Sam Palladio
Sam Palladio (born 21 November 1986) is an English actor and musician best known for his starring role as aspiring country singer Gunnar Scott in the ABC musical drama series Nashville (2012–2018).[1][2] Born in Pembury, Kent, Palladio was raised by his artist parents in Penzance, Cornwall, where he developed an early interest in music, playing guitar, bass, and drums by age 13 and forming bands such as Tripwire and Liquid Sister.[3][2] Influenced by his parents' eclectic tastes—including bands like Muse and Biffy Clyro—as well as 2000s rock acts such as Incubus and Rage Against the Machine, he pursued formal training at Rose Bruford College in London, earning a degree in actor musicianship.[2] Palladio began his acting career with guest roles in British television series including Little Crackers (2011), The Hour (2011), and Episodes (2012), before landing his breakthrough as Gunnar in Nashville, a role that spanned six seasons and 124 episodes and allowed him to showcase his musical talents alongside collaborators like T Bone Burnett.[1][2] His subsequent credits include the films Runner Runner (2013) opposite Ben Affleck and Justin Timberlake, the animated Strange Magic (2015), and the Netflix holiday trilogy The Princess Switch (2018–2021); on television, he has appeared in Humans (2016), Rebel (2021), and the thriller miniseries The Couple Next Door (2023).[4][5] As a musician, Palladio has released singles such as "Something on My Mind" (2024) and contributed to the Nashville soundtrack, including tracks like "Under the Tree." His debut studio album, The Perfect Summer's Day, Before We Lost The Light, produced by Grammy winner Dave Sardy and featuring collaborations with Biffy Clyro's Simon Neil, was released on 13 September 2024, blending Americana and Britpop influences.[6][2] He has also supported Biffy Clyro on their European tour and performed at venues like London's 100 Club in 2024. In 2025, he headlined the British Country Music Festival and announced a role in the Nashville Encore Tour scheduled for 2026.[1][5][7]Early life
Birth and family
Sam Palladio was born Sam Christian Palladio Scott on November 21, 1986, in Pembury, Kent, England.[8] He was raised in Penzance, Cornwall, primarily by his parents, both of whom are artists.[9][10] Palladio's mother, Sally Scott, was a significant influence in his creative upbringing; she passed away in November 2018 after battling a brain tumor.[11] He has a younger brother, Mac Scott.[8][12] The family's artistic environment fostered Palladio's early interests in music and performance, shaping his multifaceted career in acting and songwriting.[2]Education and early influences
Palladio received his secondary education at Humphry Davy School in Penzance, Cornwall, where he developed an early interest in the performing arts through school theatre productions and music activities.[5] After Humphry Davy, he attended Truro College for A-levels in performance, music, drama, and photography.[2] His family background played a significant role in shaping these interests; raised by artist parents in Cornwall, he was exposed to creative environments from a young age, including time spent on beaches and engaging in outdoor pursuits influenced by relatives in marine biology.[13] However, Palladio's passion leaned toward music and performance, prompted by his father's involvement in a 1960s band and the gift of a guitar when he was four or five years old, which led him to join a local guitar club.[13] In his early teens, Palladio participated in the Cornwall Youth Dance Company, fostering his skills in movement and expression, and he credited his music teacher, Simeon Royal, as a key influence during this period.[13] A pivotal moment came in Year 11 when a school performance inspired by The Blues Brothers ignited his enthusiasm for live music and acting, steering him away from an initial consideration of marine biology studies at the University of Plymouth due to challenges with science and mathematics.[13] Palladio pursued formal training in the arts at Rose Bruford College in Sidcup, London, where he earned a degree in Actor Musicianship in 2008, blending acting, music, and performance techniques that would define his career.[2] During his studies, he was influenced by his parents' eclectic tastes, including watching Later... with Jools Holland together, which kept him attuned to emerging music trends and reinforced his multi-instrumental abilities on guitar, bass, and drums by age 13.[2] This theatre education provided a foundation for his transition to professional stage work, including originating roles in productions like Spring Awakening.[14]Acting career
Theatre and early television roles
