Pete Davidson is navigating a poignant milestone as the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks arrives. The comedian, whose father, New York City firefighter Scott Davidson, died while responding to the tragedy, has opened up about how the experience of becoming a parent himself has profoundly altered his understanding of that day.
Reflecting on his age in relation to his father’s, Davidson noted in an interview “I thought, ‘Oh, he was an old guy. He’s 33,'” the comedian shared. “But now I’m there, and I have a kid, and that would be like my kid not having her dad.” Davidson, who was seven years old when he lost his father, will turn 33 this November.
To honor his father’s memory, the former “Saturday Night Live” star named his eight-month-old daughter, Scottie. He shares the child with his ex-girlfriend, Elsie Hewitt, and noted that they both felt the name was a perfect fit when she was born. “It was really cool that Elsie also wanted to name her Scottie,” he said. “My dad’s name was Scott, but his nickname was Scotty. When she arrived, we both looked at her and were like, ‘She looks like a Scottie.’ It’s nice to keep that name alive.”
While acknowledging that the anniversary is particularly difficult this year, Davidson expressed that it is also a beautiful time because of his daughter. He plans to share stories and memories of his father with her as she grows older. “Honestly, this year is way harder than it’s been in a really long time because I have Scottie, and now I’m the age that my dad was when he died,” he explained.
In commemoration of the anniversary, Davidson hosted the “NYC Still Rising After 25 Years: A 9/11 Comedy Benefit” at Madison Square Garden alongside Jon Stewart on September 10. He also features in the ABC News special, “9/11: United We Stand – 25 Years Later,” which is led by former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan.
Strahan and Davidson share a long-standing connection rooted in the aftermath of the attacks. During a ceremony at Giants Stadium on September 30, 2001, families of fallen first responders were honored, and a young Davidson met Strahan there. Reflecting on their bond, Strahan expressed his admiration for the comedian, stating, “I’m very proud of him. I’m happy to call him my friend and I refer to him as my little brother.” The report also notes that he’s 33,'” Davidson told The New York Post in an interview published on Sept. The report also notes that who was 7 when he lost his dad and turns 33 in November, named his 8-month-old daughter, Scottie, after him, the ” Saturday Night Live ” alum. The report also notes that the “Good Morning America” coanchor explained to his unique connection with Davidson through the tragedy.