Summary

• Bupkis is a comedy-drama show premiering in May 2023 that offers a fresh take on the semi-autobiographical genre, exploring themes of family dynamics, fame, and personal relationships.
• The cast of Bupkis is filled with award-winning actors who bring depth and talent to their roles, enhancing the show's comedic and dramatic moments.
• Pete Davidson's portrayal of himself in Bupkis is a fascinating blend of reality and creative embellishment, capturing his uniquely dark and irreverent comedic style while addressing serious topics in an entertaining and relatable manner.

Pete Davidson's show Bupkis sees the actor playing himself, but the cast of Bupkis is full of award-winning actors playing his family. Premiering on Peacock in May 2023, the comedy-drama show presents a heightened and fictionalized version of comedian and actor Pete Davidson's life, blending grounded narratives with a touch of the absurd. Bupkis is a series worth watching, as it captures the essence of Davidson's uniquely dark and irreverent comedic style as it explores themes of family dynamics, fame, and personal relationships. Drawing comparisons to acclaimed shows like Master of None and Curb Your Enthusiasm, Bupkis offers a fresh take on the semi-autobiographical genre.

Beyond its intriguing premise, Bupkis is notable for its dynamic and varied cast. While the series features a revolving door of brief cameos, it's the main cast that truly brings the story to life. These seasoned actors not only enhance the show's comedic and dramatic depth but also bring a wealth of experience and talent to their roles. While Davidson is still relatively fresh-faced when it comes to acting, the comedian is surrounded by top-notch actors who have delivered powerful performances time and again. From well-known television icons to once-retired Hollywood heavyweights, the cast of Bupkis is a veritable who's who of the entertainment industry.

Pete Davidson As Himself

Pete Davidson's portrayal of himself in Bupkis is a fascinating blend of reality and creative embellishment. As the central character, Davidson brings his very serious real-life experiences to the forefront. The character often finds himself in exaggerated situations that mirror his actual life experiences, such as dealing with the media, engaging in high-profile relationships, and facing personal challenges. However, Davidson also addresses serious topics, such as mental health and coping with fame, in a manner that's both entertaining and relatable. His candid approach to these subjects, combined with his distinct humor, makes the character authentically Pete Davidson.

Beyond Bupkis, Pete Davidson's career has been marked by a series of notable projects. Starting out as a comedian and making a name for himself with the Comedy Central Roast series, Davidson went on to become a Saturday Night Live series regular where his unique comedic voice and charismatic personality made him a fan favorite. Davidson later ventured into film, starring in The King of Staten Island, a semi-autobiographical story that parallels many themes found in Bupkis. The comedian also appeared in the cast of The Suicide Squad, playing Blackguard. In 2023 alone, Davidson featured in four movies, including Fast X and Dumb Money.

Edie Falco As Amy Davidson

In the cast of Bupkis, Edie Falco takes on the role of Amy Davidson, Pete's mother, bringing to life a character that is both grounded and dynamic. Amy is more than just the matriarch of the family; she is a character with her own set of quirks, wisdom, and vulnerabilities. Falco's portrayal is a masterful blend of strength, humor, and emotional depth, making Amy a pivotal figure in the narrative. Her character embodies the complexities of a mother navigating the challenges of raising a famous son, balancing concern and with her own distinct personality.

Edie Falco's illustrious career has been marked by a series of powerful performances, particularly in television. Her role as Carmela Soprano in the critically acclaimed The Sopranos was groundbreaking, earning her multiple Emmys and widespread recognition for her portrayal of a complex, resilient woman entangled in the world of organized crime. In Nurse Jackie, Falco further showcased her versatility, playing a skilled nurse struggling with addiction, a role that earned her an additional Emmy and praise for her depth and humanity. Between her performance as a New Jersey mob wife and a resilient nurse, Falco was perfect for the role of Amy.

Joe Pesci As Joe LaRocca

Bupkis features Joe Pesci's first TV role in 30 years. Joe LaRocca marks a significant addition to the series, infusing it with his distinctive blend of charisma and intensity. LaRocca is Pete's grandfather who's dying of cancer, offering a unique mix of mentorship, humor, and occasional gruffness. Pesci's portrayal enriches the story, as his character often serves as a voice of experience and wisdom, albeit delivered in his trademark style that oscillates between comedic and serious tones. This role allows Pesci to tap into his extensive acting repertoire, bringing an authenticity to the character that only an actor of his caliber could.

Joe LaRocca is Pesci's first TV role since starring in 1985's Half Nelson.

Joe Pesci's outstanding career in film and television has been marked by a series of iconic roles that have left a lasting mark on Hollywood. His performances in Martin Scorsese's films with Robert De Niro, notably in Raging Bull, Goodfellas, and Casino, are celebrated for their intensity and complexity. Pesci and Scorsese have such a close working relationship that Pesci even came out of retirement for The Irishman (via Entertainment Weekly). Pesci's Oscar-winning role in Goodfellas as the volatile Tommy DeVito is particularly renowned, showcasing his ability to embody complex characters with depth. Pesci has also demonstrated a comedy flair with his famous Home Alone performance.