Palladio's professional acting career began in theatre following his graduation from Rose Bruford College of Speech and Performance in 2008. His debut role came in the Barry Manilow jukebox musical Can't Smile Without You, a production that toured the United Kingdom and featured over 40 songs from the singer's catalog.[15] In this show, Palladio performed as part of the ensemble, marking his first post-drama school engagement and providing early exposure to musical theatre.[2] He soon transitioned to another jukebox musical, joining the original cast of Dreamboats and Petticoats in the role of Richard, a character embodying the rock 'n' roll spirit of the 1950s and early 1960s. The production, which incorporated hits from artists like Jerry Lee Lewis and The Everly Brothers, began with a UK tour in 2009 before transferring to London's West End at the Savoy Theatre in 2009 and then to the Playhouse Theatre in 2010.[16] Palladio's involvement in the show's extended run highlighted his skills in both acting and live performance, contributing to the musical's success as a nostalgic tribute to the era's music.[17] Palladio's early television work consisted of guest appearances on British series, starting with the 2010 Sky1 anthology Little Crackers, where he portrayed punk rock icon Joe Strummer in a comedic episode directed by Tim Kirkby.[2][18] The following year, he appeared as Jamie Laker in an episode of the BBC One soap opera Doctors, playing a young man dealing with personal conflicts.[19] Later in 2011, he took on the role of Rockabilly, a journalist with a distinctive style, in the BBC Two period drama The Hour, set against the backdrop of 1950s London broadcasting.[19] These roles, though brief, showcased Palladio's versatility in dramatic and period pieces, paving the way for his international breakthrough.Breakthrough with Nashville
Palladio's breakthrough came in 2012 when he was cast as Gunnar Scott, a talented but struggling guitarist and songwriter, in the ABC musical drama series Nashville, created by Callie Khouri.[5] Having never visited the United States prior to the opportunity, he auditioned remotely from his small flat in London, submitting self-taped videos that included him playing and singing on guitar.[20] The casting directors were impressed by his submissions, leading to his selection for the role despite his lack of prior on-screen experience in major American productions.[20] Palladio described the process as a "one in a million" chance that transformed his career trajectory.[2] The series premiered on October 10, 2012, and quickly garnered critical acclaim for its portrayal of the country music industry, drawing over 5 million weekly viewers during its initial seasons.[5] Palladio's character, Gunnar, evolved from a supporting role into a central figure across all six seasons, involving complex storylines centered on romance, ambition, and musical collaboration, particularly his on-again, off-again relationship with Scarlett O'Connor (played by Clare Bowen).[5] His performance in musical sequences, often featuring original songs penned by industry heavyweights like T Bone Burnett, showcased his vocal and instrumental abilities, blending authentic country sounds with emotional depth.[2] Within hours of the pilot's airing, a duet he performed with Bowen, "Fade into You," climbed to No. 30 on the iTunes singles chart, while another, "If I Didn't Know Better," amassed over 166,000 downloads and reached No. 5 on the iTunes country chart shortly after.[21][22][20] The role profoundly impacted Palladio's career, catapulting him to international recognition as a household name in both acting and music circles.[23] It immersed him in Nashville's music scene, where he lived for over a decade, fostering collaborations with renowned songwriters and producers that honed his craft as a musician.[2][24] The show's success not only solidified his on-camera presence but also bridged his theater background with opportunities in country and Americana genres, leading to over 15 million lifetime streams of his Nashville-related recordings and paving the way for his solo music endeavors.[5]Film and subsequent television work
