
Pete Davidson, celebrated for his distinctive humor on "Saturday Night Live," has long been associated with a certain irreverence. However, his life has taken a significant turn. At 32, the comedian is expecting a child with his girlfriend, Elsie Hewitt. This upcoming role has inspired a profound personal shift, leading him to embrace sobriety. Davidson candidly shares that his past drug use was often solitary, a realization that prompted his commitment to a cleaner lifestyle. This change has also brought about a preference for a calmer existence, conserving energy for meaningful pursuits, a sentiment he humorously describes as feeling "trapped in a 47-year-old guy's body for at least eight years."
Embracing his inner 'dad mode,' Davidson has undertaken a quintessential middle-aged endeavor: acquiring a minivan. Yet, this is no ordinary family vehicle. Collaborating with eBay for their "Built to Spec" series, Davidson, a self-proclaimed gearhead, designed a bespoke minivan using parts entirely sourced from the online marketplace. His vision was a vehicle that was both functional for a growing family and imbued with a distinct, cool aesthetic.
The chosen vehicle, a Honda Odyssey, has been transformed into a lifted, matte-black masterpiece. Davidson's desire for a practical yet stylish ride for his soon-to-arrive child led to unique additions like a baby-changing table and a mini-fridge. Car designer Tony Angelou brought these ideas to life, even incorporating a nostalgic bubble TV with a VHS player—a nod to classic van entertainment, with "Jumanji" being Davidson's film of choice. Davidson's aim was to create a minivan that, despite its family-friendly nature, exuded a cool, customized vibe, akin to a high-end, personalized luxury car.
Beyond his personal minivan, Davidson and eBay are also auctioning a second, similarly customized van, with all proceeds benefiting Answer the Call. This nonprofit supports the families of fallen NYC first responders, a cause Davidson personally selected. His burgeoning fatherly instincts and a deep interest in automobiles fueled this project. Davidson also shares his affection for vintage vehicles, citing a 1993 Chevrolet Silverado pickup as a favorite, and proudly owning Tony Soprano's actual Escalade, which he describes as an incredibly comfortable and iconic piece of American engineering.
Calling in from upstate New York, Davidson reflects on his evolving views on city living, particularly New York City. He suggests that the allure of the suburbs is growing, highlighting the beauty of upstate New York and the impracticality of long commutes within the city for simple appointments. This sentiment echoes a past venture where he purchased a decommissioned Staten Island ferry with former "SNL" castmate Colin Jost, illustrating a long-standing fascination with unique internet finds. His recent birthday celebrations, involving a quiet night in with his girlfriend, watching cartoons and enjoying a fire, further underscore his shift towards a more laid-back, family-oriented lifestyle as fatherhood approaches.
With fatherhood on the horizon, Davidson's custom minivan, complete with specialized tires and a distinctive muffler, stands ready. He reassures that the engine also boasts a powerful hum. The article playfully suggests that if a matte black Odyssey cuts you off in upstate New York traffic, it might just be Pete Davidson, on his way to explain the genius of Robin Williams to his child, signifying his complete embrace of this new, fulfilling chapter.