Pete Davidson has emerged as a truly compelling and often enigmatic figure in contemporary entertainment. From his beginnings as one of the youngest cast members on NBC’s iconic Saturday Night Live to his ventures into stand-up specials, film, and television, his career trajectory is marked by a unique blend of vulnerability, sharp wit, and an unfiltered approach to sharing his personal experiences. His distinct comedic voice has resonated with audiences, allowing him to navigate the complexities of fame while remaining remarkably candid about his struggles and triumphs.
This article aims to move beyond the superficial narratives often associated with celebrity, offering a deeper, more analytical look at the various facets that have shaped Pete Davidson’s journey. Adopting the in-depth and human-centric approach characteristic of rigorous journalism, we delve into the comprehensive context surrounding his public persona, exploring the foundational moments and persistent challenges that have defined his path. Our exploration seeks to understand the individual behind the headlines, providing a nuanced perspective on a comedian whose life often serves as the raw material for his art.
Through careful examination of his background, career milestones, personal battles, and the profound influence these elements have had on his comedic style, we endeavor to present a portrait that is both authoritative and thought-provoking. By dissecting the pivotal moments that have molded his identity and public reception, we invite readers to engage critically with the story of a figure who continually challenges conventional celebrity tropes, making complex personal issues accessible to a broad audience.
1. **The Profound Impact of Early Life & The 9/11 Tragedy**Born Peter Michael Davidson on November 16, 1993, in the Staten Island borough of New York City, Pete Davidson’s early life was marked by a devastating personal tragedy that would profoundly shape his future. His parents were Amy (née Waters) and Scott Matthew Davidson, a New York City firefighter for Ladder 118. The shadow of September 11, 2001, fell heavily upon his family when his father died in service during the attacks, along with the rest of his unit.
Scott Davidson was last seen running up the stairs of the Marriott World Trade Center in Downtown Manhattan just before the building was destroyed by the collapse of the Twin Towers. His Requiem Mass was later held at St. Clare’s Catholic Church in Great Kills, Staten Island. The loss, experienced when Davidson was just seven years old, was described by him to The New York Times as “overwhelming.” This profound trauma manifested in his behavior, leading him to act out in school, to the extent of ripping his hair out until he was bald.
The long-term psychological impact of this event is something Davidson has spoken about openly. In October 2016, he revealed on The Breakfast Club morning radio show that he had struggled with suicidal thoughts when he was younger, crediting the music of Kid Cudi with saving his life during those difficult periods. This early experience with immense loss and subsequent mental health struggles has become a recurring, albeit carefully managed, theme in his comedic work, offering a raw vulnerability that resonates deeply with audiences.
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2. **Formative Years in Comedy: The Road to Stardom**Davidson’s educational journey saw him attend St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School, followed by Tottenville High School in Huguenot, before ultimately graduating from Xaverian High School in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, in 2011. Following high school, he enrolled at St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights. However, his academic pursuits were short-lived, as he attended for only one semester before making the pivotal decision to drop out and fully commit to a career in comedy.
His foray into stand-up began at the tender age of sixteen in a Staten Island bowling alley, a moment spurred by a dare from a group of friends, including future professional baseball player Matt Festa, who were aware of his comedic aspirations. This early leap of faith into live performance marked the true beginning of his professional path, setting him on a trajectory that would quickly accelerate. The raw, unfiltered nature of these early performances would become a hallmark of his style.
Davidson’s earliest onscreen appearances began in the early 2010s, quickly accumulating experience across various television platforms. His debut was in the third episode of the MTV comedy series Failosophy, which premiered on February 28, 2013. This was swiftly followed by appearances in MTV2’s reality TV comedy series Guy Code, Comedy Central’s Gotham Comedy Live, and Nick Cannon Presents: Wild ‘N Out. He also secured a minor guest role in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and was cast in a Fox comedy pilot, Sober Companion, in 2014, although it did not proceed to a full series, illustrating his persistent efforts to break into the industry.