Palladio made his feature film debut during the early years of his Nashville tenure with a supporting role as Shecky in the 2013 crime thriller Runner Runner, directed by Brad Furman and starring Justin Timberlake and Ben Affleck as Princeton student Richie Furay and online gambling mogul Ivan Block, respectively. In the film, Palladio's character appears as a minor figure in the high-stakes world of offshore gambling and FBI intrigue. Expanding into voice acting, Palladio lent his voice to Roland, a boisterous knight, in the 2015 Lucasfilm animated fantasy Strange Magic, which reimagines elements of A Midsummer Night's Dream with fairy-tale creatures and musical numbers featuring songs by artists like The Rolling Stones and Prince.[25] The film received mixed reviews for its animation and plot but highlighted Palladio's versatility in ensemble casts alongside voices such as Evan Rachel Wood and Alan Cumming. Palladio gained prominence in holiday films with his portrayal of the charming Prince Edward in Netflix's The Princess Switch trilogy. He first appeared as the royal suitor in the 2018 original, a romantic comedy about a New York baker who swaps places with a European duchess, leading to mistaken identities and festive romance.[26] He reprised the role in The Princess Switch: Switched Again (2020), where Edward navigates royal duties and a surprise engagement, and in The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star (2021), involving further body swaps and a space-themed adventure, solidifying his association with lighthearted, feel-good cinema. In 2024, Palladio portrayed punk rock icon Joe Strummer, frontman of The Clash, in the biographical drama Bob Marley: One Love, directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and focusing on the reggae legend's rise amid personal and political turmoil. His performance captured Strummer's rebellious energy during a pivotal recording session cameo, contributing to the film's ensemble depiction of Marley's life starring Kingsley Ben-Adir. Palladio returned to theatre in 2023, taking over the lead role of Curly in the West End revival of Oklahoma! at Wyndham's Theatre from July to September.[27] Transitioning to television post-Nashville, Palladio had a recurring role as Stoke, a dim-witted actor, in the BBC/Showtime comedy Episodes from 2012 to 2015 across 10 episodes.[8] He joined the British-American sci-fi series Humans for seasons 2 and 3 (2016–2018), playing Ed, a financially strained café owner and single father who becomes romantically entangled with the synth (synthetic human) Mia, portrayed by Gemma Chan. The role explored themes of human-android relationships in a near-future society, with Ed's arc highlighting ethical dilemmas and emotional vulnerability across 7 episodes.[28] In 2019, he guest-starred as Alexander Vasilchikov, the young and devoted lover of Empress Catherine II, in the HBO/Sky miniseries Catherine the Great, starring Helen Mirren. Palladio's one-episode appearance depicted the historical figure's brief but intense affair with the empress amid court intrigue and political machinations in late-18th-century Russia. Palladio took a leading role as Luke Chapman, a charismatic junior associate at a corporate law firm, in the 2021 ABC drama Rebel, inspired by Erin Brockovich and starring Katey Sagal as the tenacious legal advocate Annie Bello. His character, working under Annie's ex-husband, provided comic relief and romantic tension in the series' exploration of class-action lawsuits and personal redemption, though the show was canceled after one season.[29] Most recently, Palladio stars as Jacob Roberts, a confident consultant anaesthetist in a seemingly perfect marriage, in the Channel 4/STARZ psychological thriller The Couple Next Door (2023–present).[30] In season 1, his character becomes entangled in a web of desire and suspicion with new neighbors, drawing on themes of infidelity and suburban secrets; he reprises the role in season 2, which premiered in July 2025, deepening the narrative's twists involving hidden motives and relational betrayals.[31]Music career
Musical contributions to Nashville
Sam Palladio portrayed Gunnar Scott, a guitarist and singer-songwriter, in the ABC/CMT musical drama series Nashville from 2012 to 2018, where music was a central element of the narrative. His character's storylines often revolved around performing original country and folk songs, both solo and in duets, contributing to the show's integrated approach to storytelling through live performances recorded on set.[2] The series featured over 350 songs, many of which Palladio performed vocals on, including originals and covers, across the series. Notable examples include the duet "If I Didn't Know Better" with Clare Bowen (as Scarlett O'Connor) from Season 1, written by John Paul White and Arum Rae, which highlighted the characters' early romantic tension. Other key performances encompassed "When the Right One Comes Along" (also with Bowen, written by Striking Matches), "Fade Into You" (a cover of Mazzy Star's track), and "Lately" (featuring guest Kelly Clarkson), all of which advanced plot developments in their respective episodes.