Pete Davidson, the comedian and former Saturday Night Live cast member, is in the process of removing nearly all of his approximately 200 tattoos. He discussed the painful and time-consuming procedure during recent appearances on The Today Show and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Davidson revealed on The Today Show that the removal process involves burning off layers of skin, requiring six to eight weeks of healing time between sessions and avoidance of sunlight. He estimated needing around 12 more sessions to complete the removal. The comedian lightheartedly advised viewers considering tattoos to “make sure you really want to get it,” emphasizing the arduous nature of removal. He attributed his decision to sobriety and a desire for change, stating he looked at himself in the mirror and realized he needed a “clean slate.”
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On The Tonight Show, Davidson echoed the sentiment, describing the experience as “horrible” and “worse than getting them.” He joked with host Jimmy Fallon about the extensive healing process and cautioned against impulsive tattoo decisions, particularly referencing Game of Thrones-themed ink. Davidson reflected on his previous mindset, admitting to having around 200 tattoos during a “sad boy” phase five years prior when tattooing was particularly trendy. He drew a parallel to Post Malone’s “always tired” face tattoo, humorously stating he felt the same exhaustion at the time.
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Despite the ordeal, Davidson intends to keep a few meaningful tattoos, aiming for “two or three” remaining. He explained his motivation as a desire to present a more mature image, stating, “I’m trying to be an adult.” This decision aligns with his evolving career in acting, which he first announced in 2020. During a 2021 appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Davidson explained that covering his numerous tattoos for film roles was a time-consuming process, taking up to three hours. This practical consideration, along with his personal growth, solidified his decision to pursue removal.
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Davidson’s tattoo removal journey signifies a significant personal transformation, reflecting his commitment to both personal growth and professional development. His candidness about the process offers valuable insight for those considering tattoos, highlighting the long-term commitment and potential challenges associated with removal. His recent appearance at a preview of The Room at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, alongside rapper Machine Gun Kelly, showcased his significantly faded ink, visually marking his progress in this ongoing transformation.