3. **Saturday Night Live: A Transformative Tenure and Breakthrough**Pete Davidson’s career reached a significant milestone when he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL) for its 40th-season premiere on September 27, 2014. At just 20 years old, he made history as the first SNL cast member to be born in the 1990s, and one of the youngest performers ever to join the iconic late-night sketch comedy series. His inclusion in the cast came about through an introduction by then-regular Bill Hader, whom Davidson had met while filming a small part in Judd Apatow’s 2015 feature film comedy, Trainwreck. Hader subsequently brought Davidson to the attention of producer Lorne Michaels.
Davidson’s debut on SNL quickly garnered positive critical notice, marking him as a fresh and distinctive voice on the show. Throughout his tenure, he participated in numerous memorable skits that showcased his unique comedic timing and willingness to engage in physical comedy. Notable examples included an Indiana Jones-style sketch where he and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson were forced into a compromising position to suck poison out of each other, and another involving him being shot in the chest with an arrow by Norman Reedus, demonstrating his capacity for both the absurd and the unexpected.
Over his eight seasons, from 2014 to 2022, Davidson developed a number of recurring characters. Perhaps his most famous creation was Chad, an easily distracted and apathetic man who first appeared in a season 41 episode hosted by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, portraying a pool boy who inadvertently becomes entangled with a lonely housewife. By May 2019, following the 44th-season finale, Travis M. Andrews of The Washington Post lauded Davidson as the most memorable performer and breakout star of that season, attributing his success to his courageous mining of personal struggles and his candid admissions of comedic missteps, which infused the season with a powerful mixture of comedy and pathos.
4. **The Evolution of Pete Davidson’s Distinctive Comedy Style**Pete Davidson has been widely praised for a comedy style deeply rooted in his own life experiences, transforming personal struggles into universally relatable humor. His approach has been likened to a series of “brutal truths and vulgar confessions,” a candidness that forges a strong connection with his audience. This authenticity allows him to tackle subjects that might be off-limits for others, creating a unique comedic space where vulnerability is strength.
His material frequently touches upon personal and often sensitive topics, including marijuana use, sex, and relationships, always delivered with an engaging frankness. Davidson draws extensively from his own history, recounting incidents from his awkward high school experiences to the brief period he spent living in a dormitory during his single semester at St. Francis College. These anecdotes, steeped in self-deprecating humor and relatable discomfort, form the backbone of his stand-up acts.
Crucially, Davidson does not shy away from joking about highly sensitive subjects, most notably the profound loss of his father during the September 11 attacks. He has articulated that addressing this deeply personal tragedy through comedy empowers him, providing a means to confront and process the feeling of powerlessness that experiencing such an event at a young age inflicted upon him. This fearless engagement with his own pain transforms potentially uncomfortable topics into moments of shared understanding and catharsis, cementing his reputation as a comedian who uses his life as an open book.
5. **Navigating Personal Health: Crohn’s Disease and Mental Wellness**Pete Davidson has been remarkably open about his ongoing battles with significant health challenges, providing a transparent look into the realities of living with chronic conditions. He was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 17 or 18, a condition for which he regularly receives intravenous biologic therapy. This medical reality has, at times, led him to use medical marijuana for pain management, in addition to recreational use, highlighting the dual role it played in his life.
His journey towards sobriety and mental health stability has also been a public one. On March 6, 2017, Davidson announced on his Instagram account that he had quit drugs and was sober for the first time in eight years. However, he later clarified the nature of his struggle during an interview on Marc Maron’s podcast on September 25, 2017. Davidson explained that the only drug he had used was marijuana, and while he had since cut back considerably, the personal and emotional problems he initially attributed to daily marijuana use were, in fact, symptoms of a newly diagnosed borderline personality disorder, for which he subsequently began undergoing treatment.
The comedian’s struggles with mental health took a concerning turn on December 3, 2018, when he shared a candid Instagram post expressing suicidal thoughts, before deleting his account entirely. This alarming post prompted a wellness check by the New York Police Department, spurred by concerned social media followers and his then-fiancée, Ariana Grande. At the time, Davidson had been at the Saturday Night Live studio, preparing for the last episode of the year before its holiday hiatus. This incident underscored the severity of his mental health challenges, bringing the conversation about celebrity well-being to the forefront. In a testament to his resilience and his unique approach to processing trauma, Davidson, alongside comedian and former SNL writer John Mulaney, made humorous references to the Instagram post during the Weekend Update segment of the first episode following the holiday hiatus on January 19, 2019, further illustrating his ability to transform personal pain into comedic material, albeit in a carefully handled manner.
