Pete Davidson, 29, may be best known for his sketch comedies on Saturday Night Live, but he has also made a name for himself as an actor in a multitude of films. Whether it be a cameo or lead role, Davidson brings his comical persona on-screen, taking on films that allow him to portray his natural character. His demeanor on-screen is that of a laid-back guy who somehow finds himself in trouble one way or another, yet ducks out in time to get away with his menaced undertone.
Davidson has not only acted in film, he co-wrote and executive produ ced the 2020 film The King of Staten Island as well as played the lead in the movie. His character in the film is Scott, an aspiring tattoo artist who resembles Davidson’s life off-screen; a stoner with ADD and Crohn's disease. Interestingly enough, Davidson was diagnosed with the disease when he was seventeen and used marijuana to suppress the symptoms.
Davidson’s role as Scott also paid homage to his late father, who lost his life on 9/11 saving lives in the horror that occurred at the Twin Towers. This sentiment in his screenwriting shows a side of Davidson that doesn’t get displayed much on the outside, so it’s refreshing to see all angles of Davidson as he makes his way into his acting career.
Davidson Takes on His Breakout Role in Big Time Adolescence
Before Davidson became a triple threat in acting as a writer, producer, and actor with The King of Staten Island, he had his first lead role in Hulu’s 2019 film Big Time Adolescence. Davidson’s breakout role as Zeke epitomized the exactness of Davidson’s off-screen demeanor. He depicted a character who was somewhat of a lowlife and was unable to keep a job or maintain relationships. Despite losing the relationships he had, Zeke was a smooth player. He just hadn’t quite let go of his adolescence, resulting in trouble for the only person who respected him.
The film follows Zeke and Monroe, a high school boy who went unseen before becoming friends with Zeke. The two met when Monroe was much younger, as Zeke had babysat him for many years, but their time together once Zeke and Monroe’s sister broke up brought the two closer. Somehow, the thought of losing each other made their platonic bond turn into a deep and true one.
Zeke introduces Monroe to the real high school experience. He bought Monroe drugs, took drugs with him, and aided Monroe in how to sell drugs. Zeke wasn’t the best influence, but he never demanded anything out of Monroe. Rather, he guided him through what Monroe would most likely end up doing at one point or the other. The pair grow a real friendship. Not only does Zeke let Monroe have fun under his "care," Zeke also brings him to baseball games, out to eat, and introduces Monroe to his older friends — which ultimately led to Monroe epically sleeping with one of Zeke’s ex-girlfriends. Not really the way a best friend treats the other, but Monroe had his reasons.
Zeke and Monroe’s Friendship Falls Apart
Though Monroe and Zeke were true friends despite their large age gap, their friendship came to a demise when Monroe was expelled from school. After months of being the go-to guy for drugs and alcohol for the kids in school, all thanks to Zeke being older than 21, Monroe gets invited to the big party at the end of the year. He was asked to bring every drug he could get his hands on, and of course, was able to with the help of Zeke.
Things get crazy, as any party would, and it ends up getting busted. The school finds out that Monroe was the supplier of drugs, causing him to be expelled and in deep trouble with his parents. Though Monroe’s dad, who knew Zeke from having hired him to babysit Monroe since a young child, doesn’t blame Zeke for Monroe’s expulsion, he does demand the two not see each other anymore.
Monroe seemingly grows up faster than Zeke in the film, surpassing him in maturity, as he took full responsibility for the acts that Zeke is still doing well into his adulthood — so when Monroe saw Zeke working in a fast food restaurant, he knew he had to mend their relationship. The pair never indulge as they had before, but Monroe invites Zeke into his home to have dinner with his parents, knowing that Zeke was someone who also needed direction and support.
Davidson’s On-Screen Comfort is Infectious
Though Big Time Adolescence may not star legendary actors other than Two and a Half Men's John Cryer, Davidson proves his acting skill as he moves through the movie with comfort and ease, almost preparing for the next stage in his acting career. He masters the ability to perform with those of all ages, as his bond with a teenager could be mistaken for a real one off-screen. Davidson seems as if he arrived on set with a comfort zone that he wasn’t about to let go of. His role as Zeke includes comical relief, making Davidson’s acting more natural than most in their first lead role.
Davidson has had quite a few roles to follow since his 2019 breakout as Zeke. He starred in the 2022 film Good Morning alongside his off-screen best friend Machine Gun Kelly. Davidson also landed a lead in the 2022 movie Meet Cute with co-star Kaley Cuoco. With three other films in his 2022 catalog, Davidson proves he’s a multi-talented actor with the ability to take on five roles in one year. There’s little chance that he won’t write, produce, or act in another film, as his acting career has recently begun, so with hopes, fans should stay ready for more of Davidson in the near future.