comedian Pete Davidson has embarked on an expensive and painful journey to remove most of his tattoos. The former Saturday Night Live (SNL) star, who once had nearly 200 tattoos adorning his body, has spent approximately $200,000 (Sh. 25.7 million) on laser removal treatments. His decision stems from a newfound perspective on his body art, largely influenced by his sobriety and evolving career in Hollywood.
Davidson, 33, shared that his tattoos once represented significant memories, pop culture tributes, and personal stories. However, as he matured, he began to view them differently. Speaking candidly in a recent interview, he revealed that sobriety was a major turning point. “I got sober and I saw myself in the mirror and I was like, ‘Nah. Who that?’” he admitted. Now, he is determined to start fresh, though he plans to keep just “two or three” tattoos as part of his transformation.
Tattoo removal is no easy feat, and Davidson has been vocal about the grueling process. Comparing the experience to “burning off a layer of your skin,” he described the discomfort as unbearable, with each session followed by six to eight weeks of healing before another painful round. Despite the agony, he remains committed, quipping, “It’s painful, but I’m trying to be an adult.”
Beyond personal reasons, Davidson’s decision also ties into his acting career. Covering his extensive ink for film roles often required hours of makeup application. By removing them, he aims to streamline his preparation time and widen his range of roles without the burden of body art modifications.
Recently, Davidson showcased his nearly tattoo-free look in a Reformation ad campaign, marking a significant shift in his public persona. As he embraces this new phase of life, one lingering question remains: Will he commemorate this expensive disappearing act with a final tattoo? Only time will tell.
