Pete Davidson recently shared a candid reflection on his early days on Saturday Night Live, revealing that after completing his first season on the show, he asked Lorne Michaels, the creator of SNL, to fire him. At just 20 years old, Davidson became one of the youngest cast members in the show’s history when he joined in 2014, but his time on the show almost ended much sooner.
Davidson, now 31, spoke about his struggle with imposter syndrome during his first season in the spotlight, admitting that the pressure and self-doubt led him to request his departure. In an interview for Peacock’s SNL:50 Beyond Saturday Night, he recalled the emotional moment when he sat down with Michaels, telling him, “I don’t belong here. Everybody’s so talented, and they don’t want to be my friend.”
The comedian explained that he felt out of place, describing himself as “just a kid” in a sea of seasoned professionals. Michaels, however, offered reassurance, telling Davidson, “You don’t figure it out until your third or fourth year.” His words provided the encouragement Davidson needed, and he decided to stay, eventually becoming one of the most well-known faces of the show for the next eight years.
Davidson’s vulnerability during this pivotal moment in his career highlights the challenges he faced early on, and how Michaels’ mentorship and wisdom played a crucial role in helping him find his footing. His decision to continue on SNLultimately led to a successful run and helped solidify his place in comedy and entertainment.