6. **A Glimpse into High-Profile Relationships: From Grande to Kardashian**Pete Davidson’s personal life, particularly his romantic relationships, has frequently been a subject of intense media scrutiny and public fascination. His dating history includes relationships with fellow comedian Carly Aquilino from 2014 until 2015, and actress Cazzie David from 2016 to 2018. These earlier relationships, while not as intensely publicized as later ones, established a pattern of dating within creative circles.
A significant turning point in his public profile came in May 2018, when he began dating singer Ariana Grande shortly after her breakup with Mac Miller. The relationship escalated quickly, with Davidson confirming their engagement in June 2018. However, the engagement was called off in October 2018, following the tragic death of Mac Miller. Grande herself acknowledged their relationship in her music, with a song titled “Pete Davidson” appearing on her 2018 album *Sweetener*, and a reference in “Thank U, Next” with the lyric, “Even almost got married / And for Pete I’m so thankful.” This relationship also gained notoriety for popularizing the term “big dick energy.”
Following his split from Grande, Davidson continued to attract headlines for his high-profile romances. In January 2019, he was reported to be in a relationship with actress Kate Beckinsale, who was twenty years his senior, though their romance concluded by April of that year. Davidson candidly addressed media comments about the age difference on SNL, joking that such an age gap was new to him and suggesting that reporters should query older men in longer relationships with younger women, citing figures like Leonardo DiCaprio, Alec Baldwin, Larry King, and Donald Trump. He also dated actress Margaret Qualley until October 2019, and model Kaia Gerber from October 2019 to January 2020. In August 2021, he split from *Bridgerton* actress Phoebe Dynevor after a five-month relationship, with distance cited as a contributing factor.
His relationship with Kim Kardashian, which began after her appearance on Saturday Night Live in October 2021 where they shared an on-screen kiss in a Disney-themed sketch, garnered immense media attention. They officially began dating in November 2021, following Kardashian’s filing for divorce from Kanye West in February 2021. The relationship became a flashpoint in Kardashian’s public split, with West notably referencing Davidson in his 2022 track “Eazy,” threatening to “beat Pete Davidson’s ass.” The music video for “Eazy” graphically depicted a claymation figure of Davidson being kidnapped, buried, and his severed head shown, further escalating the public drama. West also attacked Davidson on Instagram, calling him a “dickhead” and “Hillary Clinton’s ex boyfriend.” Davidson and Kardashian ultimately split in August 2022 after nine months.
More recently, Davidson dated actress Chase Sui Wonders between December 2022 and August 2023, having met on the set of *Bodies Bodies Bodies* and later co-starred in his streaming series *Bupkis*. He was then involved with actress Madelyn Cline from September 2023 to July 2024. In March 2025, Davidson embarked on a relationship with model and actress Elsie Hewitt. The couple made their red carpet debut at the Blossom Ball in May and subsequently moved in together, dividing their time between residences in Brooklyn and upstate New York. On July 16, 2025, Hewitt announced via Instagram that they were expecting their first child, marking a significant new chapter in Davidson’s highly public, yet deeply personal, journey.
7. **A Diverse Filmography: From Comedy to Action**Beyond the familiar confines of the Saturday Night Live stage, Pete Davidson has cultivated a remarkably diverse filmography, showcasing his evolving range from comedic lead to impactful supporting actor in high-profile productions. His trajectory into film began to accelerate following his SNL breakthrough, allowing him to explore various genres and collaborate with esteemed filmmakers. This transition marked a crucial expansion of his creative output, proving his versatility extends far beyond sketch comedy.
Davidson took on a starring and executive producer role in the 2019 comedy film *Big Time Adolescence*, which served as an early showcase for his leading man capabilities. A more significant milestone arrived in 2020 with *The King of Staten Island*, a semi-autobiographical comedy-drama that he co-wrote with Judd Apatow, who also directed. This film was a deeply personal project, reflecting elements of his own life story, and earned him nominations for The Comedy Movie Star of 2020 at the 46th People’s Choice Awards, solidifying his standing as a compelling cinematic presence.
