Pete Davidson recently opened up about his early days on *Saturday Night Live* (SNL), recalling the challenging start that nearly led to his departure. 

At just 20 years old, Davidson became one of the youngest cast members in the history of the iconic late-night show when he joined in 2014. 

However, his first season on the show was so difficult that he actually asked creator Lorne Michaels to fire him.

In a new interview featured in the Peacock docuseries *SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night*, Davidson revealed that, during his first year, he felt completely out of place. 

He shared that he even requested a meeting with Michaels to express his desire to leave. 

“I actually called for a meeting with Lorne and I was like, ‘Please fire me,’” Davidson recalled. 

“And he’s like, ‘Why?’” The comedian explained his struggle, admitting that he felt like he didn’t belong. “Everybody’s so talented and they don’t want to be my friend,” he said, laughing about the difficult early days.

Davidson’s feelings of isolation were compounded by his youth. “Because I was a child,” he admitted, reflecting on the immense pressure he felt being surrounded by seasoned comedy veterans. However, Michaels, ever the mentor, reassured him. “It’s just gonna suck for three or four years,” Davidson recalled Michaels telling him. At the time, Davidson was unsure if he could make it through that period of uncertainty. But as it turned out, Michaels’ words proved true, and Davidson’s career with *SNL* would span nearly a decade.

Davidson’s early experience with SNL was daunting, and he didn’t initially feel confident about his performance. “Two times in six minutes someone went, ‘Ha!’” he said, recalling his first experiences performing sketches. “And I was like, ‘That was terrible, there’s no way I’m getting it.’” The comedian noted that his first season was a constant struggle, and he wasn’t sure if he was going to make it through. However, as time went on, he eventually found his footing.

One pivotal moment in Davidson’s early career came during his audition for *SNL*. Reflecting on the experience, he described the anxiety of performing for just a few people in the audition room. “It’s terrifying because there’s three people watching,” he explained. “You have to perform for five minutes, and it’s just you.” During the audition, Davidson wore a red Spider-Man T-shirt, a look that has since become iconic. Despite feeling nervous and unsure, Davidson ultimately got the job, marking the beginning of his successful run on the show.

The young comedian also recalled the advice he received from a friend before his audition. Davidson was unsure whether to do impressions or stand-up during his audition, and he reached out to a friend for guidance. “I called my buddy and I was like, ‘Should I do impressions?’ He’s like, ‘Can you?’ I was like, ‘No.’ He’s like, ‘Well, then you should do stand-up.’” This conversation helped Davidson find his comedic voice and ultimately led to his acceptance onto the *SNL* stage.

Despite his initial reservations, Davidson stayed on the show, eventually growing into one of its most beloved cast members. He became known for his unique comedic style, which mixed irreverent humor with personal vulnerability, and over the years, he developed a loyal fan base. Reflecting on his time with *SNL*, Davidson spoke with pride about his growth during his years on the show. “I grew up here. I was a kid when I came in and I’ll always be proud, I’ll always miss it,” he said towards the end of the interview. 

Davidson’s journey on *SNL* is a testament to perseverance. What began as a challenging and uncertain start eventually blossomed into one of the most successful tenures in recent *SNL* history. His ability to evolve, adapt, and eventually become a staple of the show is a reflection of his personal growth and the advice he received along the way. The comedian’s openness about his early struggles and his gratitude for the opportunity showcases a side of him that resonates with many fans who have followed his career over the years.
Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.