Pete Davidson built an unconventional career by turning his real life, hometown roots, and public persona into punchlines. From his early days on MTV to becoming a breakout cast member on Saturday Night Live and headlining major studio comedies, his film and television footprint spans quirky indies, big-budget blockbusters, and semi-autobiographical television. If you want to understand how a stand-up comic from Staten Island conquered Hollywood, you need to look at the specific projects that shaped his trajectory.
Navigating his filmography can be tricky because he bounces freely between voice acting, supporting character actor roles, and lead passion projects. This guide breaks down his essential television work, his defining film roles, and the behind-the-scenes creative efforts that define his career.
Early Television Breakouts and Saturday Night Live
Before landing on late-night television, Davidson cut his teeth in the New York comedy scene and appeared on various sketch and reality comedy series.
- Guy Code and Wild 'N Out (2013–2014): Davidson made early television appearances on MTV and MTV2 programs, establishing his casual, deadpan persona for cable audiences.
- Saturday Night Live (2014–2022): Joining SNL at just 20 years old, Davidson became one of the youngest cast members in the show's history. He carved out a niche on "Weekend Update," playing heightened versions of himself and starring in viral prerecorded digital shorts and music videos.
- The Rookie (2020–2022): In a recurring guest role, he played Pete Nolan, the reckless and unpredictable stepbrother of the show's main protagonist.
Defining Film Roles and Critical Breakthroughs
Davidson transitioned from sketch comedy to feature films with a mix of edgy comedies, action romps, and heartfelt dramas inspired by his own upbringing.
- The King of Staten Island (2020): Directed by Judd Apatow, this semi-autobiographical comedy-drama stands as Davidson's emotional anchor as a film actor. He stars as Scott Carlin, an unmotivated young adult struggling to process the death of his firefighter father—mirroring the real-life loss of Davidson's own father on 9/11. He also co-wrote the screenplay.
- Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022): This satirical horror-comedy from A24 features Davidson as part of an ensemble cast of wealthy twenty-somethings trapped in a mansion during a hurricane. His performance plays smartly into public perceptions of his persona.
- The Suicide Squad (2021): Directed by James Gunn, this comic book blockbuster gave Davidson a flashy, memorable cameo as Richard Hertz, alias Blackguard, showcasing his willingness to lean into action cinema.
- Dumb Money (2023): Chronicling the GameStop short squeeze, Davidson played Kevin Gill, the cynical brother of financial gamer Keith Gill, adding comedic texture to a tense real-world drama.
Voice Acting and Blockbuster Cameos
Beyond live-action acting, Davidson has lent his distinct speaking voice to several high-profile animated projects and unexpected franchise entries.
- Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023): Davidson voiced Mirage, the wisecracking Porsche Autobot who serves as the primary companion to the human leads.
- The Freak Brothers (2020–present): He voices Phineas T. Phreakers in this animated Stoner sitcom series adaptation, serving as a primary cast member and executive producer.
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023): He made a quick voice cameo as Phlektik in James Gunn's Marvel trilogy closer.
Television Creation: Bupkis
In 2023, Davidson expanded his creative control by launching Bupkis, a fictionalized, half-hour comedy series streaming on Peacock. Acting as creator, writer, and executive producer, Davidson starred alongside heavyweights like Joe Pesci and Edie Falco. The show blends grounded family dynamics with surreal comedy, serving as a spiritual successor to his work on Saturday Night Live and The King of Staten Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Pete Davidson's first major movie role?
While he appeared in small indie films like School Dance (2014) and Trainwreck (2015), his first major cinematic showcase where he carried the narrative was Big Time Adolescence (2019), followed closely by his star vehicle The King of Staten Island in 2020.
Did Pete Davidson write The King of Staten Island?
Yes. Davidson co-wrote the screenplay alongside director Judd Apatow and Dave Sirus, drawing heavily from his personal experiences growing up in New York.
How long was Pete Davidson on Saturday Night Live?
He was a cast member on Saturday Night Live for eight seasons, appearing in 159 episodes from 2014 until his departure in 2022.
Does Pete Davidson do voice acting?
Yes. He has voiced characters in animated films and shows like The Angry Birds Movie 2, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, The Freak Brothers, and Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
