How did Pete Davidson’s dad die? SNL star was just seven years old Wed 7 September 2022 21:29 Updated Sat 29 April 2023 00:32 hollysaunders
Sophia Aguilar
Published Apr 06, 2026
Pete Davidson is well-known for his comic background and his larger-than-life appearances on Saturday Night Live. While he’s beloved for his bright personality, Pete is also healing from the tragic loss of his dad – but exactly how did he die?
Pete Davidson was primarily raised by his mom, Amy Waters after his father, Scott, tragically lost his life in 2001. The Saturday Night Live star, a young child at the time, was clueless about his father’s passing until it was broadcasted on TV.
His father’s unexpected death has been the topic of his jokes over the years, so Reality Titbit looks into what exactly happened.
Who was Pete Davidson’s dad?
Pete was born to Scott Davidson and Amy Waters on November 16, 1993.
Scott and his parents – Stephen and Carla – relocated from Brooklyn, New York, to Staten Island when he was two years old.
On his father’s side, Pete has Irish and Italian ethnicity. The actor also discovered he was 47 per cent Jewish from Scott’s roots.
A keen sportsman, Scott was an all-star baseball player in the local Great Kills Little League. In high school, he was named the most valuable basketball player in 1986.
After graduating from the College of Staten Island with a degree in history, he went on to coach basketball and also gained a license to become a substitute teacher.
Becoming a firefighter, however, was his dream job. He passed the exam months after Pete’s birth and was stationed at Ladder Company 118 in Brooklyn Heights.
Scott’s second child, Casey, was born in December 1997.
Happy heavenly Father's Day to Pete Davidson's dad, Scott.🖤 Sending everyone who lost their dad some love today and always. 🖤
— MGK & Pete gifs (@mgkandpetegifs) June 20, 2021
How did Pete Davidson’s dad die?
On September 11, 2001, Scott and the crew of Engine 205/Ladder 118 responded to a call about the second hijacked airplane that struck the World Trade Center.
He was last seen running up the stairs of the Marriott World Trade Center Hotel just minutes before the second tower fell.
The brave hero was pronounced dead at the scene aged just 33, leaving behind his wife and two children. Pete only discovered his father had died upon seeing his image on TV. He claimed the family didn’t realize Scott had passed “for three weeks” as rescuers searched for the victims.
Scott’s Requiem Mass was held at St Clare’s Roman Catholic Church in Great Kills, Staten Island.
How old was Pete Davidson when his father passed away?
Pete was just seven years old at the time of his dad’s death. His sister, Casey, was only three.
The Bupkis actor has opened up about how his childhood and mental health were affected after the death of his father at a young age. He formed a close relationship with his mom and sister but still felt the absence of his dad.
Pete Davidson lost his dad 9-11
— Bachscore (@masapequaparkng) December 15, 2018
Stop and think.#FDNY
How has Pete Davidson honored his dad since his death?
Pete has addressed his late father in his stand-up and on Saturday Night Live, dealing with his grief through comedy.
To mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Pete and fellow comedian Jon Stewart, along with others, hosted a comedy show to raise money for charities benefitting victims of the terror attack.
NYC Still Rising After 20 Years: A Comedy Celebration at Madison Square Garden was hosted on September 12, 2021, a day after the anniversary.
Pete also has a tattoo of badge number 8418 to honor his dad’s service with the Fire Department.
The fatherly bond he had with Scott is something he hopes to have with his own children; Pete dreams of having a kid pretty soon.
He recently admitted that his next milestone is to become a father and create the connection he didn’t have while growing up.
Pete also dedicated his movie The King Of Staten Island to his dad.
The importance of The King Of Staten Island
The actor co-wrote his semi-autobiographical film, The King Of Staten Island, which was released in 2020.
It revolves around the character Scott Carlin, a 24-year-old high school dropout, living with his mother Margie and his sister Claire on Staten Island.
It is loosely based on the comedian’s life. Scott was characterized as a Staten Island native, while his father was a firefighter who died in the 9/11 attacks. Carlin also suffers from Crohn’s disease, like Pete.
His latest TV project, Bupkis, is also based on Pete’s life. His mom and sister are played by The Sopranos actress Edie Falco, and Oona Roche, respectively. Scott Davidson, however, isn’t portrayed in the series, but his grandfather, Stephen, is played by The Goodfellas star, Joe Pesci.
