Andy Samberg has finally revealed the real reason he stepped away from Saturday Night Live after spending seven successful seasons on the iconic sketch comedy show. Andy, who exited after the 2011-2012 season, shared his experience on Kevin Hart’s Peacock interview show, Hart to Heart.
“It was hard. I didn’t like leaving,” Andy confessed. He explained that the demanding schedule took a severe toll on his health. “Physically, it was taking a heavy toll on me and I got to a place where I was like I hadn’t slept in seven years basically,” he said. Andy described the intense weekly routine of creating content for the live show: “We were writing stuff for the live show Tuesday night all night, the table read Wednesday, then being told now come up with a digital short so write all Thursday, all Thursday night, don’t sleep, get up, shoot Friday, edit all night Friday night and into Saturday, so it’s basically like four days a week you’re not sleeping, for seven years. So I just kinda fell apart physically.”
The grueling process eventually led Andy to a breaking point. He continued, “I had talked to [Amy Poehler] and other people that had already gone. I was like, once I go, when I have an idea, I can’t just do it. The craziest thing about working there is once you get going, if you’re just in the shower and you have an idea that sh-t can be on television in three days, which is the most like intoxicating feeling.”
The decision to leave wasn’t easy, especially since the show’s producers wanted him to stay. “They told me straight up, ‘We prefer you would stay,’ and I was like, ‘Oh, that makes it harder,’” Andy said. Despite the encouragement to remain on the show, he knew he needed to prioritize his well-being. “I think to get back to a feeling of like mental and physical health, I have to do it. So I did it and it was a very difficult choice.”
Andy’s departure from SNL marked the end of an era for both him and the show. Known for his hilarious digital shorts and memorable characters, he left a lasting impact on the SNL legacy. While his exit was challenging, it allowed him to explore new opportunities and focus on his health and well-being.
Since leaving SNL, Andy has continued to thrive in his career, taking on various projects and roles that showcase his versatility as an actor and comedian. His candid discussion about leaving the show provides valuable insight into the realities of working in the entertainment industry and the sacrifices often required to maintain balance and well-being.
