Pete Davidson’s tenure on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) is a significant part of his career narrative. Many fans wonder about his age when he first joined the cast of this iconic show. Davidson was remarkably young when he made his debut on the late-night comedy stage.
In 2014, Pete Davidson joined the cast of SNL at the age of just 20 years old. This made him one of the youngest cast members in the show’s history, highlighting his raw talent and comedic potential even at a young age. Joining such a prestigious and high-pressure environment at such a formative age was a unique experience for Davidson.
However, his initial experience wasn’t without its challenges. As revealed in the docuseries “SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night,” Davidson confessed that he felt out of place during his first season. He even requested a meeting with SNL creator Lorne Michaels to ask to be released from his contract. Davidson admitted feeling overwhelmed by the talent of his fellow cast members and believed he didn’t belong. “After my first year, I actually called for a meeting with Lorne. I was like, ‘Please fire me,’” Davidson recounted. “‘I don’t belong here. Everybody here is so talented, and they don’t want to be my friend.’ I was a child! I was like, ‘Nobody wants to be my friend!’”
Fortunately for comedy fans, Lorne Michaels recognized Davidson’s potential and offered him invaluable advice. Michaels told the young comedian that it typically takes three to four years to truly find one’s footing on SNL. He reassured Davidson that his initial feelings were normal and encouraged him to persevere. Davidson took Michaels’ advice to heart and remained with SNL for eight seasons, becoming a prominent figure in the show.
Pete Davidson’s journey on SNL was one of growth and development, both personally and professionally. He joined as a young man of 20 and matured into a seasoned performer over his eight years on the show. Upon his departure in 2022, Davidson expressed deep gratitude for his time at SNL, acknowledging the show’s profound impact on his life. He stated, “I got to share so much with this audience and literally grow up in front of your eyes.” His story is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and mentorship in the challenging world of comedy.
