Dakota Johnson has reportedly resumed dating following her split from Chris Martin in June. The actress has been navigating the complexities of relationships, as reflected in her public comments and recent sightings. The Dakota Johnson dating timeline highlights her transition from a long-term partner to exploring new connections, including rumored moments with musician Role Model.
Johnson’s Perspective on Dating and Relationships
Before her breakup was made public, Johnson opened up about her experience with dating in an interview with ELLE UK in May. She described her unfamiliarity with dating apps and how the dating world felt foreign to her despite having had past boyfriends.
I find the whole concept of the film so interesting, because it’s so foreign to me,
Johnson remarked.
I’ve never dated anybody. I’ve had boyfriends, but I have never been on a dating app. I just don’t know that world. So, it was so interesting and intriguing. It’s the most beautiful side of humanity, but it can also be the most ugly. Loving someone is the most scary and beautiful thing you can do.
Signs of New Beginnings After the Split
By November, insiders indicated that Johnson was gradually opening up to new relationships. A source told People magazine that she was taking things slowly and appeared content.
[She] has been slowly dating again, and she’s happy,
the source revealed.
Her relationship with Chris was often hot and cold, and while she always hoped they’d work out, she seems lighter and more at peace now that it’s final.
December 2025: Emergence of a New Relationship
In late December, rumors began intensifying around Johnson and the musician Role Model, whose real name is Tucker Pillsbury. On December 29, TMZ published photos showing the two sharing a candlelit dinner with friends at a restaurant. Sources described Johnson as being comfortably close to Role Model during the evening.
lying on him all cuddled up at the cozy dinner.
January 2026: Continued Signs of a Close Bond
Entering the new year, Johnson and Role Model were reportedly inseparable at a New Year’s Eve party hosted by the actress for friends and family. Entertainment Tonight cited a source who detailed their affectionate behavior throughout the celebration, emphasizing the couple’s happiness and ease with one another. Johnson’s mother, Melanie Griffith, was present and appeared to accept Role Model warmly.
Dakota hosted a New Year’s Eve party and she and Role Model were inseparable throughout the night,
said the source.
They were kissing, dancing and holding onto each other. They looked incredibly happy, cute, and sweet together.
The closeness between the two continued into mid-January. On January 15, social media account DeuxMoi shared a video of Johnson and Role Model entering Marvin, a popular Los Angeles restaurant, where they reportedly dined together. Days later, on January 23, more images emerged showing the pair leaving another L.A. eatery, Saffy’s, hand in hand. Johnson was noted to be wearing an Officine Générale coat and jewelry designed by Sophie Buhai during this outing.
Significance and What Lies Ahead for Johnson
Dakota Johnson’s dating timeline reflects a notable shift from a turbulent on-again-off-again relationship with Chris Martin to a seemingly steady and affectionate connection with Role Model. Her willingness to step back into the dating world, despite her admitted unfamiliarity with modern dating methods, marks a new chapter in her personal life. Observers will likely watch closely to see how this relationship develops, especially with the acceptance from her close circle, including her mother. As she balances her career and private life, Johnson’s journey offers insight into the challenges and rewards of maintaining relationships under public scrutiny.
