Pete Davidson has built a distinctive career by combining stand-up comedy, television, film, and highly personal storytelling. He first became widely known as one of the youngest cast members of Saturday Night Live, but his career has since expanded well beyond the long-running sketch show.
Born and raised in Staten Island, New York, Davidson turned experiences from his early life into material for his comedy and later explored similar themes through film and television. His work in The King of Staten Island and Bupkis demonstrates how closely his creative projects can sometimes connect with his own experiences.
His public profile has also been shaped by high-profile relationships, acting roles, comedy specials, and his willingness to discuss difficult periods of his life. This guide looks at Pete Davidson’s age, background, career, relationships, major projects, and some of the facts that have made him one of the most recognizable comedians of his generation.
Key Takeaways
- Pete Davidson was born on November 16, 1993, in Staten Island, New York.
- He became a Saturday Night Live cast member in 2014 at age 20.
- Davidson left SNL in 2022 after seven seasons.
- His notable screen projects include The King of Staten Island, The Suicide Squad, Bodies Bodies Bodies, and Bupkis.
- His personal experiences have influenced several of his creative projects.
- Davidson has also received substantial media attention for several high-profile relationships.
Biography Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peter Michael Davidson |
| Date of Birth | November 16, 1993 |
| Age | 32 years old |
| Birthplace | Staten Island, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Comedian, actor, writer, producer |
| Education | Xaverian High School; briefly attended St. Francis College |
| Years Active | 2010s–present |
| Known For | Saturday Night Live, stand-up comedy, film and television roles |
| Major Achievements | SNL cast member, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, lead roles in film and television |
| Estimated Net Worth | Reported estimates vary; figures should be treated as approximate |
Pete Davidson’s Early Life and Background
Pete Davidson was born Peter Michael Davidson on November 16, 1993, in Staten Island, New York. His parents are Amy and Scott Davidson. His father was a firefighter who died while responding to the September 11, 2001, attacks.
The loss had a profound influence on Davidson’s childhood and later creative work. His father’s death became an important part of his personal story and was eventually reflected, in fictionalized form, in projects such as The King of Staten Island.
Davidson attended Xaverian High School and graduated in 2011. He subsequently attended St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights but left college while pursuing comedy.
How Pete Davidson Started Comedy
Davidson began performing stand-up when he was 16. His first performance took place at a Staten Island bowling alley after friends encouraged him to get on stage.
Rather than following a traditional entertainment-school route, he developed his skills through live comedy. He later appeared on television programs including Failosophy, Guy Code, and Nick Cannon Presents: Wild ‘N Out.
That early experience helped Davidson develop the conversational and autobiographical style that eventually became central to his public persona.
Pete Davidson and Saturday Night Live
Davidson’s major breakthrough came in 2014 when he joined Saturday Night Live.
At only 20 years old, he became one of the show’s youngest cast members. His opportunity came partly through comedian Bill Hader, who had worked with Davidson on Trainwreck and recommended him to SNL creator and producer Lorne Michaels.
During his time on the program, Davidson became particularly associated with Weekend Update, where he often commented on his own experiences and current events.
He also developed recurring characters, including Chad, a laid-back and easily distracted character who became one of his recognizable contributions to the show.
When Did Pete Davidson Leave SNL?
Davidson left Saturday Night Live in 2022 after seven seasons. His departure marked the end of the period that had introduced him to a much larger mainstream audience.
His time on SNL also helped establish him as more than a stand-up comedian. It gave him opportunities to work alongside some of the industry’s best-known writers, performers, and producers.
In 2016, Davidson was included on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, recognizing his growing influence in comedy.
Pete Davidson’s Acting Career
Although Saturday Night Live was a major part of Davidson’s rise, acting became an increasingly important part of his career.
His filmography includes comedy, drama, horror-comedy, animation, and superhero projects. Some of his best-known screen appearances include:
- Trainwreck (2015)
- Set It Up (2018)
- The Dirt (2019)
- The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019)
- The King of Staten Island (2020)
- The Suicide Squad (2021)
- Marmaduke (2022)
- Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)
- Meet Cute (2022)
- Bupkis (2023)
These projects show the range of roles Davidson has taken since becoming known primarily as a stand-up comedian.
The King of Staten Island and Pete Davidson’s Personal Story
One of Davidson’s most significant acting projects is The King of Staten Island, released in 2020.
Directed by Judd Apatow, the film stars Davidson as Scott Carlin, a young man living with his mother in Staten Island while dealing with grief and uncertainty about his future.
The movie is loosely inspired by Davidson’s own life. Like Davidson, the central character has lost a firefighter father and struggles with the emotional impact of that loss. Davidson also co-wrote and executive produced the film.
The film is important because it illustrates how Davidson has transformed personal experiences into fictional storytelling without presenting his life as a straightforward autobiography.
Pete Davidson and Bupkis
Davidson continued exploring autobiographical comedy with Bupkis, a television series that premiered in 2023.
The show is a fictionalized version of Davidson’s life. He co-wrote and starred in the series, playing a version of himself. Edie Falco played his mother, while Joe Pesci appeared as his grandfather.
The series drew from elements of Davidson’s real family and career while deliberately exaggerating them for comedy. That distinction is important: Bupkis should not be treated as a literal biography.
The project also demonstrated Davidson’s growing involvement behind the camera as a writer and producer rather than simply an actor.
Pete Davidson’s Comedy Career
Stand-up remains an important part of Davidson’s identity as an entertainer.
