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Pete Davidson may have been a staple on the main stage during his tenure on Saturday Night Live, but his years-long stint on the show nearly didn’t happen.
The King of Staten Island star, who was hired when he was just 20 years old, reflected on his time on the long-running sketch comedy show while appearing on the new SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night docuseries, including the time he begged SNL creator Lorne Michaels to give him the axe after one season, per People.
The comedian revealed he didn’t feel sure of himself and his abilities, even back during his audition, recalling only hearing someone laugh "two times in six minutes" and thinking "that was terrible, there’s no way I’m getting it." However he did land the job, but his insecurities lasted long into his first year on the show.
"After my first year I actually called for a meeting with Lorne and I was like, ‘Please fire me,’ and he’s like, ‘Why?’ And I was like, ‘I don’t belong here. Everybody’s so talented and they don’t want to be my friend,’" he said.
Davidson shared the words of encouragement Michaels gave him advising him to stick it out for a few more years to get in the groove.
"Because I was a child. I was like, ‘Nobody wants to be my friend.’ And he said, ‘You don’t figure it out ’til your third or fourth year… It’s just gonna suck for three or four years.’ And he was right."
Davidson did indeed make it through those first few seasons and ended up staying on the show for eight years before departing in 2022. He has, however, made several appearances as either a host or in special cameos. During his final episode as a cast member, he expressed his gratitude for the show and Michaels for his support.
"I appreciate SNL always having my back and allowing me to work on myself and grown," he said during his final show as cast member. "Thank you to Lorne for never giving up on me or judging me even when everyone else was and for believing in me and allowing me to have a place that I could call home with memories that will last a lifetime."