His acting endeavors have not been limited to comedy, demonstrating a willingness to step into unexpected roles. In 2021, he appeared as Blackguard in James Gunn’s *The Suicide Squad*, a major superhero film, further diversifying his portfolio. He followed this with roles in films like *Bodies Bodies Bodies* and *Meet Cute* in 2022, the latter of which he also executive produced. The year 2023 saw him make cameo appearances in major action franchises, including *Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3* as Phlektik, *Fast X* as Bowie, and lending his voice as Mirage in *Transformers: Rise of the Beasts*, cementing his presence across various blockbuster landscapes.
8. **Acclaimed Comedy Specials and Musical Collaborations**While his acting career has flourished, Pete Davidson has remained firmly rooted in his stand-up origins, releasing a series of acclaimed comedy specials that continue to refine and showcase his unique voice. These specials serve as intimate platforms for his candid, self-deprecating humor, allowing him to connect directly with audiences through his unfiltered narratives. His journey in stand-up has seen him evolve from early club appearances to national recognition, solidifying his reputation as a formidable comedic force.
His first stand-up special, *Pete Davidson: SMD*, was filmed by Comedy Central in New York City in April 2016, marking a significant step in his solo career. Four years later, in February 2020, he released *Alive from New York* on Netflix, which further garnered critical attention and a nomination for The Comedy Act of 2020 at the People’s Choice Awards. These specials are vital to understanding his comedic development, as they capture his evolving perspectives on life, fame, and his ongoing personal struggles.
In January 2019, Davidson also embarked on a limited series of comedy shows titled “Sundays with Pete & John,” touring with fellow comedian and close friend John Mulaney. This collaboration highlighted his capacity for partnership and mutual comedic respect. Beyond stand-up, Davidson has also ventured into musical collaborations, notably contributing to Machine Gun Kelly’s albums *Hotel Diablo*, *Tickets to My Downfall*, and *Mainstream Sellout*, lending his distinctive spoken-word style to tracks like “A Message from the Count.” In 2024, he also made a guest appearance on Eminem’s album *The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)* with the track “Houdini,” illustrating his appeal across diverse creative mediums.
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9. **”Bupkis”: Semi-Autobiographical Storytelling and Its Reception**In 2023, Pete Davidson delved deeper into semi-autobiographical storytelling with the Peacock original series *Bupkis*, a project he not only starred in but also co-wrote and executive produced. This series offered an even more expansive and intimate look into his life than previous works, blurring the lines between reality and narrative to present a stylized, often surreal, portrayal of his experiences. It was a significant venture, allowing him to control the narrative of his public persona in a new, long-form format.
The series debuted to mixed reviews, prompting varied critical responses. *The Guardian* described *Bupkis* as “messy” and drew unfavorable comparisons to other acclaimed shows, noting a “derivative streak that undercuts the touches of personal specificity.” The review suggested that Pete’s existential musings resembled a “dumber Louie,” his celebrity travails a “dumber Atlanta,” and his interactions with his entourage a “slightly less-dumb Entourage.” This feedback highlighted the challenges of translating such a unique personal story into a universally acclaimed series, despite its ambition.
Despite the critical divisiveness and the initial renewal for a second season by Peacock, Davidson ultimately chose not to proceed with it. This decision, to step away from a project so deeply rooted in his personal narrative, speaks volumes about his evolving artistic vision and perhaps a desire to move beyond constant self-reflection in his professional output. *Bupkis*, regardless of its reception, stands as a notable chapter in his career, an earnest attempt to offer audiences an unvarnished, albeit dramatized, window into his world.
10. **Ventures Beyond the Screen: Entrepreneurship and Personal Evolution**Pete Davidson’s career extends beyond traditional entertainment, encompassing unexpected entrepreneurial endeavors and highly personal decisions that reflect a desire for growth and a shifting public identity. These ventures often offer a glimpse into his life outside of acting and comedy, revealing a multifaceted individual who engages with the world in unique and often humorous ways. His actions outside the spotlight frequently capture as much attention as his on-screen performances.
