Pete Davidson is showering his "The Pickup" co-star, Eddie Murphy, with praise, calling him the "G.O.A.T." and expressing immense gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside the comedy legend. In an exclusive interview, Davidson, 31, revealed that he not only considers Murphy, 64, a friend but also someone he deeply respects and shares surprising similarities with.

Davidson's admiration for Murphy dates back to his childhood. He recalls his mother buying him Murphy's 1983 stand-up special, "Delirious," mistakenly believing it was a movie. That special sparked Davidson's love for stand-up comedy, setting him on his career path.

Both Davidson and Murphy found early success on "Saturday Night Live." Murphy joined the cast at 19 (1980-1984), while Davidson started at age 20 (2014-2022). Davidson emphasizes the unique connection they share as two of the youngest cast members in the show's history. Beyond "SNL," they discovered common ground in their personal lives; both lost their fathers at a young age, which Davidson believes influenced their decision to pursue comedy.

Working together on "The Pickup," an action-comedy film released in August 2025, was a dream come true for Davidson. He stars alongside Murphy as mismatched armored truck drivers who become embroiled in a heist. The film, directed by Tim Story, also features Keke Palmer and Eva Longoria.

Davidson expressed that working with Murphy was "a blast" and a surreal experience. He still finds it hard to believe that he had the chance to share the screen with his idol. "I just had a dumb smile on my face all the time because Eddie's the G.O.A.T. There's Eddie Murphy, and then there's the rest. He's the reason for everything," Davidson shared.

Davidson values Murphy's advice and perspective, noting that few people can truly understand his experiences in the entertainment industry. "I've been in this business a long time, and it's nice to get advice from people, but no one gets it more than him, just in an age timeline," Davidson explained. He added, "It's nice to just get advice from someone who literally gets what I'm going through. It was really special, and I'm very lucky that I got to have that opportunity".

Their camaraderie wasn't just about comedy. Murphy said he connected deeply with Davidson. "I like working with Pete Davidson. I love his energy. He's really funny and quick, smart, a good actor. I loved it," Murphy said. That affection was mutual. Davidson, who co-stars as a fellow armored car driver, opened up about the pressure of working alongside a legend. "I had some imposter syndrome because I was like, 'This is my idol,'" Davidson said. "I feel unbelievably grateful and stoked and blessed to be in this". The bond wasn't just about comedy. "We have a lot in common," Murphy said. "Both lost our dads when we were eight, both 'Saturday Night Live' alumni, both stand-up comics." Those parallels helped build a real friendship that bled into their on-screen chemistry.

Davidson also learned valuable life lessons from Murphy, particularly regarding the importance of a close-knit circle of trusted friends. Inspired by Murphy's small, long-standing crew, Davidson decided to pare down his own group of friends, emphasizing the need to trust those around him.

Despite "The Pickup" receiving generally unfavorable reviews, the bond between Davidson and Murphy seems to have transcended the film itself. Their connection, rooted in shared experiences and mutual respect, highlights the enduring power of mentorship and friendship in the entertainment industry.