7 Shocking Ways Pete Davidson's Crohn's Disease Has Shaped His Career And Public Life (2025 Update)

Pete Davidson’s candidness about his health struggles, particularly his Crohn’s disease, has become a defining characteristic of his public persona, offering a rare glimpse into the life of a celebrity managing a chronic, invisible illness. As of December 2025, the comedian continues to navigate the complexities of this inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) while maintaining a prolific career in stand-up and film, turning his most painful experiences into material that resonates deeply with fans globally. This deep dive explores the profound, often surprising, ways his diagnosis has influenced everything from his comedy style to his personal relationships, providing the most current insights into his ongoing wellness journey.

Pete Davidson: A Brief Biography and Health Profile

Peter Michael Davidson is an American comedian, actor, and writer, best known for his eight seasons as a cast member on NBC's Saturday Night Live (SNL) and his subsequent film roles.

• Full Name: Peter Michael Davidson
• Born: November 16, 1993
• Place of Birth: Staten Island, New York, U.S.
• Occupation: Comedian, Actor, Writer, Producer
• Key Career Highlights: Cast member on SNL (2014–2022), star of The King of Staten Island, and numerous stand-up specials.
• Chronic Illness Diagnosis: Crohn's disease (diagnosed at age 17).
• Mental Health Diagnoses: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
• Public Health Stance: An outspoken advocate for mental health awareness and the use of medical marijuana for chronic pain management.

Davidson's early life was marked by tragedy; his father, a New York City firefighter, died during the September 11 attacks. This trauma is often cited as a contributing factor to his later struggles with mental health, which are often intertwined with the physical demands of managing Crohn's disease. The comedian has consistently used his platform to destigmatize conversations around both physical and mental health issues.

The Hidden Battle: How Crohn’s Disease Manifested in a Young Comedian

Davidson was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when he was just 17 years old, a time when most young adults are focused on starting their careers or college.

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What is Crohn’s Disease? Crohn's is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. The inflammation often spreads deep into the layers of the bowel tissue, making it a debilitating and unpredictable condition.

For Davidson, the symptoms were so severe that they profoundly affected his ability to function, especially during the early, high-pressure years of his career. The constant pain and unpredictable nature of the flare-ups made the demanding schedule of SNL incredibly challenging.

• Early Symptoms: Davidson has described the early stages of the disease as feeling like he was "dropped into a world nobody talks about."
• Impact on Stamina: Chronic fatigue and abdominal pain are common Crohn's symptoms that directly impact a performer's energy and focus.
• Weight Fluctuation: Malabsorption and dietary restrictions often lead to noticeable weight changes, which the comedian has occasionally addressed in his stand-up.

The diagnosis was not a public relations move but was casually revealed in an interview around 2016, highlighting how much of his struggle had been kept private while he was rising to fame.

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Davidson’s Unconventional Treatment: Medical Marijuana and Wellness

Davidson has been openly vocal about his treatment regimen, which initially included traditional nutritional therapy but found limited success. He has consistently credited medical marijuana as a crucial tool in managing the chronic pain, nausea, and appetite loss associated with his condition.

The Role of Cannabis in IBD Management:

The use of cannabis, particularly high-CBD strains, is often sought out by IBD patients for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to alleviate symptoms like abdominal pain and nausea, although it remains a controversial treatment in some medical circles. For Davidson, it was a necessary alternative to help him manage his daily life.

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• Pain Relief: He has stated that "healthy stuff" didn't help him, but cannabis provided the relief he needed to function.
• Appetite Stimulation: A common side effect of Crohn's is a loss of appetite, leading to weight loss. Marijuana helps to stimulate his appetite, ensuring he gets the necessary nutrition.
• The BPD Connection: Davidson's use of marijuana was also initially linked to his struggles with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and depression. He has since sought extensive mental health treatment, including rehab, to address the underlying psychological issues, demonstrating a holistic approach to his overall well-being.

His transparency on this topic has sparked important conversations about alternative treatments for chronic illnesses, especially among younger patients who look to him as a role model for managing complex health profiles.

7 Ways Crohn's Disease Has Defined Pete Davidson's Narrative

The constant, unpredictable nature of Crohn's disease, compounded by his BPD diagnosis, has not just been a private struggle; it has profoundly shaped his public image and career trajectory. Here are seven key impacts:

1. The Birth of Self-Deprecating Humor: His comedy is heavily rooted in his personal struggles. By joking about his health, his body, and his mental state, he disarms critics and turns his vulnerability into a source of strength and connection with the audience.
2. A Catalyst for Mental Health Advocacy: The physical pain of Crohn's often exacerbated his BPD symptoms. His combined health profile forced him to seek help, leading to his role as a prominent advocate for mental health awareness and therapy.
3. The SNL Departure: The grueling schedule of live television can be impossible for someone with an IBD flare-up. His eventual departure from SNL in 2022 allowed him to pursue projects with more flexible schedules, giving him better control over his health management.
4. The 'Bad Boy' Persona: His public image, often characterized by erratic behavior and high-profile relationships, was sometimes a reflection of his untreated mental health conditions (BPD), which were intertwined with the stress of his physical illness.
5. The Wellness Focus (2025 Update): Recent reports from 2025 indicate a significant focus on self-care and stability. Sources suggest he is "finally feeling better" and prioritizing his well-being, indicating a period of remission or better disease management. This shows a mature shift in his career focus toward sustainable health.
6. Deep Connection with Fans: His honesty about his health struggles has created a strong, loyal fanbase among people who suffer from chronic illnesses, making him a relatable figure far beyond the typical celebrity sphere.
7. Inspiring IBD Awareness: By simply being a famous person who openly discusses his Crohn's, he has significantly raised the profile of the disease, encouraging others to seek diagnosis and treatment without shame.

Living in Remission: Davidson's Current Health Outlook

As of late 2025, the narrative around Pete Davidson is one of cautious optimism. While Crohn's disease is a lifelong condition with no permanent cure, it can be managed effectively through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes, often leading to periods of remission.

Davidson's commitment to therapy for his BPD and his continued, open management of his physical health suggests he is in a more stable and healthy phase of his life.

His story serves as a powerful reminder that chronic illness is not a career-ender but a complex factor that must be integrated into one's life. By embracing his health issues, Pete Davidson has not only found a unique voice in comedy but has also become a quiet champion for millions living with invisible diseases, proving that vulnerability can be the ultimate source of comedic and personal power.