Pete Davidson has leaned on guidance from Saturday Night Live veterans Adam Sandler and Eddie Murphy as he navigates his career and personal life. The King of Staten Island star spoke to Entertainment Weekly about forming a quick bond with Murphy while filming their new action-comedy The Pickup, sharing how both Murphy and Sandler have offered him fatherly advice centered on staying focused and grounded.
Davidson revealed that his connection with Murphy was fast and deep, as both comedians share similar life experiences.
“We got along real fast, and we both have a lot in common,”
Davidson said, highlighting that they both lost their fathers before age nine and joined SNL before turning 21.
“We were always the young guy amongst a bunch of older dudes. We got along really, really, really well.”
The Impact of Eddie Murphy’s Star Presence and Mentorship
Davidson spoke about the overwhelming presence that Murphy commands on set.
“You’re very aware when Eddie Murphy’s on set — even if you can’t see him, you’re like, ‘I feel his presence,’”
he said with a laugh. Davidson described Murphy as one of the few remaining true movie stars today, alongside the likes of Tom Cruise and Kevin Costner.
For Davidson, Murphy has become a mentor who exemplifies longevity and professionalism in comedy. He noted how Murphy, like Sandler, has maintained a career at the top of the comedy world for more than three decades, a rarity in the industry.
“They’re great dudes, and they have a great regimen and a great team, and they’re smart,”
he explained.
“So anything I could absorb from them, I do.”
Adam Sandler’s Weekly Support and Role as a Confidant
Davidson described his frequent conversations with Adam Sandler, humorously calling him “Uncle Adam.”
“I talk to Uncle Adam every week. He’s just the best,”
Davidson said. Sandler often calls to check in, offer advice, and share some lighthearted moments.
“He calls, he gives me some advice, and we just love shooting the s—,”
Davidson added.
“And he’s a real fun, silly guy.”
One area where Davidson frequently seeks Sandler’s guidance is handling criticism, especially with new projects. Sandler advised him on filtering negativity by avoiding reviews altogether.
“I’m like, ‘What do you do when reviews come out?’ And he’s like, ‘Don’t. Don’t read ’em. I haven’t read a review in 25 years. Don’t read ’em,’”
Davidson recounted.
Lessons on Staying Grounded from Two Comedy Legends
Besides professional advice, Murphy and Sandler have influenced Davidson’s approach to life balance. Eddie Murphy encouraged him to keep moving forward and maintain his focus.
“Eddie was just like, ‘You keep doing what you’re doing, you’re doing all right,’”
Davidson said. He added that Murphy emphasized the importance of “staying clean,” noting that neither Murphy nor Sandler ever got heavily involved in the party scene, which Davidson credits for their sustained success and sharpness.
Davidson, who has been sober since last year, noted that while his mentors never directly told him to avoid partying, their way of life clearly conveyed that message.
“They didn’t necessarily outright speak to me like, ‘Hey, don’t do this,’ but you know, in talking to them, I’m like, ‘Oh yeah, their eyes are on work and family,’”
he reflected.
“And I think that’s really important when this is their job. And they love being dads. They love family, they love hanging with their friends. And they kind of explain to me how to separate those two. Like, this is a job, but what really matters is your pals and your family.”
Creative Aspirations Involving His SNL Mentors
Davidson expressed excitement about potential future projects involving both Murphy and Sandler. For Murphy, he proposed a remake of one of his favorite films, Martin Scorsese’s The King of Comedy, which starred Robert De Niro and Jerry Lewis. Davidson envisioned Murphy playing Jerry Lewis’s role, while he would take on De Niro’s character, calling the idea “f—ing awesome.”
Regarding Adam Sandler, Davidson hopes to collaborate on a serious project, possibly a father-son story.
“I’d love to do something serious with him,”
he said.
“I think a father-son type thing would be cool. But we’ve just been trying to find the right thing.”
He also mentioned his desire to appear during one of Sandler’s upcoming standup shows.
Why This Relationship Matters to Pete Davidson’s Journey
Having the support and counsel of Adam Sandler and Eddie Murphy means that Davidson gains insight from comedians who have weathered the ups and downs of a long-lasting career. Their advice around discipline, family focus, and working smart offers him a model for sustaining his success amid the pressures of fame.
As Davidson continues to grow in his career, following the example set by these comedy legends might help him avoid common pitfalls and maintain his personal well-being alongside professional achievements. Their continued involvement in his life marks an important chapter in his development as both an artist and an individual.
