited differing views on the future as a primary catalyst.

According to reports from The US Sun, the nearly decade-long romance hit a wall regarding the topic of starting a family.

“Dakota has expressed that she may want children in the future, whereas Chris is at a stage where he feels that part of his life is complete,” a source claimed.

Actress Dakota Johnson Seen Locking Lips With Boyfriend Role Model In L.A.
Credit: Instagram 📸

The age gap between Johnson and Martin was also cited as a recurring friction point, making her new romance with the younger Pillsbury a topic of intense interest for fans and celebrity watchers.

The Timeline: From Candlelight Dinners to Confirmed Romance

The rumors linking Johnson to Role Model first surfaced in late December 2025. The pair was initially spotted at a cozy, candlelight dinner with mutual friends, where sources told TMZ they appeared “very close.”

Witnesses at the time described Johnson as “all cuddled up” with the singer, heightening speculation that she had officially moved on from her past.

The momentum picked up in January 2026 when the duo was filmed entering the Beverly Hills hotspot Marvin.

Actress Dakota Johnson Seen Locking Lips With Boyfriend Role Model In L.A.
Credit: Instagram 📸

A video obtained by the celebrity gossip account Deuxmoi showed the pair looking comfortable and intimate, further fueling the fire.

By late January, the couple effectively confirmed their status when they were photographed holding hands during yet another dinner date in Los Angeles.

Friday night’s outing at the famed Italian restaurant Little Dom’s—a staple for A-list celebrities in the Los Feliz area—saw the couple joined by friends, with Johnson seen laughing and chatting happily near the entrance.

The relaxed atmosphere of the evening suggested that Pillsbury has been seamlessly integrated into Johnson’s inner social circle.

Actress Dakota Johnson Seen Locking Lips With Boyfriend Role Model In L.A.
Credit: Instagram 📸

Who is Role Model?

For those less familiar with the music scene, Tucker Pillsbury, known professionally as Role Model, is a rising star in the “bedroom pop” and indie-pop genres. Known for his vulnerable lyrics and unique aesthetic, the Maine native has built a massive following with hits like “hello!” and “blind.”

His relationship with Johnson—the daughter of Hollywood royalty Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith—brings together two different worlds of entertainment.

While Johnson is a veteran of major film franchises like Fifty Shades of Grey, Pillsbury represents the new wave of music stars who prioritize emotional honesty and digital-first fan engagement.

Navigating a relationship in the public eye is nothing new for Johnson. Having grown up in the spotlight, she has often spoken about her desire for privacy.

However, her body language on Friday suggested a woman who is comfortable and happy in her new skin.

Actress Dakota Johnson Seen Locking Lips With Boyfriend Role Model In L.A.
Credit: Instagram 📸

Observers have noted that the energy between Johnson and Pillsbury feels “fresh and youthful.” Despite their own eight-year age difference, sources close to the couple suggest they are on the same page regarding their career ambitions and personal lives.

While reps for both stars have yet to comment on the recent photos, the images speak for themselves.

As Dakota Johnson prepares for her upcoming project The Materialists, directed by Celine Song, and Role Model continues to tour and release new music, the couple’s bicoastal and busy schedules will be the true test of their longevity.

For now, however, the “Jole-Model” (as fans have dubbed them) romance seems to be the most talked-about pairing of the spring season.

In a city known for fleeting romances, the depth of connection displayed in those Los Feliz photos suggests that this might be more than just a rebound.

Whether they are grabbing a martini in Beverly Hills or sharing a quiet moment in a parking lot, Dakota Johnson and Role Model are clearly in the “honeymoon phase,” and the world is watching with bated breath.