Role Model Takes Over SNL and the Big Screen with Natalie Portman

Pop sensation Role Model just hit the iconic Saturday Night Live stage, and that's not all – he's making his major acting debut alongside Natalie Portman in an upcoming Netflix rom-com! Talk about a busy schedule for Tucker Pillsbury!

TL;DR

Role Model (Tucker Pillsbury) just made his musical guest debut on Saturday Night Live with host Amy Poehler on October 11, 2025.
He's set to star in his first major film, the Netflix rom-com Good Sex, directed by Lena Dunham, alongside Natalie Portman and Mark Ruffalo.
His hit song "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out" continues to be a fan favorite, known for its viral live dance-along moment with audience members and celebs like Bowen Yang and Natalie Portman herself!

Get ready, fam, because Role Model is absolutely everywhere right now! If you haven't heard of Tucker Pillsbury, aka Role Model, you're about to. This rising pop star has been captivating audiences with his deeply emotional, a little cheeky, and undeniably "for the girls" music. But he's not just sticking to music anymore – he's officially making his mark on the comedy world and the silver screen!

This past Saturday, October 11, 2025, was huge for Role Model as he made his musical guest debut on the legendary Saturday Night Live stage. And if that wasn't enough, he's also starring in a brand-new Netflix romantic comedy alongside none other than Natalie Portman and Mark Ruffalo. Seriously, this guy's career is on fire!

From Maine Dreams to a Global Music Sensation

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So, who exactly is the talent behind "Role Model"? Born Tucker Pillsbury on May 15, 1997, in scenic Cape Elizabeth, Maine, music wasn't actually his first love. Believe it or not, Tucker initially had a passion for film! He packed his bags in 2016 and headed to Pittsburgh to study at Point Park University, dreaming of a career behind the camera.

But life, as it often does, had other plans. A couple of unlucky accidents changed his path completely. First, he broke his wrist while skiing at Sugarloaf Mountain, and then, just to double down, he broke it again in a skateboarding mishap. Talk about bad luck turning into good fortune! Confined to his dorm room during recovery, he found himself with some unexpected company: his friends' forgotten music equipment.

Tucker started messing around with Logic Pro, recording early rap mixtapes, and soon enough, music became his obsession. When his grades inevitably started to slide (oops!), he knew what he had to do. He dropped out of college to chase his newfound musical dream full-time. What a leap of faith!

His earliest tunes came out under his own name, "Tucker," with the mixtape Since When in 2016. He briefly rebranded as "Dillis" and even dropped his debut album, Moth, that June, opening for Jordan Capozzi on her U.S. tour. But it wasn't until 2017 that he fully transformed his sound and image, switching to singing and adopting the now-iconic moniker, "Role Model." He self-released the EP Arizona in the Summer, which quickly caught the ear of the late, great Mac Miller. This pivotal moment led him to sign with Interscope Records, launching him into the mainstream. Since then, he's released two more EPs and two full-length albums, cementing his place as one of pop's most exciting artists.

The Viral Hit That Captured Hearts and Had Everyone Dancing

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If you've spent any time on TikTok or at a music festival lately, you've probably heard (and maybe even danced to) Role Model's breakout hit, "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out." This track, off the deluxe edition of his latest album Kansas Anymore: The Longest Goodbye (released in 2024), has become a genuine cultural phenomenon. Its viral bridge has created an unmissable moment during his live shows: he brings an audience member or even a celebrity onstage to dance with him!

His playful TikTok alter-ego, @saintlaurentcowboy, combined with those catchy lyrics and his undeniable onstage charm, has made him a Gen Z favorite. And seriously, the list of people who've played "Sally" on stage with him is impressive! We're talking big names like Olivia Rodrigo, Renée Rapp, Hilary Duff, Kate Hudson, Troye Sivan, and even fellow SNL cast member Bowen Yang, who notably joined him for the "Sally" performance on The Tonight Show back in April. It's truly a testament to his rising star power and infectious energy!

