Why did Pete Davidson ask to be fired from SNL after his first year? Details explored 

"All In: Comedy About Love By Simon Rich" Gala Performance - Source: Getty
"All In: Comedy About Love By Simon Rich" Gala Performance - Source: Getty

Pete Davidson is one of the beloved characters in the iconic American sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL) airing on NBC since 1975. He recently announced his departure from the show in 2022. However, according to some reports, just when he joined the show in 2014, he requested a direct meeting with the creator asking to fire him as he didn't feel he "belonged" to the show.

Pete Davidson is an American comedian, actor, and writer who appeared in minor roles on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Friends of the People, and Guy Code among others. What happened in SNL that intrigued him to leave the show? Read further to know the complete details.


Why did Pete Davidson ask to be fired from SNL?

Pete joined the SNL in 2014 when he was 20 years old and was the youngest among all cast members. He reflects on his struggle during his first year on the show and states that he found it difficult to fit in socially and professionally, always overshadowed by much older and experienced talents.

Pete was in the show with a contract agreement from 2014 to 2022. But after his first year, he was so overwhelmed that he actually requested the creator of the show to fire him.

“After my first year, I actually called for a meeting with Lorne, and I was like, ‘Please fire me,’” Pete recalled, referring to the creator of SNL, Lorne Michaels.

Pete asserts that he was nervous when he joined the show and was not sure of what he could be able to contribute keeping in mind the iconic history of the show. However, Michaels encouraged him to give himself some time, and after that, he did eight seasons consequently and became a fan favorite.

“You don’t figure it out until your third or fourth year. It’s just going to suck for like three or four years.” said Michael.

Pete later admits his "childish" mistake which was rightly rectified by Michaels at the right time. He posted an emotional Instagram post after his departure.

“I owe Lorne Michaels and everyone at SNL my life.” He wrote. I'm so grateful, and I wouldn’t be here without them. I appreciate you guys always having my back and sticking up for me even when that wasn’t the popular opinion. Thank you for always believing in me and sticking by my side even when it seemed comical. "

SNL launched Pete's career. Since he left the show he agrees that now he is better known to other celebrities like Ariana Grande among others. Davidson now celebrates the 50 years of the show with other SNL alumni appearing in a 4-part docuseries SNL50.

“When I got the show, I was 20 years old, and I had no idea what I was doing. I still don’t but especially back then,” his statement read. “I got to share so much with this audience and literally grow up in front of your eyes. We were together through the good and the bad, the happiest and the darkest of times.”
Edited by Tanisha Aggarwal
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