[2][32][33] In addition to performing, Palladio contributed to songwriting for the series, co-writing tracks off-set in collaboration with Nashville songwriters. His most prominent credit is "Going Electric," co-authored with Trent Dabbs and Jabe Beyer for Season 6, which reflected his character's evolving musical style and appeared on the final soundtrack album released in July 2018. He also solo-performed songs like "Shine" (written by Trent Dabbs) and "Can't Get It Right" (written by Matthew Perryman Jones and Lily Costner), showcasing his growth as a musician within the show's ecosystem.[2][34][35] Palladio's musical preparation was guided by music supervisor T Bone Burnett and producer Colin Linden, who taught him specialized guitar techniques such as DADGAD tuning and Nashville fingerpicking styles, enhancing the authenticity of his on-screen performances. These contributions not only elevated his acting role but also helped propel several Nashville tracks to chart success, with duets like "When the Right One Comes Along" gaining radio play and streaming popularity.[2]Solo recordings and releases
Sam Palladio began his solo music career with independent holiday singles, starting with "Bring The Snow" in 2018, a festive track that showcased his warm, acoustic-driven style.[36] Released on November 30, 2018, via SP Music/Non Delux, the single captured a cozy, wintery vibe with lyrics evoking holiday joy and introspection.[37] This was followed by "Under the Tree" in 2020, another Christmas-themed release tied to his appearance in the film The Princess Switch: Switched Again, where it served as an end-credits song.[38] Issued on November 19, 2020, by Battery Rocks Records, the track blended folk-pop elements with heartfelt storytelling, earning over a million streams on platforms like YouTube.[39] In 2023, Palladio expanded beyond seasonal music with "Something on My Mind," an acoustic single reflecting personal themes of reflection and growth, released independently and highlighting his guitar-driven songwriting.[40] This marked a shift toward more introspective, non-holiday material, setting the stage for his full-length debut. By early 2024, he previewed his evolving sound with singles like "Tennessee" and "Meanwhile in London," the latter serving as the lead track for his upcoming album.[33] Palladio's debut studio album, The Perfect Summer's Day, Before We Lost the Light, was released on September 13, 2024, comprising 11 original tracks that blend americana, indie rock, and pop influences.[41] Produced with a focus on emotional depth, the album explores themes of love, loss, and nostalgia, drawing from Palladio's experiences as both actor and musician. Key singles from the record include "Gone Like the Summer," released on July 19, 2024, which captures a bittersweet summer farewell with upbeat yet poignant melodies.[42] The project, self-released and available on vinyl and digital platforms, represents his first major solo endeavor outside collaborative work, emphasizing raw, heartfelt songcraft.[43] In 2025, Palladio continued touring, including a UK run in March, and debuted new unreleased tracks such as "Prussia Cove" during live shows, with plans for additional music releases.[44][45]Personal life
Relationships
Palladio has maintained a relatively private personal life, with limited public details about his romantic relationships emerging through entertainment media reports. He was in a relationship with actress Chloe Bennet from December 2012 to August 2013, during which time they were spotted together at events and described as dating by outlets covering their overlapping careers in television.[46] Following that, Palladio dated his Nashville co-star Chaley Rose, who portrayed Zoey Dalton on the series; their romance, which overlapped with the show's early seasons, ended prior to 2017.[47] Since December 2017, Palladio has been in a long-term relationship with American musician Cassadee Pope, the season 3 winner of The Voice and a fellow performer based in Nashville.[47] The couple met through mutual social circles and bonded over their shared interest in music, with Pope crediting Palladio as a supportive partner in her artistic endeavors, including inspiring elements of her 2023 single "Almost There."[48] They have collaborated professionally, such as co-writing the holiday song "Under the Tree" for the 2020 Netflix film The Princess Switch 3, and Palladio has referenced their partnership in interviews tied to his music, describing it as a key influence on his experiences living between the UK and the US.[49] As of 2024, they continue to reside together in Nashville, where Pope has noted Palladio's role in helping her navigate personal challenges like abandonment issues through open communication.[50][51][1]Interests and residence
