In a candid appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” comedian and actor Pete Davidson opened up about his journey towards adulthood, particularly focusing on his decision to remove his numerous tattoos. At 31 years old, Davidson expressed a desire to shed his ink and adopt a cleaner look, revealing that the process isn’t just daunting but also “horrible.” The star mentioned that he initially sported around 200 tattoos but is now left with a mere handful as he attempts to “clean slate” his body.
Davidson shared some shocking insights into his tattoo removal journey, claiming that it has been more painful than the original tattoos themselves. He vividly described the removal process, which involves burning off layers of skin followed by a lengthy healing period that can span six to eight weeks. This rigorous routine requires the avoidance of sunlight and numerous repeat sessions, making it a grueling endeavor. Such revelations serve as a cautionary tale for anyone contemplating impulse tattoos, particularly those inspired by fleeting trends.
Upon reflecting on his extensive body art, Davidson offered some introspection regarding the motivations that led him to accumulate so many tattoos in his earlier years. He described himself as a “sad boy” during that period, aligning with a broader cultural moment where tattoos became a popular form of personal expression. Many young people, Davidson included, were swept up in the tattoo craze five years ago, making choices that they might later reconsider. His experience sheds light on the impulsive decisions often made in youth, driven by emotions that can cloud judgment.
Davidson’s motivation to erase most of his ink ties closely to his aspirations within the acting industry. He humorously pointed out the discrepancies between actors and the general public, noting that tattoos are often less prominent in movies. Spending hours in makeup to cover tattoos, he remarks, can be both time-consuming and tedious—factors that likely influenced his decision to pursue tattoo removal. This suggests an unspoken pressure within Hollywood to maintain a certain image, and Davidson’s candidness reflects the struggles many face in balancing personal choices with professional expectations.
While Davidson aims to drastically reduce the number of tattoos adorning his body, he has hinted that he might keep a few significant pieces. Although he hasn’t divulged specifics, he is known to have tattoos honoring influential individuals like Hillary Clinton and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Additionally, he has ink dedicated to his past relationships with high-profile figures like Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande. These pieces illustrate how tattoos can serve as both personal artifacts and public statements, encapsulating memories and experiences that one may be reluctant to entirely erase.
Pete Davidson’s journey toward a tattoo-free existence highlights the complexities of personal expression, societal expectations, and the interplay between art and identity. His candid reflections encourage a reconsideration of hasty choices made in youth while underscoring the importance of maintaining authenticity as one navigates adulthood.