Pete Davidson: Comedian and former Saturday Night Live star Pete Davidson made a rare public appearance this Thursday, October 24, after taking time over the summer to focus on his mental health. The 30-year-old attended a sneak preview of The Room at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles alongside his close friend, Machine Gun Kelly (MGK), wearing a red FDNY T-shirt in tribute to his late father, Scott Matthew Davidson, a New York City firefighter who lost his life in the 9/11 attacks.

The FDNY shirt Davidson wore displayed the logo and words “Fire Dept. of New York,” a reminder of his father’s heroism. Davidson was only 7 when he lost his father, an event that profoundly impacted his life and has been a recurrent theme in his comedy and personal life. The King of Staten Island actor has often spoken about the struggles of growing up without his father and how it shaped his path, both emotionally and professionally.

This summer, Davidson checked into a wellness facility to address ongoing issues related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder. His representative confirmed that Davidson regularly seeks professional help to maintain his mental well-being, highlighting his dedication to managing these challenges. In a past interview, Davidson revealed that he has grappled with extreme thoughts, even approaching moments of crisis, making his public presence a testament to his resilience and ongoing journey to find balance.

Davidson’s mother, Amy Waters Davidson, has also spoken out about the toll that the loss took on her family. She shared in a 2020 interview with People magazine that Pete has faced an uphill battle coping with the tragedy but has recently begun to find peace. Davidson’s 2020 film, The King of Staten Island, offers a semi-autobiographical look into this journey, portraying his process of dealing with his father’s death and working through his grief. “The movie is like my love letter to my mom, trying to end that part of my life,” Davidson explained in an interview about the film. “I feel like we finally got to a place where we could let go a little bit.”

Davidson’s appearance was met with admiration and support from fans, who have followed his openness about his mental health struggles. His willingness to share these challenges continues to inspire many, particularly those who face similar battles. Davidson’s recent outing represents a moment of both tribute and personal strength as he continues to move forward, honoring his father’s legacy while caring for his own mental health.