Pete Davidson, the former star of Saturday Night Live, is currently undergoing a significant transformation, focusing on the removal of over 200 tattoos from his body. Despite this extensive process, he has made a firm decision to retain specific tattoos that honor his parents, including designs inspired by the acclaimed series The Sopranos, alongside two deeply personal tributes to his late father, Scott Davidson, a firefighter who tragically lost his life during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Tattoo Removal Journey and Personal Reflections
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Davidson shared insights into his tattoo journey, revealing that his mother, Amy Waters Davidson, encouraged him to get a tattoo dedicated to her. As a result, he now has a tattoo that simply states “MOMTATTOO.” He expressed that this particular ink must remain. Additionally, he carries his father’s identification number as a permanent reminder of his legacy.
Davidson began the lengthy tattoo removal process in 2020, which he expects will span around ten years. He has been candid about the discomfort associated with the procedure, stating, “It’s awful. I’ve been filming it and showing all the younger people in my family to be like, ‘If you don’t like it, this is what you have to do.’” Despite the challenges, he views this journey as a necessary step toward personal growth.
The 31-year-old comedian also expressed excitement about his transformation, saying, “I’m making changes. So I’m excited, but it sucks.” His commitment to this process stems from a desire to start anew after overcoming addiction, a struggle he has openly discussed in various interviews.
Financial Commitment and Personal Growth
Davidson has invested more than $200,000 in tattoo removal, a figure he admitted is “a pretty uncomfortable amount of money to disclose.” He revealed that he is currently only about 30 percent finished with the removal process. “My arms are pretty much gone, and my hands and neck are gone. But I still have to do my torso and back,” he explained, highlighting the extensive nature of the undertaking.
His reflections on the tattoos reveal a deep connection to his past. Davidson noted, “I used to be a drug addict and I was a sad person, and I felt ugly and that I needed to be covered up. So I’m just removing them and starting fresh, because that’s what I think works best for me and for my brain.” This personal narrative underscores his journey not just in terms of physical appearance but also emotional recovery.
As he prepares to welcome his first child with girlfriend Elsie Hewitt, Davidson’s tattoo removal journey symbolizes a broader commitment to personal and familial growth. By retaining tattoos that honor his parents while shedding others, he aims to create a balanced narrative of his past and future.
