How Bob Saget Helped Pete Davidson Through A Rough Patch In His Life

The following article includes mentions of mental illness and suicide.

The entertainment industry suffered a major loss when Bob Saget tragically died in January 2022. Saget's cause of death was head trauma. A statement by his family read, "They have concluded that he accidentally hit the back of his head on something, thought nothing of it and went to sleep. No drugs or alcohol were involved."

Following Saget's death, dozens of stars took to social media to honor the beloved actor. "Full House" co-star John Stamos tweeted, "I am broken. I am gutted. I am in complete and utter shock. I will never ever have another friend like him. I love you so much Bobby." Chelsea Handler tweeted, "Bob Saget was the kindest, warmest male comic there was. I loved it whenever I saw him, or heard from him. He was the guy that everyone loved." In 2022, Netflix came out with a special called "Dirty Daddy: The Bob Saget Tribute," per Entertainment Weekly. In the program, celebrities including Chris Rock, Jim Carrey, John Mayer, and Candace Cameron Bure reflect on his tremendous impact as an artist and person.

Another well-known comedian experienced the powerful Saget effect. Pete Davidson, who has faced mental health challenges throughout the years, once detailed how Saget supported him during tough times.

Pete Davidson has never been shy about his mental health struggles. The comedian, however, had a strong support system that included the likes of Bob Saget. Following Saget's death, Dave Sirius took to Instagram to share a statement from the "Saturday Night Live" alum (as Davidson does not have his own account). He wrote, "When I was younger and several times throughout our friendship he helped me get through some rough mental health stuff. He stayed on the phone with my mom for hours trying to help in any way he can — connecting us with doctors and new things we can try. He would check in on me and make sure I was okay."

As it turns out, Saget could relate to Davidson, as he had some mental health struggles of his own. In a 2021 appearance on the podcast "Til This Day with Radio Rahim," he said, "I would have been medicated in today's world in my 20s for extreme depression — like carrying it around all the time." He also confessed that he had a "bad temper" and would sometimes yell. But there was one trait of Saget's that helped him more than anything. The late actor shared, "I know for a fact I have helped people. I know that I have given a lot of love to people because I have a lot. I have an extreme amount." Saget is clearly spot-on, as Davidson benefited tremendously from his support.

Over the years, Pete Davidson has opened up about his mental health journey. In a 2021 interview for Variety's "Actors on Actors" series, "The King of Staten Island" star told Glenn Close, "I got diagnosed with BPD [borderline personality disorder] a few years ago, and I was always just so confused all the time, and just thought something was wrong and didn't know how to deal with it." He then described the relief he felt once he received the diagnosis.

Davidson has also dealt with depression and suicidal thoughts. In a YouTube interview with Charlamagne Tha God, the comedian said, "I'm always depressed, all the time. I have to constantly bring myself out of it." However, he's learned some tools that help him cope. He shared, "I wake depressed, but now I know my steps ... I have to go outside and be in the sun for a little bit, or go for a walk, or start the day in this way. It's all just programming yourself to trick your brain."

Davidson has made strong efforts to work through some of his issues. Back in 2016, he revealed that he went to rehab after suffering from mental breakdowns. At first, he believed that his use of marijuana was causing them. In an appearance on the "WTF With Marc Maron" podcast, he explained how he temporarily stopped smoking weed and started taking medication.

If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website. If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255)​.