Pete Davidson on Trauma, Hollywood, and Finding Happiness | Real Ones

Pete navigates the complexities of fame and public scrutiny

Pete Davidson describes the struggles he faces as a public figure whose personal life often overshadows his professional work. He notes that the attention to his dating history rather than his work on national television and in Hollywood is particularly frustrating.

Pete describes the difficulties of having his personal life become the focus of attention rather than his work

Despite not being active on social media or seeking attention, Davidson finds himself in the uncomfortable position of having paparazzi and public narratives focus on his personal life. The attention not only disturbs him but also impacts the people around him, altering public perception and overshadowing the relevance of his work.

Pete explains how he uses self-deprecating humor as a coping mechanism and creative approach in his comedy

Davidson touches on the significant burden of being observed constantly and admits the challenge of growing personally while under the public eye. He discusses his use of self-deprecating humor to cope, pointing out that by making fun of himself, he feels more impervious to criticism from others. This egoless approach helps him connect with audiences, but it also has its downsides, leading him to reconsider how much of his life he shares publicl ...

Pete's traumatic childhood experiences have influenced his outlook and behavior

Pete Davidson speaks candidly about the immense impact of losing his father on 9/11 on his personal development and mental state, shedding light on the profound grief that came with such a tragic event. Bernthal highlights the emotional weight of Pete's experience, while Pete himself talks about the misconceptions and criticisms he faces regarding jokes he makes about his father. He explains that these rare jokes are a way for him to keep his father's memory alive.

Pete recounts the confusion and hope that surrounded the weeks after 9/11, as his father's death was not immediately confirmed, painting a picture of an extended period of uncertainty and sorrow, which was especially trying for his mother to manage on her own.

Pete utilizes various therapeutic techniques and a strong support system to manage his challenges

In his effort to manage the trauma and mental health conditions such as borderline personality disorder (BPD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Pete turns to therapy and specific strategies for dealing with episodes of self-harm. He describes utilizing a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) workbook, which provides coping mechanisms like cold showers and reaching out to friends when urges arise. Over time, he has learned to build awareness that the intense emotions leading to self-harm are fleeting and not reflective of reality.

Pete acknowledges his struggle with trust, especially in the context of his career in Hollywood, and continues to work on overcoming his lifelong difficulty with believing people. He also speaks about combatting black-and-white thinking, a characteristic of BPD, learning to appreciate the nuances in situations and not allow a single negative aspect to overshadow the whole.

Pete emphasizes the importance of surrounding himself with trusted friends who can provide accountability and support

Davidson talks about the value o ...

Pete Davidson reflects on the positive experiences and close relationships he's cultivated while working on his latest project, emphasizing the tight-knit creative dynamic and fulfillment it brings to his career.

Pete approaches his latest project as an opportunity to work closely with his closest creative collaborators

Expressing creative control and team coherence

Pete Davidson cherishes the chance to tell a story "his way," taking advantage of a rare opportunity for creative control. With excitement, he discusses working with a close-knit team where ego is left at the door, and the best ideas always take precedence. This project, which includes his show and a Ramones script with Netflix, provided him with the ideal platform to collaborate with friends and operate within an atmosphere that values collective creative input.

Building camaraderie and connection

Davidson shares anecdotes about playing basketball with his friend Simon and bonding with another friend, Alex, over a shared love of "The Sopranos." His immediate connection with John hints at effortless collaboration. A critical aspect of this comfort is working on an "ego-less" set where the priority is the integrity of the final product above individual contributions. Davidson expresses admiration for all involved, appreciating that everyone on the team is someone he respects and enjoys spending time with.

Pete's new project represents a meaningful milestone in his career

Proud and eager to share

Davidson speaks of his project with enthusiasm, noting that it marks a significant shift in his life, and he feels immense pride in the final product. It's a transformative piece of work that he's eager to showcase, a deviation from his typically reserved attitude towards his past projects.

Gratitude for legendary involvement

The involvement of Joe Pesci is a glowing highlight for Davidson. Pete shares a heartfelt gratitude towards Pesci, indicating that his decision to join the project has fundamentally impacted Pete's life and career. Pesci's participation, driven by passion for the material and not necessity, has left Dav ...