Sam Palladio resides in Nashville, Tennessee, where he has made his home since moving there for his role on the television series Nashville in 2012.[52] He previously owned a property at 1402 Boscobel Street in East Nashville, which was listed for sale in July 2025.[53] Despite the sale, Palladio continues to base himself in the city, which he has described as a second home due to its vibrant music scene and community.[24] Palladio's interests are deeply rooted in the arts, influenced by his upbringing in Cornwall, England, where his father is a sculptor and painter, and his mother operates an art gallery specializing in jewelry and ceramics.[15] He developed an early passion for dance, participating in the Cornwall Youth Dance Company during his teenage years, and later pursued theatre and music studies at college after initially considering science.[13] His musical tastes lean toward Americana, bluegrass, and folk genres, with a particular affinity for 1970s artists such as James Taylor and Art Garfunkel.[54] Growing up near Cornwall's beaches and coastline, Palladio has maintained an interest in surfing, as evidenced by recent personal posts featuring wetsuits.[55] Palladio is also committed to philanthropy, supporting causes in Nashville and beyond. In March 2020, he participated in the Rebuilding Tennessee telethon to aid tornado relief efforts, taking calls to encourage donations.[56] He has been recognized for his charitable outlook and contributions to Music City's community initiatives.[57]Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 7 Lives | Calvin[58] |
| 2013 | Runner Runner | Shecky |
| 2015 | Strange Magic | Roland (voice)[59] |
| 2018 | The Princess Switch | Prince Edward |
| 2020 | The Princess Switch: Switched Again | Prince Edward |
| 2021 | The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star | Prince Edward |
| 2024 | Bob Marley: One Love | Joe Strummer |
Television
Palladio's television career began in the United Kingdom with several guest appearances in the early 2010s. He debuted in the comedy-drama anthology series Little Crackers (2010) as Joe Strummer in the episode "Kathy Burke's Little Cracker: Better Than Christmas". That year, he also guest-starred as Jamie Laker in an episode of the long-running soap opera Doctors titled "Brothers," and as Rockabilly in two episodes of the BBC period drama The Hour. He had a further guest role as various characters in the sketch series Cardinal Burns (2012). Additionally, he appeared in the comedy series Episodes (2012–2013) as Stoke, a recurring role spanning 10 episodes across seasons 2 and 3. He also starred as Fred the Ted in the short film Walking and Talking (2012). These early roles helped establish his presence in British television before transitioning to larger American productions.[4][8][60] His breakthrough came with the role of Gunnar Scott, an aspiring musician and single father, in the ABC musical drama Nashville (2012–2018). Palladio portrayed the character for all six seasons, appearing in 124 episodes and performing original songs that highlighted his musical background. The series, which followed the lives of country music stars, earned him acclaim for blending acting with live performances, contributing to its cult following and move to CMT after ABC canceled it in 2016.[61][4] Following Nashville, Palladio took on the recurring role of Ed, a struggling café owner trying to breathe life into his family business while navigating relationships with synths, in the sci-fi drama Humans (2016–2018). He appeared in 7 episodes across seasons 2 and 3 on Channel 4 and AMC, earning praise for his portrayal of human-synth dynamics in a near-future setting. The series explored themes of artificial intelligence and humanity, drawing comparisons to Black Mirror.[62] In 2019, Palladio appeared in the HBO/Sky miniseries Catherine the Great (2019), playing Alexander Vasilchikov, a young lover of the Russian empress portrayed by Helen Mirren. His four-episode arc depicted the historical figure's brief but intense relationship with Catherine II during her later years. The limited series received positive reviews for its lavish production and strong ensemble cast. Palladio starred as Luke, a charismatic attorney and love interest, in the ABC legal drama Rebel (2021), inspired by the life of activist Erin Brockovich and starring Katey Sagal. He appeared in all 10 episodes of the single season, bringing depth to a role involving corporate whistleblowing and personal redemption. Despite critical interest, the show was canceled after one season due to low ratings.[63] Palladio leads the British psychological thriller The Couple Next Door (2023, 2025) as Jacob, a consultant anaesthetist entangled in a neighborly obsession and infidelity plot. Airing on Channel 4 and 5 in the UK and Starz internationally, the series spanned two seasons of 6 episodes each, completed as of November 2025, with Palladio's performance noted for its intensity in exploring voyeurism and marital strain.[30]| Year(s) | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Little Crackers | Joe Strummer | 1 episode[8] |