His comedy frequently combines personal observations, relationships, family experiences, fame, and uncomfortable subjects. His approach is often intentionally candid, which has helped distinguish him from more traditional mainstream comedians.
His comedy work includes television appearances, live performances, comedy specials, and his work on Saturday Night Live.
His first stand-up special, Pete Davidson: SMD, was released in 2016. He later released Pete Davidson: Alive from New York in 2020.
Pete Davidson’s Relationships
Pete Davidson’s relationships have attracted considerable media attention, partly because several of his former partners are also major entertainment figures.
Among the people he has been publicly linked with are Carly Aquilino, Cazzie David, Ariana Grande, Kate Beckinsale, Margaret Qualley, Kaia Gerber, Phoebe Dynevor, Kim Kardashian, and Emily Ratajkowski.
Because celebrity relationships can change and media reports are not always reliable, it is best to distinguish confirmed relationships from speculation or rumors.
Pete Davidson and Ariana Grande
Davidson and Ariana Grande began dating in 2018 and became engaged within a short period.
Their relationship attracted enormous media attention, partly because both were already prominent figures in entertainment. The engagement ended later that year.
Their brief relationship became a major part of entertainment coverage at the time, and Grande’s later song “Thank U, Next” is widely associated with her past relationships, including Davidson.
Pete Davidson and Kim Kardashian
Davidson began dating Kim Kardashian in 2021 after appearing with her during a Saturday Night Live episode.
Their relationship quickly became one of the most heavily covered celebrity romances of the period. Davidson and Kardashian eventually ended their relationship in 2022, with reports pointing to demanding schedules and long-distance challenges.
The relationship also placed Davidson at the center of intense media attention that extended well beyond his comedy and acting work.
Pete Davidson’s Tattoos
Tattoos have also become part of Davidson’s public image.
Over the years, he has had numerous tattoos, including designs connected to people and experiences in his life. Some tattoos have subsequently been changed or covered following changes in his relationships.
For example, Davidson had a bunny-mask tattoo associated with Ariana Grande’s Dangerous Woman imagery. Following their breakup, the design was reportedly changed into a black heart.
His tattoos have therefore sometimes served as visible reminders of different periods in his life.
Pete Davidson’s Movies and TV Shows
For readers discovering Davidson through his acting rather than comedy, his filmography provides a useful overview of his career development.
| Year | Project | Role/Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Trainwreck | Actor |
| 2018 | Set It Up | Actor |
| 2019 | The Dirt | Actor |
| 2019 | The Angry Birds Movie 2 | Voice actor |
| 2020 | The King of Staten Island | Star, co-writer, executive producer |
| 2021 | The Suicide Squad | Blackguard |
| 2022 | Bodies Bodies Bodies | Actor |
| 2022 | Meet Cute | Lead actor |
| 2022 | Marmaduke | Voice actor |
| 2023 | Bupkis | Star and co-writer |
This range illustrates how Davidson moved from sketch comedy into feature films, voice acting, television, and creative production.
What Makes Pete Davidson’s Career Different?
Davidson’s career stands out because his comedy and acting often overlap with his personal experiences.
Rather than keeping a strict separation between performer and character, he frequently uses a version of himself as the starting point for his work. The King of Staten Island and Bupkis are two clear examples.
That approach can create a strong connection with audiences because viewers recognize recurring elements from his public persona. At the same time, it is important to remember that fictionalized projects are still entertainment rather than complete accounts of Davidson’s real life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Pete Davidson?
Pete Davidson was born on November 16, 1993. As of September 2026, he is 32 years old.
Where is Pete Davidson from?
Davidson was born and raised in Staten Island, New York. Staten Island has remained an important part of his public identity and has influenced several of his creative projects.
When did Pete Davidson join SNL?
Pete Davidson joined Saturday Night Live in 2014 at age 20. He remained on the show for seven seasons before leaving in 2022.
What is Pete Davidson best known for?
He is best known for his stand-up comedy, seven-season run on Saturday Night Live, and acting work in projects such as The King of Staten Island, The Suicide Squad, Bodies Bodies Bodies, and Bupkis.
Was The King of Staten Island based on Pete Davidson’s life?
Yes, the movie is loosely based on elements of Davidson’s life. His character’s experiences include the loss of a firefighter father and life in Staten Island, both of which parallel important parts of Davidson’s background.
Is Bupkis a true story?
Bupkis is not a literal biography. It is a fictionalized version of Davidson’s life that incorporates real people and experiences while changing or exaggerating elements for comedy.
What movies has Pete Davidson appeared in?
His film credits include Trainwreck, Set It Up, The Dirt, The Angry Birds Movie 2, The King of Staten Island, The Suicide Squad, Bodies Bodies Bodies, Meet Cute, and Marmaduke.
Did Pete Davidson date Kim Kardashian?
Yes. Davidson and Kardashian began dating in 2021 and ended their relationship in 2022. Their romance received extensive media coverage during that period.
Conclusion
Pete Davidson‘s career extends far beyond his early reputation as a young Saturday Night Live cast member. From stand-up comedy and television to feature films, voice acting, writing, and producing, he has developed a broad entertainment career.
His background in Staten Island, the loss of his father, and his experiences with fame have influenced much of his creative work. Projects such as The King of Staten Island and Bupkis show how he has transformed aspects of his personal story into fictional comedy.
While his relationships have generated substantial public interest, Davidson’s professional work remains the foundation of his career. His progression from a teenage stand-up performer to an SNL cast member, film actor, writer, and producer illustrates why Pete Davidson continues to be a notable figure in modern American comedy and entertainment.
