Saturday Night Live and conservative politicians don't make for the most complementary bedfellows, to say the least. But thanks to a somewhat offensive joke told ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, SNL star Pete Davidson and Republican Representative-elect Dan Crenshaw crossed party lines and seemed to make a legitimate connection. It's apparently strong enough that Crenshaw personally reached out to Davidson after the comedian posted that worrisome Instagram message.
Actually, I talked to him personally yesterday, and talked to him a little bit about it. You know, we don't go back very far -- we're not good friends -- but I think he appreciated hearing from me. What I told him was this: 'Everybody has a purpose in this world. God put you here for a reason, but it's your job to find that purpose. You should live that way when seeking out that purpose, not expecting it to be given to you by anybody else. And know that you have value, and that you maybe do more good than you realize for people.' Especially a guy like that.
Three months ago, Pete Davidson and Dan Crenshaw could have passed each other on the street without either batting an eye, but that's no longer the case. For all the lingering hostility the politician could have been harboring after Davidson poked fun at his eyepatch, Crenshaw selflessly reached out and give the young SNL star some personal advice that he may not have gotten from anywhere else.
With his potentially suicidal Instagram post and subsequent quasi-absence from Saturday Night Live's winter finale, Pete Davidson inspired an outpouring of compassion, concern and kind words from fans and friends everywhere. The comedic actor, who has spoken openly about this bipolar disorder diagnosis, likely didn't have a ton of messages coming from Texas conservatives awaiting Congressional promotions, though.
Speaking with Houston affiliate KPRC's Khambrel Marshall, Dan Crenshaw talked about the joy that Pete Davidson brings to others, and jokingly referred to Davidson's more offensive comments.
He makes people laugh. He makes people mad. [laughs] But he makes people laugh a lot. And that's what we talked about. It was a good conversation.
Back in November, Dan Crenshaw wowed a lot of people by turning a forgiving eye to Pete Davidson after the latter commented during a "Weekend Update" segment that the eyepatch made Crenshaw look like a "hitman in a porno." Davidson later apologized, acknowledging that Crenshaw lost his eye during one of several tours as a Navy SEAL officer, but the Purple Heart recipient didn't think it was necessary.
To further clear the air, SNL brought a presumably exhausted Dan Crenshaw into its New York studios for the first episode following the midterm elections. He made a surprise appearance during "Weekend Update" and took the time to both lightly roast Davidson and to deliver an emotionally poignant speech about the country moving towards acceptance instead of outrage.
It's unclear if or how much the two men spoke to each other between that appearance and this past weekend, but Dan Crenshaw obviously still holds Pete Davidson in high regard. He said this about how he felt upon initially hearing about the Instagram post.
It was pretty devastating. You don't want to see someone in that position to the point where they're putting out a cry for help on social media. That's not a good place to be in.
It's clear that Crenshaw's efforts to dissuade the partisan rivalry wasn't just a stunt, since he was personally moved enough by Davidson's social media post to give Davidson another beacon of positivity to took to. Here's hoping the SNL star can find the help he needs, and that he and Crenshaw can find a way to keep bringing the peace in 2019 and beyond.
Saturday Night Live is currently taking a break for the holidays, but it will return to NBC in 2019 with all new episodes and exciting guest hosts. While waiting to see who will show up next, head to our fall TV schedule and our midseason premiere rundown to learn what new and returning shows are on the way.
