Pete Davidson Reflects on His Father’s 9/11 Death Anniversary Following the Arrival of His Baby
Pete Davidson has gained a fresh perspective on his father’s passing now that he has become a father himself.
“I used to think, ‘Oh, he was an old guy. He was 33,’” Davidson, 32, shared with the New York Post on Tuesday, September 8. “But now that I’m a dad, I realize that it would be like my kid not having her father.”
Pete was just 7 when his father, Scott Matthew Davidson, a firefighter in New York City, lost his life while responding to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Now, 25 years later, Pete reflects on his father’s legacy as he raises his own daughter, Scottie, whom he welcomed with ex Elsie Hewitt in December 2025.
“This year is particularly challenging but also incredibly beautiful because I get to spend the day with Scottie,” he told the newspaper ahead of the 25th anniversary of Scott’s passing. “It will be very healing and special.”
For Pete, naming his daughter after his deceased father felt entirely appropriate. Hewitt, 30, was fully supportive of the decision.
“It was really cool that Elsie also wanted to name her Scottie,” he mentioned to the Post. “My dad’s name was Scott, but he went by Scotty. When she was born, we both looked at her and thought, ‘She looks like a Scottie.’ It’s wonderful to keep that name alive.”
Pete and Hewitt, who started dating in early 2025, announced their pregnancy that July. Us later confirmed the couple’s split in May after roughly five months of parenting.
Reflecting on their early experiences as parents, Pete noticed a unique connection between Scottie and his father.
“When Scottie was first born, we’d give her a bath in the sink, and there’s a picture of my dad above it. She would always gaze at it,” the Saturday Night Live alum reminisced. “At first, I thought it might just be because it was the only picture around and she was a newborn exploring her surroundings. But when I moved back to Brooklyn and placed the picture somewhere else, Scottie consistently turned her head to look at him.”
He added, “I’m uncertain about my beliefs, but I like to think his spirit is somehow present.”
Pete also mentioned that he has not yet decided how he will explain his father’s tragic death to Scottie.
“Fortunately, I have some time,” said the King of Staten Island actor. “Honestly, this year feels much more difficult than it has in a long time because I have Scottie, and I’m now the same age my dad was when he passed. So I’m going through a lot of emotions.”
He continued, “I have old videos and photos to share with her, and I can’t wait to tell her the cherished stories I have of him.”
As the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks approached, Pete participated in 9/11 Day’s “UNIITE for Good” Movement, a campaign urging Americans to unite in charitable acts and good deeds nationwide.
Pete honored his father in a recent video for 9/11 Day.
“He was a firefighter for Ladder 118, Engine 205 in Brooklyn Heights. My dad adored being a firefighter and was dedicated to saving lives, especially on that fateful day,” he expressed in the video. “9/11 is usually a difficult day, but this organization, 9/11 Day, does something meaningful where you perform a good deed for someone else and pass it along. You aim to make the day a bit lighter.”
Pete concluded, “Together, let’s be there for each other. Let’s unite for good. I think my dad would have appreciated that.”
Those interested in joining the UNIITE for Good Movement can visit 911day.org to make a pledge for a good deed.