Beyond the Microphone: Role Model's Major Acting Debut

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As if dominating the music charts wasn't enough, Role Model is now stepping into the acting world in a big way! He's set to make his major acting debut in the upcoming Netflix romantic comedy, Good Sex. And let's be real, the cast for this one is seriously stacked!

Directed by the brilliant Lena Dunham, Good Sex will see Role Model starring opposite Academy Award winner Natalie Portman and the fantastic Mark Ruffalo. In the film, Role Model takes on the role of a Brooklyn hipster in his 20s, finding himself in a romantic entanglement with Portman's character, a recently divorced couples therapist. She's also dating a middle-aged New Yorker played by Ruffalo, creating a captivating love triangle. And here's a fun little Easter egg for fans: the woman at the center of this love triangle? She goes by "Sally," but without the 'S' – a clever nod to his hit song!

This move into acting feels like a natural progression for Tucker, given his original passion for film. It's exciting to see him bring his unique charisma and emotional depth to a whole new medium, especially with such a high-profile project and esteemed co-stars.

From High-Profile Romance to Raw Album Inspiration

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Like many artists, Role Model's personal life has often found its way into his music, adding a raw, relatable layer to his work. He was previously in a high-profile relationship with model and social media personality Emma Chamberlain, which lasted from 2020 until their split in October 2023.

Their romance heavily inspired his recent album, Kansas Anymore. While breakups are tough, Role Model has spoken openly and maturely about the experience, expressing gratitude for the time they shared.

"I have no regrets, and it's a beautiful time in my life that I'm proud of. I honestly never thought I would be in a relationship for three and a half years, and the fact that I was and that it was beautiful pretty much the entire time – I'm just very thankful. At the end of the day, I think the best thing I took away from it is knowing that I can do that and knowing that I can do that again at some point when I want to or when I'm ready."

— Role Model, to Nylon

It's clear that even through personal challenges, Role Model finds inspiration, channeling those deep emotions into his art in a way that truly resonates with his listeners.

A Milestone Moment: Headlining the Saturday Night Live Stage

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This past Saturday, October 11, 2025, was a landmark night for Role Model as he made his much-anticipated debut as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live! It was the second episode of Season 51, and it had comedy fans buzzing for multiple reasons.

The episode was hosted by the one and only Amy Poehler, an SNL alum making her third return to the hosting gig, nearly a decade after she last co-hosted with Tina Fey in 2015. Fun fact: This episode also marked the exact 50th anniversary of SNL's very first broadcast on October 11, 1975! Poehler even kicked off her monologue by celebrating the milestone and jokingly taking a jab at AI-generated actresses and the "existential threat" AI poses to Hollywood, in her signature witty style.

The cold open was a treat for fans, featuring a surprise reunion with Amy Poehler and Tina Fey reprising their hilarious roles as Pam Bondi and Kristi Noem, respectively, poking fun at recent Senate hearings. With all that comedy happening, anticipation was high for Role Model's performance. Fans were especially crossing their fingers that he'd perform "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out," with many wondering who would join him as "Sally" on the iconic Studio 8H stage. Given Bowen Yang's previous appearance as "Sally" on The Tonight Show, there was definitely a hope for a repeat performance!

Role Model's journey from a small-town film enthusiast to a viral pop sensation and now a budding film actor is truly inspiring. With his unique sound, charismatic persona, and exciting new ventures, he's definitely an artist to keep your eyes (and ears!) on.

FAQs About Role Model's Latest Ventures

When did Role Model perform on Saturday Night Live?

Role Model made his musical guest debut on Saturday Night Live on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

Where can I watch Role Model's SNL performance?

New episodes of Saturday Night Live air live on NBC at 11:30/10:30c. If you missed it, you can stream the episode the next day on Peacock!

What is Good Sex and who else is in it?

Good Sex is an upcoming romantic comedy directed by Lena Dunham for Netflix. Role Model stars alongside Natalie Portman and Mark Ruffalo in his feature film debut.