Pete Davidson Reflects on His Friendship with Eddie Murphy, Calling Him “the G.O.A.T.” and Reveals How the Comedy Legend Changed His Perspective on Fame and Life
Pete Davidson has never been shy about the people who’ve shaped him — both as a comedian and as a person — but few have earned his admiration quite like Eddie Murphy. In a recent exclusive conversation, Davidson opened up about his unexpected friendship with the comedy legend, calling Murphy “the G.O.A.T.” and reflecting on what their bond has taught him about humility, craft, and the power of laughter. “He’s just different,” Davidson said with a grin. “When you’re around him, you realize how rare true greatness is. Eddie’s the kind of guy who could walk into a room, say nothing, and still make everyone laugh. He’s the G.O.A.T., man. No question.”
For many fans, the connection between Davidson — a modern, sometimes controversial voice of comedy — and Murphy — a generational icon — might seem unlikely. But for Davidson, who grew up idolizing Murphy’s work, it feels like a full-circle moment. “I used to watch Coming to America and Beverly Hills Cop with my mom,” Davidson recalled. “That was our thing. I didn’t understand half the jokes at the time, but I just remember thinking, ‘This guy’s magic.’” Years later, when Davidson joined Saturday Night Live, he became part of a legacy that Murphy helped define decades earlier. “Eddie made SNL cool,” Davidson said. “He didn’t just make people laugh — he made comedy feel rebellious, like you could say something real and still make it funny.”
Their friendship began during Murphy’s return to Saturday Night Live in 2019, when he hosted the show for the first time in 35 years. For Davidson, it was surreal. “I couldn’t believe I was standing next to him,” he said. “Eddie Murphy walking through Studio 8H felt like history in motion. It wasn’t just another guest host — it was like watching the roots of comedy come alive.” After the show, the two spent hours talking backstage about everything from fame to burnout to the weird pressure of constantly being funny. “He told me, ‘Don’t let this business eat you alive. Remember why you started,’” Davidson shared. “That stuck with me.”
For Davidson, those words carried special weight. Over the past decade, he’s lived much of his life in the public eye — his relationships, mental health struggles, and even his tattoos have all become tabloid material. Yet, despite the chaos, he’s remained steadfast in his love for comedy. “Eddie reminded me that laughter can save you,” he said. “No matter how crazy life gets, if you can still find a reason to laugh, you’re winning.”
Murphy, known for his calm confidence, reportedly took a liking to Davidson’s honesty and self-deprecating humor. “Eddie doesn’t surround himself with people who try too hard,” a source close to both comedians said. “He respects authenticity, and Pete’s as real as they come. There’s no act, no filter — he just says what he feels. Eddie sees a little bit of his younger self in that.” Indeed, both men share a rare combination of humor and vulnerability — a willingness to be funny and flawed in equal measure.
What draws Davidson to Murphy most, however, isn’t just his comedic brilliance, but his perspective on fame and longevity. “Eddie’s been through everything — success, criticism, all of it — and he’s still smiling,” Davidson said. “He told me once, ‘You don’t owe the world your pain. Just give them your best and keep the rest for yourself.’ That’s wisdom right there.”
For Murphy, mentoring younger comedians has become something of a quiet passion in recent years. Though he’s notoriously private, those close to him say he sees value in helping the next generation navigate the pitfalls of fame. “Eddie’s proud of where comedy is going,” the source added. “He believes guys like Pete keep the spirit of SNL alive — that fearless, edgy energy that doesn’t care about playing it safe.”
Davidson admits that being compared to legends like Murphy can be intimidating. “You can’t compare anyone to Eddie Murphy,” he said, laughing. “He’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of artist. I just hope to make people laugh the way he does — with truth and with heart.”
Their bond deepened during the pandemic, when the two stayed in touch over calls and text messages. According to Davidson, Murphy was one of the few people who could make him laugh during the darker stretches of isolation. “He’d send me these random texts out of nowhere, just ridiculous stuff that would completely change my mood,” Davidson said. “It reminded me that even when everything’s falling apart, humor keeps you human.”
Beyond the laughs, Davidson also admires Murphy’s quiet discipline. “He’s the most chilled-out guy ever, but he works harder than anyone,” he explained. “People think he just shows up and kills it, but Eddie’s always thinking, always writing. He studies life. That’s what makes him great — he never stops observing.”
Murphy, now in his 60s, has continued to inspire a generation of younger comedians who view him not just as a performer but as a blueprint for artistic longevity. Davidson echoed that sentiment. “He’s one of the few people who did it all and stayed sane,” he said. “Music, movies, stand-up, family — he balanced it. That’s rare in this business. He taught me that fame isn’t success. Peace is success.”
Over the years, Davidson has been candid about his struggles with mental health and fame, and he credits his friendship with Murphy as a grounding force. “He doesn’t preach,” Davidson noted. “He just lives in a way that makes you want to do better.” That influence, Davidson said, has changed how he approaches both comedy and life. “I used to think being funny was about saying the craziest thing possible. But Eddie showed me it’s about connection. It’s about finding something true and making people feel seen through laughter.”
While the two have yet to collaborate on a major project, Davidson says the idea has come up more than once. “We’ve joked about doing something together,” he revealed. “But honestly, just getting to hang out with him is enough. You don’t need a camera when you’re around the G.O.A.T.”
As their friendship continues, Davidson finds himself more appreciative than ever of the legends who came before him. “It’s easy to forget that guys like Eddie opened all these doors,” he said. “He made it possible for weird kids like me to dream about being on SNL one day. I’ll always owe him for that.”
Even with all the chaos that often surrounds Davidson’s career — the viral headlines, the celebrity relationships, the relentless scrutiny — his respect for Murphy remains one of the constants in his life. “Eddie’s the calm in the storm,” he said. “He’s been through everything I’m going through and worse, but he still carries himself with grace. That’s what I want to be when I’m his age — just chill, grateful, and still laughing.”
As for Murphy, he’s spoken warmly of Davidson in interviews, praising his authenticity and heart. “Pete’s a good kid,” he once said. “He reminds me that comedy is supposed to be raw. You can’t fake funny — and he’s got it.”
For Davidson, hearing that from his hero was enough to leave a lasting impact. “When Eddie Murphy tells you you’re funny,” he said, shaking his head, “that’s like Michael Jordan saying you can shoot.” He laughed, then added softly, “That’s something I’ll carry with me forever.”
At its core, the friendship between Pete Davidson and Eddie Murphy is a story about connection — one that transcends fame, generations, and even the chaos of Hollywood. It’s a reminder that even in an industry built on spotlight and spectacle, the most meaningful moments often happen behind the scenes, between two artists who simply make each other laugh.
“Eddie’s the G.O.A.T.,” Davidson said once more, smiling. “And the best part? He doesn’t even have to try to prove it. He just is.”
