New York‑born comedian Pete Davidson, 33, recently opened up about how fatherhood has deepened his connection to the loss of his firefighter dad, who died on September 11, 2001. In an interview with The New York Post, Davidson said the milestone of turning the same age his father was when he perished has made the anniversary feel both “extra tough” and “extra beautiful.”
Fatherhood brings new perspective
Davidson’s daughter, Scottie, was born in December and carries the name of her grandfather. “I thought, ‘Oh, he was an old guy. He’s 33,’” he recalled, “but now I’m there, and I have a kid, and that would be like my kid not having her dad.” The young father said spending the day with Scottie at a comedy benefit in Madison Square Garden will be “very healing and special.”
Comedy benefit honors first responders
The benefit, co‑hosted with longtime mentor Jon Stewart, aims to celebrate the bravery of first‑responders while providing a moment of levity for a day often marked by solemn remembrance. Davidson described the event as a chance to “reclaim the day” and enjoy some genuine fun, rather than being surrounded by “12 documentaries that are so sad and rehash it.”
Personal memories of a heroic dad
Davidson shared that his dad’s fire crew was the first truck over the bridge to the World Trade Center. “They were the first truck over there and pretty much the whole house died, which is sad, but at least he died with his pals,” he said. He remembered his father as a “hilarious” man who loved to laugh, stayed fit, and smoked cigarettes while driving his Subaru Impreza.
Keeping the legacy alive
Beyond the benefit, Davidson keeps his father’s memory close. He still possesses his dad’s badge, chain, and jacket, though he recently removed the jacket from display to avoid a constant reminder of loss. His mother, who was 30 at the time of the attacks, has photographs of his father throughout her home, a testament to the family’s ongoing reverence.
Teaching the next generation
When asked how he will explain the tragedy to his daughter, Davidson said he has “some time” and hopes to share the story with care. He expressed frustration with social‑media memes that trivialize the event, noting that many young people who lack a personal connection to 9/11 use the tragedy as a joke. “It’s this weird thing that happens in our country where a tragedy over time becomes a holiday,” he observed, adding that respectful remembrance is essential.
Looking forward
Davidson’s reflections underscore a broader conversation about how the generation that grew up after 9/11 can honor the sacrifices of first responders while navigating the challenges of modern media. By combining comedy, family, and heartfelt remembrance, he hopes to keep his father’s spirit alive for both his daughter and the nation.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
