Pete Davidson says being a celebrity is 'over,' he doesn’t want to be a 'f---ing loser who just dates people'

Pete Davidson is ready to step away from the limelight — at least, for a little while.

The Saturday Night Live alum — who exited the sketch comedy show in 2022 following an eight-season run — recently announced that he is embracing the world of fashion, as the creative director of the sock brand Doublesoul. While chatting with W Magazine about his new gig, Davidson also provided some insight into his complicated relationship with fame.

"In The Sopranos, there’s this line from Tony that’s like, ‘You ever feel like you got into something at the end? When the good times were over?’ That’s how I feel about show business and being a celebrity," Davidson said. "It’s over."

Speaking to his own career, Davidson shared his belief that for a long time, he has been "oversaturated."

He explained, "When you’re first coming up, and getting all these offers, it’s hard to say no, because you’re hungry. I made the mistake of doing literally everything. Now I’m older and wiser, and I’m realizing that less is more. Like Christian Bale."

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He observed that the Dark Knight actor only does a "one movie every two, three years, but you go f—ing see it." He also cited Oscar-winner Leonardo DiCaprio, adding, "Leo does one movie every four years, but it’s the biggest thing in the world. It’s because you miss them. People have to miss you."

Davidson shot to fame not only for his role as an SNL cast member, but due to frequent media coverage of his relationships with such high-profile stars as Emily Ratajkowski, Ariana Grande, and Kim Kardashian. Now, the comedian notes that his retreat from the public eye is a direct response to the fact that his "celebrity" status was overshadowing his work.

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"I got hit on the face with the Hollywood shovel," he told the outlet. "It was a long time coming, and I needed it. I’m very happy where I am right now, mentally."

Davidson continued, "I just want to be known for doing good work. I want to be out there only when it's a movie, stand-up, charity, or business ventures. That’s when I want to be seen. I don’t want to be this f—ing loser who just dates people. That’s not who I am."

He added that the negative press coverage has been "a blessing" in disguise, "because it allowed me to take a step back and evaluate things: What do you want to be? Who are you? I’m someone who is from Staten Island, wanted to do stand-up, and if I got to do anything else because of stand-up, it was a miracle."

Related: Pete Davidson won't make another season of Bupkis: 'This part of my life is finished'

Following his SNL departure, Davidson has kept busy with roles in films including Fast X, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Dumb Money, and the upcoming animated feature Dog Man. He also wrote, created, and starred in Bupkis, a Peacock comedy that sees him play a heightened version of himself.

He most recently released his second Netflix special, Turbo Fonzarelli in January. After wrapping up a stand-up tour that included over 200 live appearances, Davidson checked into a wellness facility for mental health treatment and kept a low profile before returning to SNL in November for a sketch with his pal John Mulaney.

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