Comedian Pete Davidson is reflecting on the intersection of his personal life and the 25th anniversary of the death of his father, New York City firefighter Scott Davidson, who died while responding to the September 11 terrorist attacks. As he approaches his 33rd birthday this November, the age his father was when he died, Davidson shared how his own experience as a parent has shifted his perspective on the loss he suffered when he was only 7 years old.
In an interview published on September 8 with The New York Post, the former "Saturday Night Live" star admitted that he previously viewed his father as an "old guy" at 33. "But now I'm there, and I have a kid, and that would be like my kid not having her dad," he explained.
Davidson and his ex-girlfriend, Elsie Hewitt, welcomed their daughter, Scottie, eight months ago. The comedian noted that the couple reached an easy agreement on the name, both feeling that it was a fitting tribute to his father, whose nickname was also Scotty. "It was really cool that Elsie also wanted to name her Scottie," Davidson told the outlet. "When she arrived, we both looked at her and were like, 'She looks like a Scottie.' It's nice to keep that name alive." He added that he intends to share the story of her namesake with his daughter when she is older.
While acknowledging that the anniversary is "extra tough," Davidson expressed that the day is also "extra beautiful because I get to spend the day with Scottie. It'll be very healing and special."
In the lead-up to the anniversary, Davidson participated in several commemorative events. On September 10, he hosted the "NYC Still Rising After 25 Years: A 9/11 Comedy Benefit" at Madison Square Garden alongside comedian and advocate Jon Stewart. He is also featured 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, who co-anchors "Good Morning America," expressed deep support for Davidson, referring to him as his "little brother" and noting a unique connection that dates back to a ceremony at Giants Stadium on September 30, 2001, where he first met the families of fallen first responders.
