Pete Davidson Says Celebrities at “SNL” “50th” Were a ‘Terrible Audience’: ‘Famous People Only Like Themselves’

Pete Davidson, a renowned comedian known for his work on Saturday Night Live, recently shared his thoughts on celebrity audiences at the show’s 50th-anniversary celebration. The star-studded event took place at 30 Rock in New York City and drew in a plethora of Hollywood’s biggest names, including icons like Cher, Meryl Streep, Kevin Costner, and Jon Hamm, alongside SNL alumni such as Eddie Murphy, Jimmy Fallon, Will Ferrell, and Tina Fey. While the audience was filled with A-list celebrities, Davidson expressed his dissatisfaction with their engagement, stating that “famous people only like themselves.”

During an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Davidson elaborated on his experience at the SNL 50th anniversary special. When asked about the nerve-wracking aspects of the event, Davidson pointed out that being in the audience filled with famous personalities was not ideal. Meyers concurred, agreeing that the celebrity-filled audience lacked the enthusiasm typically expected at a live comedy show like SNL. Davidson humorously remarked that famous individuals tend to only enjoy themselves, reflecting on the dynamics of performing in front of such a crowd.

Despite the less-than-optimal audience reception, Davidson shared an amusing anecdote about his seat assignment next to Meryl Streep during the event. Reflecting on the surprise of finding himself seated beside the legendary actress without prior notice, Davidson expressed his admiration for Streep’s graciousness and talent. The comedian’s charming recount of the encounter shed light on the spontaneous and unpredictable nature of live television events like the SNL anniversary special.

In addition to his interactions with Streep, Davidson reminisced about a memorable moment during the SNL 40th anniversary celebration. As a relatively new cast member at the time, Davidson recalled a surreal encounter with Leonardo DiCaprio, who complimented his work moments before he was due to go on stage. The unexpected praise from a Hollywood heavyweight added an amusing twist to Davidson’s experience, showcasing the unique encounters that can occur in the fast-paced world of live television.

While Davidson may have found the celebrity audience at the SNL 50th anniversary special to be challenging, his ability to navigate star-studded events with humour and humility highlights his versatility as a performer. The comedian’s candid reflections on interacting with industry icons like Meryl Streep and Leonardo DiCaprio offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the unpredictable and often surreal world of live television. As Davidson continues to entertain audiences with his wit and charm, his experiences at landmark events like the SNL anniversaries serve as entertaining anecdotes that showcase the fascinating intersection of fame and comedy.