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Pete Davidson has made a triumphant return – healthier, sober, and embracing single life as he prepares for a momentous “Saturday Night Live” weekend celebration.
The comedian is set to join fellow cast members past and present for “SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration,” broadcasting live on NBC and Peacock this Sunday evening at 8 p.m.
Recently, Davidson experienced an emotional moment watching his 2014 SNL audition tape, where he appeared as a fresh-faced 20-year-old sporting a Target Spiderman shirt. “Showbiz is so tough, and I didn’t know how tough it was,” Davidson told Page Six of the footage, featured in Peacock’s “Beyond Saturday Night” docu-series. “The innocence in my eyes made me so sad.”
Pete Davidson recently wept while watching his ‘SNL’ audition: ‘Made me so sad’ https://t.co/5FHXHscJvp pic.twitter.com/vXdAH61YY9
— Page Six (@PageSix) February 14, 2025
Reflecting on his career path, the Staten Island native acknowledged the challenges of navigating show business while managing mental health issues. “I picked the wrong business to have a mental illness and go into. I’m one of the most insecure and sad people ever, and I picked the most insecure, sad business to go into,” he shared, mixing humor with raw honesty.
As the youngest cast member, Davidson initially struggled to connect with his older colleagues. His unique position led to a special bond with show creator Lorne Michaels, who took a chance on the young talent. “Lorne told me, ‘I’m not really sure what to do with you, but I know you should be here,'” Davidson recalled. “And it was life changing. I owe him my entire career and I love the guy. He’s one of my closest friends.”
Davidson’s personal life, particularly his relationships, often overshadowed his professional achievements. His dating history includes high-profile names like Kim Kardashian, Kate Beckinsale, and Ariana Grande. Regarding Grande, who’s currently nominated for an Oscar, Davidson expressed genuine support: “When we see each other, which is few and far between, because we’re not in the same circles, it’s all love,” adding, “I hope she wins the Oscar, I hope she takes the gold.”
The past six months have marked a significant transformation for Davidson. He’s embraced sobriety, gained 20 pounds through dedicated training, and stepped back from dating and social media. Working with trainer Chris Howard, he’s committed to a healthier lifestyle.
A pivotal moment came after a family member expressed fear about potentially reading news of his death. “That kind of hit me in the balls,” Davidson shared. “It made me be like, showbiz is not my life anymore. If I get to do it, great. But I’m someone’s son, brother, friend, grandson.”
Looking ahead, Davidson stars in the box office hit “DogMan” and aims to diversify his acting portfolio. He’s enthusiastic about the upcoming SNL anniversary special, describing the show’s preparation style: “Every week is hell week. This is, we have 5 seconds on the clock and we’re down 12, but in true ‘SNL’ fashion it will correct itself.”