A particularly unique acquisition came in 2023 when Davidson, alongside fellow SNL comedian Colin Jost, purchased a decommissioned Staten Island Ferry boat. This unconventional investment, which Jost later joked he made while “stone-cold sober,” has become a subject of public amusement, with Davidson expressing hopes it might “turn into a Transformer” so he could cease paying for it. The ferry even found a purpose, being used in the film *Screamboat*, illustrating Davidson’s knack for turning quirky ideas into tangible, if unusual, projects.
In a more personal vein, Davidson has also embarked on a significant journey of personal transformation, notably the removal of approximately 200 tattoos by 2025. This extensive process, undertaken over several years, signals a deliberate effort to “clean slate it, trying to be an adult,” as he articulated. This commitment to shedding past choices, quite literally from his skin, underscores a profound shift in his evolving persona. His political stances have also been public, supporting Hillary Clinton in 2016 (even getting a tattoo of her, whom he called his “hero” and a “badass”) and Joe Biden in 2020, demonstrating his willingness to use his platform for causes he believes in.
11. **Navigating Public Controversies: From Church to Congress**Pete Davidson has frequently found himself at the center of public controversies, often stemming from his unfiltered comedic style and willingness to tackle sensitive subjects. These incidents, while sometimes drawing criticism, also highlight his commitment to pushing boundaries and using humor as a tool for commentary, albeit with varying degrees of public acceptance. His confrontational approach to comedy has, at times, led to significant backlash.
One such instance occurred in March 2019 when a *Saturday Night Live* sketch featured Davidson comparing the Roman Catholic Church to R. Kelly, who had been accused of pedophilia. Davidson stated, “[Kelly] is a monster and he should go to jail forever. But if you support the Catholic Church, isn’t that like the same thing as being an R. Kelly fan? I don’t really see the difference, except for one’s music is significantly better.” This comparison provoked a strong reaction, with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn demanding an apology, calling the sketch “disgraceful and offensive” and accusing it of offending millions of faithful, particularly in light of recent sex abuse settlements.
Another notable controversy involved his mocking of Republican congressional candidate Dan Crenshaw, a veteran who wears an eye patch due to a war wound sustained in Afghanistan. Davidson joked, comparing Crenshaw to “a hitman in a porno movie” and adding, “I’m sorry, I know he lost his eye in war or whatever.” The comments drew widespread condemnation. In response to the backlash, Davidson later apologized and appeared alongside Crenshaw on an *SNL Weekend Update* segment, where Crenshaw accepted his apology and urged Americans to “never forget” the service and sacrifices of veterans, transforming a moment of contention into a platform for unity.
12. **The Road Ahead: Future Projects and a Shifting Public Identity**As Pete Davidson continues to mature both personally and professionally, his career path reflects an ongoing evolution, with a slate of future projects and a discernible shift in his public identity. Having addressed his past struggles and embraced new chapters, his focus appears to be on diverse creative endeavors and a more settled personal life, culminating in the significant anticipation of fatherhood. This journey illustrates a performer consistently challenging perceptions and embracing change.
Looking ahead, Davidson has several films in various stages of production, indicating his sustained presence in Hollywood. He is slated to voice Petey in the animated film *Dog Man* and star in *The Home* as Max, *The Pickup* as Travis Stolly, and the filming project *How to Rob a Bank*. Additionally, he is involved in the post-production for *Wizards!*, further diversifying his roles and demonstrating his commitment to the craft. These projects suggest a sustained and varied output in the coming years.
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His decision to remove nearly all of his extensive tattoo collection, with only two or three expected to remain by 2025, symbolizes a conscious effort to “clean slate it, trying to be an adult.” This physical transformation parallels his journey of mental wellness and stability, indicating a desire to present a more refined and focused persona. This deliberate shedding of his past, both literal and metaphorical, contributes to an image of a man embracing responsibility and a more settled future, culminating in the most recent announcement of his impending fatherhood with Elsie Hewitt, a profound personal milestone that marks a significant new chapter in his highly public, yet deeply personal, narrative. It is a testament to an artist who consistently uses his life as an open book, inviting audiences to witness his ongoing evolution, from a young, raw comedian to a seasoned performer and soon-to-be parent, always engaging, always thought-provoking.
