Pete Davidson is opening up about being a parent amid the 25th anniversary of his father's death.
The comedian, whose father, New York City firefighter Scott Davidson, died responding to the Sept. 11 attacks, reflected on how becoming a dad himself has changed his perspective.
"I thought, 'Oh, he was an old guy. He's 33,'" Davidson told The New York Post in an interview published on Sept. 8. "But now I'm there, and I have a kid, and that would be like my kid not having her dad."
The "Saturday Night Live" alum, who was 7 when he lost his dad and turns 33 in November, named his 8-month-old daughter, Scottie, after him. Davidson added that while "this year is extra tough," it's also "extra beautiful because I get to spend the day with Scottie. It'll
be very healing and special."
The actor shares his daughter with ex-girlfriend Elsie Hewitt. The pair, who broke up shortly after the birth, were in agreement on their daughter's name, Davidson said.
"It was really cool that Elsie also wanted to name her Scottie," he told the outlet. "My dad's name was Scott, but his nickname was Scotty. When she arrived, we both looked at her and were like, 'She looks like a Scottie.' It's nice to keep that name alive."
Davidson said in due time he will tell Scottie about her namesake.
"Luckily, I have some time. Honestly, this year is way harder than it's been in a really long time because I have Scottie, and now I'm the age that my dad was when he died," the "King of Staten Island" star said. "I have old videos and pictures and stuff, and I'm excited to share the classic stories I have of him with her."
On Thursday, Sept. 10, Davidson hosted the "NYC Still Rising After 25 Years: A 9/11 Comedy Benefit" at Madison Square Garden with comedian and 9/11 advocate Jon Stewart. He also appears in the ABC News special, "9/11: United We Stand – 25 Years Later."
Michael Strahan, former defensive end for the New York Giants, leads the special. The "Good Morning America" coanchor explained to USA TODAY his unique connection with Davidson through the tragedy.
Before kickoff at Giants Stadium on Sept. 30, 2001, first responders who lost their lives on Sept. 11 and their families were honored. Davidson was there and met Strahan during the ceremony, the comedian told him 17 years later.
"I'm very proud of him," Strahan said. "I'm happy to call him my friend and I refer to him as my little brother."
Contributing: Ralphie Aversa, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pete Davidson says fatherhood shifted his perspective on losing dad in 9/11