Philip Ettinger As Evan

Philip Ettinger's portrayal of Evan in the Bupkis cast brings a significant dynamic to the series, serving as a grounding force amid the more outlandish elements of the show. As Evan, Ettinger plays a close friend of Pete Davidson's, offering a perspective that is both relatable and down-to-earth. His character often acts as a sounding board for Pete, providing a sense of normalcy and stability. Ettinger's performance is marked by a naturalistic approach, skillfully balancing the comedic aspects of the show with genuine moments of camaraderie and . Evan's role in the series is integral in showcasing the less glamorous, more everyday aspects of Pete's life.

Ettinger's acting career, prior to Bupkis, includes a range of performances, particularly in the independent film scene. He has been recognized for his roles in critically acclaimed films like First Reformed, where he played opposite Ethan Hawke in a gripping drama that explores themes of faith and morality. His performance in Compliance is another highlight, showcasing his ability to take on challenging and emotionally complex roles. In addition to his film work, Ettinger's stage performances, including his work in Off-Broadway productions like Bad Jews, have demonstrated his versatility as an actor.

Bobby Cannavale As Uncle Tommy

Bobby Cannavale's portrayal of Uncle Tommy in the cast of Bupkis is a testament to his versatility and charisma as an actor. Uncle Tommy, a character with a larger-than-life personality, adds a vibrant and dynamic element to the series. The character often provides comic relief, but also moments of unexpected wisdom, showcasing Cannavale's ability to navigate complex emotional landscapes. The role also highlights Cannavale's skill in creating characters that are both entertaining and deeply human, something that is common throughout his filmography.

The actor has a distinguished career in both film and television, marked by a series of compelling performances. Cannavale gained widespread recognition for his role as Gyp Rosetti in the crime drama Boardwalk Empire, showcasing his ability to play intense and complex characters, and his performance in the series earned him an Emmy Award. Cannavale has also demonstrated his comedic talents in shows like Will & Grace, for which he received another Emmy, and movies like Blue Jasmine, which saw him play an amorous blue-collar worker who clashes with Cate Blanchett's Jasmine. The actor also has a small role in the MCU as Jim Paxton in the Ant-Man series.

Brad Garrett As Uncle Roy

Brad Garrett's role as Uncle Roy in the cast of Bupkis is one of the most unique and memorable in the series. Known for his deep voice and towering presence, Garrett brings a distinct blend of deadpan humor and a somewhat imposing persona to his character. Uncle Roy serves as a quirky yet somewhat authoritative figure in Pete's life, often providing comedic relief through his blunt observations and interactions with other characters. Garrett's ability to deliver lines with a signature mix of sarcasm and sincerity makes Roy a standout in the series, often stealing scenes with his distinctive nasally delivery.

Brad Garrett has voiced characters in four Pixar movies: Finding Nemo, Ratatouille, Finding Dory, and Elio.

Garrett's career in entertainment is marked by several significant and acclaimed roles. He is best known for his role as Robert Barone on the hit sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, which earned him multiple Emmy Awards. His portrayal of the lovable yet often overshadowed brother showcased his ability to blend humor with moments of depth and vulnerability. Garrett has also lent his unique voice to numerous animated films and shows, including Pixar classics such as Finding Nemo and Ratatouille.

Bupkis ing Cast

James A DeSimone as Crillz - DeSimone plays one of Pete's friends in Bupkis. The Peacock comedy is one of only two acting credits DeSimone has, with the other being the Staten Island-based crime series Great Kills.

Derek Gaines as Derek - Gaines plays another one of Pete's friends in the Bupkis cast. The actor and comedian is known for featuring in comedy shows like The Last O.G. and Inside Amy Schumer, and he appeared in The King of Staten Island alongside Davidson.

Shane Gillis as Gilly - Gillis is another friend of Pete in the cast of Bupkis. Shane Gillis is primarily a comedian who had a brief stint on SNL, and his 2023 stand-up special, Shane Gillis: Beautiful Dogs, is available on Netflix.

Dave Sirus as Dave - Dave, another friend of Pete in Bupkis, has a long history with Davidson in real life. Sirus has been a writer for Saturday Night Live for over eight years, and he co-wrote The King of Staten Island with Davidson and Judd Apatow.

Marissa Jaret Winokur as Lori - Lori is a friend of Pete's mother, Amy, in the cast of Bupkis. Winokur is a familiar face in the world of comedy television, having appeared in Curb Your Enthusiasm, Stacked, Girls, and What We Do in the Shadows.

Oona Roche as Casey Davidson - Casey is Pete's younger sister in Bupkis. Roche had a recurring role in AppleTV+'s The Morning Show and featured in the family drama The Nest.

Chase Sui Wonders as Nikki - Nikki is Pete's girlfriend in the cast of Bupkis. Wonders had a small role in the Sofia Coppola movie On the Rocks, and she starred alongside Pete Davidson in the horror comedy Bodies Bodies Bodies.

Where to Watch Bupkis

Source: Entertainment Weekly