Pete Davidson considers Eddie Murphy not just a comedy legend but a trusted friend. In an interview with PEOPLE, the 31-year-old actor opened up about his bond with the 64-year-old star, describing him as both a mentor and someone he deeply relates to.
“I've been a fan of Eddie Murphy since I was five or six, when my mom bought me 'Delirious' from FYE,” Davidson recalled, explaining how that chance purchase inspired his love for stand-up comedy.
Both comedians share roots on Saturday Night Live, a show that propelled their careers. Davidson joined SNL at age 20 and remained for eight seasons, from 2014 to 2022. Murphy began his journey there at 19, staying for five seasons between 1980 and 1984.
According to Davidson, their shared experiences go far beyond their early fame. They both coped with losing their fathers at a young age, a painful experience that pushed them toward comedy as a means of healing and self-expression.
“We have a lot of similarities in our personal lives. We both lost our dads when we were young, and that was one of the reasons we got into comedy,” he said.
Davidson expressed gratitude for having a mentor who truly understands his path, saying Murphy’s wisdom and empathy have made a lasting impact on his career and life.
Pete Davidson sees Eddie Murphy as both a guiding mentor and a kindred spirit, united by shared life experiences and their transformative journeys through comedy.