| 2011 | Doctors | Jamie Laker | 1 episode: "Brothers"[64] |
| 2011 | The Hour | Rockabilly | 2 episodes[4] |
| 2012 | Cardinal Burns | Various | 1 episode |
| 2012–2013 | Episodes | Stoke | 10 episodes[60] |
| 2012–2018 | Nashville | Gunnar Scott | 124 episodes; main role, also music department[61] |
| 2016–2018 | Humans | Ed | 7 episodes; recurring role, seasons 2–3[62] |
| 2019 | Catherine the Great | Alexander Vasilchikov | 4 episodes; miniseries |
| 2021 | Rebel | Luke | 10 episodes; main role |
| 2023, 2025 | The Couple Next Door | Jacob | Main role; 2 seasons, 12 episodes total as of November 2025[30] |
Discography
Albums
Sam Palladio's debut studio album, The Perfect Summer's Day, Before We Lost the Light, was released on September 13, 2024, by Battery Rocks Records.[65] The 11-track project runs approximately 39 minutes and represents his first full-length solo effort after years of contributions to the Nashville soundtrack and standalone holiday singles.[66] Drawing on his background as a musician and actor, the album explores themes of love, loss, and reflection through a blend of rock and country elements.[67] The record opens with the introspective "Meanwhile in London" and includes collaborations such as "Tennessee," featuring Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett.[66] Other notable tracks highlight personal storytelling, including "Tears in the Carpark" and the closing "Wake Me Up in Nashville," which nods to Palladio's time on the ABC series.[68] Critics have praised its polished production and emotional depth, positioning it as a mature evolution from his earlier work.[67]| No. | Title | Featured artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Meanwhile in London | 3:48 | |
| 2 | Tennessee | Chris Shiflett | 3:37 |
| 3 | Tears in the Carpark | 3:34 | |
| 4 | Something on My Mind | 3:46 | |
| 5 | Spill Your Heart | 3:28 | |
| 6 | Gone Like the Summer | 3:32 | |
| 7 | SMF | 3:45 | |
| 8 | B.O.A.T. | 3:22 | |
| 9 | Bullet for Your Love | 3:40 | |
| 10 | Jenni | 3:29 | |
| 11 | Wake Me Up in Nashville | 3:39 |
Singles
Sam Palladio's singles primarily stem from his musical contributions to the ABC series Nashville (2012–2018), where songs performed by his character Gunnar Scott were released commercially, as well as his independent solo output beginning in the late 2010s. Early releases were issued via Big Machine Label Group and tied to the show's soundtracks, often blending country and folk elements reflective of the series' Nashville setting. These tracks garnered attention through the program's popularity, with some achieving modest chart success in country and digital formats.[69] In the years following Nashville, Palladio pursued solo material, releasing holiday singles and original songs that showcase a shift toward introspective indie-folk and acoustic styles. His 2023–2024 output, including acoustic reimaginings and promotional singles for his debut album The Perfect Summer's Day, Before We Lost the Light (2024), highlights themes of nostalgia, love, and personal reflection, distributed digitally through platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Notable collaborations, such as with Elle King, bridged his television work and standalone career.[70][33][6]| Year | Title | Artist(s) | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Adios Old Friend | Sam Palladio | Big Machine | From The Music of Nashville: Season 1, Volume 1 soundtrack.[69] |
| 2014 | It Ain't Yours to Throw Away | Sam Palladio | Big Machine | From The Music of Nashville: Season 2, Volume 1 soundtrack; promotional single.[69] |
| 2014 | Good Love | Sam Palladio & Elle King | Big Machine | Collaboration from Nashville episode; digital single.[69] |
| 2018 | Bring the Snow | Sam Palladio | Independent | Holiday single; original composition.[40] |
| 2020 | Under the Tree | Sam Palladio | Independent | Holiday single; festive acoustic track.[40] |
| 2023 | Something on My Mind | Sam Palladio | Battery Rocks | Solo original; introspective folk single.[70] |
| 2024 | Something on My Mind (Acoustic) | Sam Palladio | Battery Rocks | Acoustic version of 2023 single.[33] |
| 2024 | Tennessee | Sam Palladio | Battery Rocks | Lead single for debut album; released June 2024.[70] |
| 2024 | Meanwhile in London | Sam Palladio | Battery Rocks | Promotional single; reflects on urban life.[70] |
| 2024 | Gone Like the Summer | Sam Palladio | Battery Rocks | Nostalgic track; released August 2024.[70] |
| 2024 | Tears in the Carpark | Sam Palladio | Battery Rocks | Album single; released September 2024 alongside debut album.[6] |