Pete Davidson has recently opened up about his dating philosophy, shedding light on how his upbringing affects his romantic relationships. The comedian, known for both his acclaimed tenure on Saturday Night Live (SNL) and his whirlwind love life, made the remarks during appearances on The Drew Barrymore Show and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on January 31, 2025.
Davidson humorously claimed, "I'm the girl, I think, whenever I'm in a relationship," illuminating how he prefers transparency and assertiveness from his partners. After wrapping up his 10-month romance with actress Madelyn Cline, Davidson candidly shared insights about his personality dynamics, saying he grew up with mostly women around him and hence embraced a more feminine approach to dating. "Because I grew up with all ladies in the house, so I act pretty feminine," Davidson said.
Alongside his own romantic escapades, Davidson spoke affectionately about his mother, Amy Water Davidson, who has been single since the tragic passing of his father on September 11, 2001. Davidson's dad, Firefighter Scott Davidson, left behind not only his wife but also his son and daughter. Reflecting on his mother’s first foray back to dating, he joked, "At first, I was nervous because I didn’t want someone to bang my mom. It’s terrifying." Davidson emphasized how long it had been since she last dated and noted, "She’s never dated. It’s been 22, 23 years since my dad passed."
The SNL alum expressed hope for his mother's happiness, stating, "And I think she’d like to have a partner… so I don’t have to do it so much," hinting at his willingness to play matchmaker. "A couple of years ago, you know the lovely Jon Hamm? My mom has a huge crush on him," he revealed, recounting how he tried to nudge Hamm to be extra nice to her at the show.
On another note, Davidson hilariously recounted his experience hosting SNL's 40th Anniversary Special, reflecting on the anxiety of performing before A-list celebrities such as Taylor Swift and Jack Nicholson. "You’re, like, dressed like a potato," he recalled, alluding to his relaxed attire contrasted against the star-studded nature of the event. But there was one standout interaction: "Leonardo DiCaprio tugged my shirt... and he just went, ‘I like what you’re doing,’" Davidson recounted, delivering the story with charisma.
Davidson reminisced about his early years at SNL, where he started at age 20 and left after eight seasons. He expressed gratitude for the experience, stating, "I got to share so much with this audience and literally grow up in front of your eyes." Despite leaving, he has not lost touch with his roots; Davidson recently collaborated with former castmate Colin Jost to purchase a decommissioned Staten Island ferry, which they plan to repurpose. "A hotel up top, movie theater, some little shopping kiosks," Davidson shared, urging fans to be patient as they navigate the project's financing and development.
On the personal front, Davidson detailed efforts to shed his past through the removal of his tattoos. Having once boasted nearly 200 inkings, he quipped, "Yeah, I was a sad boy." Adopting a cleaner slate for his future, he mentioned keeping only "maybe, like, two or three" tattoos as he moves forward. "If you Google any picture of me from ages 20 to 27, it’s purple shirts, fedoras, all these chains... it doesn’t look cool at all," he confessed, highlighting his evolution and maturity at 31.
Now, with new projects and personal growth on the horizon, including promotions for his animated feature Dog Man, Davidson continues to navigate his life under the spotlight, engaging fans with his signature humor and relatable stories. With his unique perspective on dating, family, and celebrity culture, Pete Davidson remains one of the most intriguing figures to watch.