Pete Davidson breaks silence on 'SNL' exit, famous exes and fatherhood

Pete Davidson discusses leaving 'SNL', sobriety, fatherhood and his upcoming films in a new Variety interview

Pete Davidson has opened up about leaving Saturday Night Live, his past relationships, sobriety and fatherhood while discussing his next chapter in a new Variety interview.

The 32-year-old comedian and actor left SNL in 2022 after eight seasons. Davidson said he had wanted to leave earlier but ultimately followed advice from creator Lorne Michaels to give himself time to find his place on the show.

Davidson also reflected on his highly publicised relationships with celebrities including Ariana Grande and Kim Kardashian. He said the media attention surrounding his dating life has often overshadowed his acting and comedy work.

The actor revealed that he reached a low point in 2023 after the release of his autobiographical Peacock series Bupkis. He said he was using several drugs at the time before entering rehab and stepping away from the series. Davidson now says he is sober and has stopped using drugs.

Fatherhood has also changed his outlook. Davidson and his former partner Elsie Hewitt welcomed their daughter, Scottie, and he said becoming a father shifted his priorities away from public opinion and career pressures.

Davidson is preparing for the release of How to Rob a Bank, in which he plays a war veteran involved in bank robberies. The film, directed by David Leitch, is scheduled to hit theatres on November 13.

He is also set to star in Tommy Karate, a crime film based on real-life mob hitman Thomas Pitera. Davidson wrote the screenplay during rehab and is expected to play the lead role.

Despite removing most of his tattoos, Davidson said he plans to keep a tattoo of Hillary Clinton, describing her as a close friend.