Pete Davidson Embraces Serious Roles: A New Chapter in His Acting Career

Takeaways:

• Pete Davidson is transitioning from comedic roles to more serious acting endeavors.​
• He openly discusses the challenges of the entertainment industry and its impact on mental health.​
• Davidson’s recent film, “Riff Raff,” showcases his versatility alongside a star-studded cast.​

Pete Davidson’s Shift Towards Serious Roles Amid Industry Challenges

Pete Davidson, widely recognized for his comedic flair, is charting a new course in his career by embracing more serious acting roles. The 31-year-old actor, best known for his tenure on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), recently delved into the crime comedy genre with his role in “Riff Raff,” signaling a departure from his traditional comedic persona.​

Exploring New Avenues in Acting

In “Riff Raff,” Davidson portrays Lonnie, a character that diverges from his usual roles. Reflecting on this experience, he shared, “[‘Riff Raff’] is a lot of fun. I’m really enjoying it. Usually, I’m the pothead friend or the guy that helps the guy get the girl in the movie. So, to be able to hold a gun and play a serious guy was a lot of fun for me.” This role has ignited his interest in pursuing more serious projects in the future.​

Navigating the Complexities of Showbiz

Davidson has been candid about the challenges he’s faced within the entertainment industry. He expressed that the industry’s demanding nature has impacted his mental health, stating, “Showbiz is so tough, and I didn’t know how tough it was. I picked the wrong business to have a mental illness and go into. I’m one of the most insecure and sad people ever, and I picked the most insecure, sad business to go into.” ​

Reflecting on ‘Saturday Night Live’

Joining SNL at a young age, Davidson often felt out of place among his older castmates. He recalled, “Everyone was 10-plus years older than me and I had a hard time fitting in. No one was mean, but there was an age difference. They were getting married, and having kids and I was like, ‘Do you guys want to come over to play video games?!’ So I hung out with Lorne.” Despite these challenges, Davidson acknowledges the significant role SNL played in shaping his career.

The Journey Towards Mental Wellness

Davidson’s openness about his mental health struggles has been a focal point of his public persona. Diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, he has sought treatment to manage his condition. His willingness to discuss these issues has contributed to broader conversations about mental health in the entertainment industry. ​

‘Riff Raff’: A Star-Studded Ensemble

“Riff Raff,” directed by Dito Montiel, features an impressive cast including Jennifer Coolidge, Gabrielle Union, Ed Harris, and Bill Murray. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024 and was released in theaters on February 28, 2025. Davidson’s role as Lonnie, a henchman entangled in a family’s criminal endeavors, showcases his ability to tackle more complex characters.​

Looking Ahead

As Davidson continues to evolve as an actor, his pursuit of diverse roles reflects his commitment to personal and professional growth. By embracing more serious characters and openly discussing the challenges of the entertainment industry, he is redefining his career trajectory and advocating for mental health awareness.​