For those who have followed Pete Davidson’s career, the comedian’s journey has been marked by a number of notable transformations, none more visually apparent than his tattoo removal endeavor. At a recent screening of “Riff Raff,” held by the Cinema Society, Davidson shared insights into his ongoing battle against the extensive ink that once covered his body. With a staggering 200 tattoos inked across his skin, he is now in the process of shedding this chapter of his life. Davidson disclosed that he is in the final stages of removal for the tattoos on his arms and has begun treating his torso.
This painful journey is not for the faint of heart. Davidson’s candidness about the discomfort associated with tattoo removal reveals a harsh truth: the process is often excruciating. “It’s terrible,” he remarked, characterizing the feeling as if “they burn off your skin.” Davidson impressively noted the necessity for multiple sessions, which he believes underscores a lucrative opportunity for investors in the tattoo removal business. His commentary sheds light on a little-discussed aspect of life post-tattoo—removing marks of past decisions—infinitely more painful than getting them.
Understanding the grueling nature of his treatment, Davidson has found ways to cope with the discomfort. During sessions that only involve the arm, his strategy is to engage with the nurses or listen to music as a form of distraction. However, for full-body treatments, he chooses to be sedated—a decision that hints at the serious nature of the procedure and suggests he is prioritizing his mental well-being during this painful journey.
This effort to remove his tattoos speaks volumes about Davidson’s desire to redefine himself, aligning with a narrative of personal growth and evolution that resonates deeply with many. Each session brings him closer to an ink-free future, suggesting that his tattoos may represent more than just body art; they are mementos of a past self.
Reflections on ‘Saturday Night Live’
In the midst of this personal transformation, Davidson is also reveling in his past experiences, particularly his time on “Saturday Night Live,” where he made his mark as one of the youngest cast members at the age of 20. Reflecting on that period, he admitted that it felt surreal to be thrust into such an influential show at such a young age. He now perceives that time with a sense of incredulity—acknowledging the dichotomy of feeling like an adult while still being in a formative stage of life.
Davidson recalls, “When you’re there and when you’re 20 you feel like an adult but you’re not. You’re learning and growing into the person you’re going to be.” This self-awareness marks a pivotal realization for Davidson, who acknowledges the supportive environment cultivated by his co-stars and SNL’s creator, Lorne Michaels. Davidson’s experience is a beautiful reminder of community within chaos; he was surrounded by seasoned professionals who had his back from the start.
In addition to his tattoo removal saga, Davidson is currently promoting “Riff Raff,” a film where he takes on the role of a hitman alongside the legendary Bill Murray. For Davidson, embodying a character that wears suits and navigates the gritty underbelly of criminal life is a dream role—one that offers him a distinct departure from the comedic persona that many have come to know him for. This project serves not only as an entertaining feature but as a new avenue for artistic expression for Davidson.
Furthermore, on a personal level, Davidson has openly discussed his mental health challenges. Thankfully, he shares that he is currently in a “good” place, a testament to his resilience and ongoing commitment to self-improvement. As he bridges these transformative experiences—from shedding ink to celebrating accomplishments—Davidson embodies the essence of growth, resilience, and the ceaseless pursuit of identity.
In a world where personal narratives often intertwine with public personas, Pete Davidson offers a poignant example of what it means to acknowledge one’s past while actively working toward a future that aligns with one’s evolving self.