Pete Davidson reflects on fame and priorities: "I just want to be known for good work"

Pete Davidson opened up about his career and personal life in a recent interview with W Magazine, sharing insights on his evolving perspective on fame and Hollywood. The comedian and actor admitted he no longer wants to be overexposed and hopes to focus on meaningful projects moving forward.
Davidson compared his experience in show business to a line from The Sopranos, where Tony Soprano remarks on feeling like he joined something after its peak. He shared that he sometimes feels the same way about being a celebrity, adding, “It’s over.” Reflecting on his earlier years, Davidson explained that he initially said yes to almost every opportunity because he was eager to succeed, but he has since learned the importance of pacing himself.
Using actors like Christian Bale and Leonardo DiCaprio as examples, Davidson noted that their rare appearances make audiences look forward to their work. “When you see them in something, it’s an event,” he explained. “That’s because people have time to miss them.”
The former Saturday Night Live star, known for his roles in Bodies Bodies Bodies and The King of Staten Island, acknowledged that much of the public attention he receives stems from his high-profile relationships with celebrities like Ariana Grande, Kim Kardashian, and Madelyn Cline. However, Davidson said he wants to shift the focus back to his work, stating, “I don’t want to be seen as some loser who’s only known for dating people.”
Davidson also expressed frustration with how celebrities are often targeted by the media. He believes he’s been singled out in the past, but said the scrutiny gave him a chance to step back and reassess his goals. “It’s been a blessing in disguise,” he shared. “I had to think about what I want to be and who I am.”
Despite the challenges, Davidson said he’s in a good place mentally and feels grateful for the opportunities he’s had. “At the end of the day, I’m just a kid from Staten Island who wanted to do stand-up. Everything else has been a bonus,” he said, adding that he’s now focused on quality over quantity in his career.