Celebrity
The Meaning and Story Behind Pete Davidson's 8418 Tattoo
2024-12-16
Pete Davidson, once a prominent figure in Hollywood with an extensive collection of tattoos, has embarked on a remarkable four-year journey to remove his body art. At one point, it was said that the 31-year-old had over 100 tattoos, including tributes to ex-girlfriends Ariana Grande and Kim Kardashian, as well as multiple nods to Harry Potter. However, in May 2021, his casting in blockbuster films led him to pursue tat removal.
Before the Removal Process
Pete Davidson had a plethora of tattoos before starting his arduous removal journey. As seen in images, his body was adorned with various designs that held significant meaning to him. One such tattoo was the '8418' on his left arm, which was a tribute to his late father, Scott Davidson. Senior Davidson was a firefighter who lost his life during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. At the time of his father's death, Pete was just seven years old. He has never been hesitant to talk about his father's passing. During an appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel Live! show, he revealed that he and his mother, Amy Davidson, had made a donation to Answer the Call in his dad's name. The comedian said, "Answer The Call is the fund that helped my family when my dad passed. It helps firefighters and EMS workers that passed away in the line of duty and it helps out their families."Another tattoo on his body was an 11 on the backside of his left ear. This tattoo added to the uniqueness of his appearance and was a part of his personal story. Additionally, he had a firefighter tattoo on his bicep, which further emphasized his connection to his father's profession.The Impact of Tattoo Removal on His Career
During an appearance on Seth Meyers' Last Night show, Davidson revealed that being cast in blockbuster films had caused him to pursue tat removal. He claimed that he had to show up to set three hours early just so that make-up artists could get him ready to go on set. "I didn't think that they would put me in stuff – like the movie business. I thought after SNL, it's a wrap," he told the host. "It takes like three hours – you have to get there three hours earlier to cover all your tattoos, because for some reason, people in movies, they don't have them that much." This shows how his tattoos had an impact on his professional life and led him to take this significant step.The Sentimental Value of the Tattoos
While many of the tats Davidson had or planned to get 'burned off' commemorated milestone moments, some were much more sentimental. The '8418' tattoo, in particular, held a special place in his heart. It was not just a design but a symbol of his father and the memories associated with him. Despite the ongoing tattoo removal process, the significance of these tattoos remains with him.Even though it's unknown whether the 11 on his left ear and the firefighter tattoo on his bicep are still visible due to the removal process, they have left an indelible mark on his life. These tattoos were a part of his identity and a way to honor his father and his profession.Pete Davidson's journey of tattoo removal is a testament to his determination and the importance he places on different aspects of his life. It shows how he is willing to make changes to fit into different roles and pursue his career goals while still holding onto his past and the memories associated with it.