Pete Davidson, the renowned comedian and former Saturday Night Live star, is making strides on his tattoo removal odyssey. What was once a canvas of approximately 200 tattoos is now significantly clearer, as Davidson shared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on January 31, 2025, saying, "I've been burning them off. They're almost gone."
Not one to shy away from the truth, Davidson described the tattoo removal process as "horrible, worse than getting a tattoo." He elaborated, "They gotta burn off a layer of your skin, and then it has to heal for like six to eight weeks, and you can’t get in the sunlight." His playful jab at the audience's reactions included musing, "So really think about getting a Game of Thrones tattoo."
Davidson's tattoo removal saga began back in 2020 when he kicked off the laser treatment due to frustrations about how difficult it was to cover his numerous tattoos for acting roles. Reflecting on his past, he quipped, "I was a sad boy. It was a weird time. I don't know, everybody was getting tattoos like five years ago. Post Malone was like 'Always Tired,' and I was like, 'Me too dude, I'm exhausted.'" The sheer number of tattoos resulted from various personal moments, including reminders of lost relationships, such as those he had inked for Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande.
During his recent appearance, Davidson humorously recounted the absurdity of the process. "The doctor's in there with you. So before he goes to laser off each tattoo, you have to hear him announce what the tattoo is to make sure you want to keep it or not," he shared. "Are we keeping Stewie Griffin smoking a blunt?" he mimicked, capturing the surreal experience.
Through this transformative period, Davidson feels compelled to change his image and embrace adulthood. "I'm trying to clean slate it, trying to be an adult," he said, confirming he's likely to keep only "maybe two or three" of his original inks.
He also clarified the motivation behind his extensive removals: getting sober and wanting to look different. "I got sober and I saw myself in the mirror, and I was like nah. I was like, I need to change it up a little bit," he revealed on TODAY.
His candidness about the painful nature of the tattoo removal reflects not only his personal struggles but serves as advice for others considering tattoos. "If anybody is out there watching and thinking about getting a tattoo, just make sure you really want to get it," he cautioned.
Despite the discomfort and lengthy process—estimated at around 12 sessions for complete removal—Davidson remains optimistic. After all, acting is now the priority he never thought he’d have. "I didn’t think they would put me in stuff (in) the movie business or anything. I honestly never thought I would get the opportunity to act, and I love it a lot," he reiterated during his chat with Fallon.
Davidson’s tattoo removal odyssey is drawing interest as he collaborates to promote his new animated film, Dog Man. His evolution from the tattooed jokester of SNL to someone endeavoring to redefine himself on screen resonates with fans who have followed his unpredictable career.
With public interest surrounding Davidson’s personal life and tattoo-removal process, it opens up conversations about identity, choices, and the significance of body art. Whether it’s jokes about the painful sessions or reflections on past experiences, Davidson's approach injects authenticity and humor amid the challenges of transformation.