Pete Davidson went from a twenty-year-old stand-up newcomer on Saturday Night Live to a fixture of modern comedy, balancing indie passion projects, major franchise cameos, and semi-autobiographical television. If you're tracking his filmography, you'll find a career built on self-deprecating humor, deadpan delivery, and a knack for playing heightened versions of himself. Navigating his catalog means looking past surface-level pop culture headlines and diving straight into the sketches, voice roles, and feature films that shaped his trajectory.
The Saturday Night Live Breakthrough
Joining the cast of Saturday Night Live in 2014 made Davidson one of the youngest performers in the show's history. Across eight seasons, he carved out a distinct niche through pre-taped music videos, Weekend Update desk appearances, and recurring characters like Chad. Rather than relying on traditional impressions, his stand-up roots bled into his sketches, treating the national stage like an open mic. When he left the show in 2022, he had shifted from a featured player into a recognizable pop culture archetype.
Essential Film Performances
Feature films gave Davidson room to expand beyond sketch comedy, moving from early supporting bits in comedies like Trainwreck to leading man status.
- The King of Staten Island (2020): Co-written and starred in by Davidson, this semi-autobiographical comedy-drama directed by Judd Apatow follows Scott, a stalled twenty-something dealing with his father's death. It's widely considered his most grounded and vulnerable acting showcase.
- Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022): A sharp, cynical A24 horror-comedy where Davidson plays David, a wealthy party host at the center of a disastrous hurricane-party murder mystery.
- Dumb Money (2023): Playing Kevin Gill, the brother of real-life GameStop stock investor Keith Gill, Davidson brings chaotic comedic relief to this fast-paced financial drama based on real events.
- The Suicide Squad (2021): Directed by James Gunn, Davidson takes on the brief but memorable role of Richard Hertz, aka Blackguard, in a large-scale comic book ensemble.
Television Projects and Voice Work
Beyond late-night sketches, Davidson built an eclectic television resume spanning scripted streaming series and prominent voice acting gigs.
- Bupkis (2023): Created, written, and starring Davidson, this Peacock comedy series mirrors the tone of Curb Your Enthusiasm, offering a fictionalized, exaggerated look at his life alongside co-stars like Edie Falco and Joe Pesci.
- The Freak Brothers (2020–present): Voicing Phineas T. Phreakers in this animated stoner comedy series gives Davidson a recurring voice-acting outlet based on classic underground comics.
- Blockbuster Franchises: Davidson lent his voice to Mirage in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023) and Petey the Cat in Dog Man (2025), alongside brief cameo appearances in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Fast X.
Stand-Up Specials
Stand-up remains the backbone of Davidson's career. His specials capture his evolving personal life and public scrutiny in real time.
- Pete Davidson: SMD (2016): An early Comedy Central special capturing his raw, unpolished stand-up style.
- Pete Davidson: Alive from New York (2020): Released on Netflix, this special tackles mental health, public relationships, and life under a microscope.
- Pete Davidson: Turbo Fonzarelli (2024): Another Netflix release reflecting on growing older, aging out of his rebellious twenty-something persona, and dealing with fame.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which movie was based on Pete Davidson's life?
The King of Staten Island (2020) draws heavily from his real-world upbringing in New York, incorporating elements of his relationship with his mother and the loss of his firefighter father.
How long was Pete Davidson on Saturday Night Live?
He spent eight seasons on the show, joining as a featured player in 2014 and departing at the conclusion of season 47 in 2022. He later returned to host an episode in 2023.
What voice roles has Pete Davidson played?
His notable voice credits include Mirage in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Phineas in The Freak Brothers, and Petey the Cat in Dog Man.
Does Pete Davidson write his own projects?
Yes. He co-wrote The King of Staten Island and served as a creator and writer for his semi-autobiographical comedy series Bupkis, in addition to writing his stand-up specials.
