Pete Davidson is set to make his return to Saturday Night Live this weekend as the show gears up for a highly anticipated milestone celebration.
The SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration special will air on NBC and Peacock on Sunday, February 16, at 8 p.m.
The event is expected to bring together a mix of past and present cast members, reflecting on the legendary sketch comedy show’s five decades of influence.
Among the returning stars is Davidson, who has undergone significant personal changes since his time on the show.
Now 31, he has shed 20 pounds, embraced sobriety, and is currently single.
Reflecting on his journey, Davidson recently revisited footage of his first SNL audition from 2014—a moment that stirred deep emotions.
Davidson’s Emotional Look Back at His SNL Beginnings
Davidson, who was just 20 years old when he auditioned for SNL, recalled the moment with a mix of nostalgia and sadness. In an interview with Page Six, he shared how watching his younger self brought him to tears.
“The innocence in my eyes made me so sad,” Davidson admitted. “Showbiz is so tough, and I didn’t know how tough it was.”
He reflected on the unique challenges he faced entering the entertainment industry at such a young age.
“I picked the wrong business to have a mental illness and go into,” he explained. “I’m one of the most insecure and sad people ever, and I picked the most insecure, sad business to go into.”
His journey through fame, personal struggles, and self-discovery has been anything but easy, but Davidson has remained open about the difficulties he has faced along the way.
Facing Mental Health Struggles in the Spotlight
Davidson has long been candid about his battles with mental health, including his diagnoses of borderline personality disorder and PTSD. His time on SNL was both a career-defining opportunity and a challenge, particularly because he was significantly younger than most of the cast.
“Everyone was 10-plus years older than me, and I had a hard time fitting in. No one was mean, but there was an age difference,” he said.
While his castmates were settling into family life, Davidson was still adjusting to the pressures of being in the industry.
“They were getting married, having kids, and I was like, ‘Do you guys want to come over to play video games?!’ So I hung out with Lorne.”
Lorne Michaels, the creator and executive producer of SNL, played a pivotal role in Davidson’s career. He recalled how Michaels saw something in him, even when he wasn’t sure how to place him within the show.
“Lorne told me, ‘I’m not really sure what to do with you, but I know you should be here.’ And it was life-changing. I owe him my entire career, and I love the guy. He’s one of my closest friends.”
A Changed Man Ready for a Special Homecoming
Davidson’s time on SNL helped shape him into the performer he is today, but his life has changed significantly since those early days. His personal struggles have been well-documented, yet he has continued to evolve, taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle and greater self-awareness.
Despite the hardships, he has no regrets about his journey.
“Every week is hell week,” he joked about the rigorous pace of working on SNL. “This is, we have 5 seconds on the clock and we’re down 12, but in true ‘SNL’ fashion, it will correct itself.”
As Davidson prepares to reunite with old friends and celebrate the legacy of Saturday Night Live, his return will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the evening. Fans can expect a mix of laughter, nostalgia, and appreciation for the show that helped launch his career.
With his renewed perspective and fresh outlook, Davidson’s presence at the SNL50 anniversary special will serve as a reminder of both his personal growth and the enduring impact of Saturday Night Live on comedy and culture.
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